Willow buds are out in Sobaeksu Valley as of Feb. 10 with the temperature in the area getting moderate from late January, according to data available at the Paektusan Secret Camp Meteorological Observatory.

Willow came into bud 9 days earlier than usual this year, said Ri Won Gil, 60, director of the observatory, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years.

A solar halo appeared in the sky above Jong Il Peak for 32 minutes from 13:00 on Feb. 7 in wake of the similar phenomenon on Jan. 16, making the birthplace of leader Kim Jong Il in the Paektusan secret camp a spectacular sight.