Same Trail, New Heights: Your Guide to Hiking Hallasan
'The mountains are calling, and I must go,' a famous phrase by the naturalist John Muir, perfectly captures the spirit of adventure.
What better way to embrace that spirit than by hiking Hallasan, South Korea's tallest mountain at 1,947 metres above sea level?
Right smack in the middle of Jeju Island, this shield volcano offers breathtaking views, especially from the summit, and it's just as cool as it sounds.
You'll find a diverse ecosystem here, with volcanic ash and sand making up the mountain’s soil, and a massive 400-metre crater at the top, crowned by the pristine Baengnokdam crater lake (which translates to 'white deer lake').
Plus, there’s Gwaneumsa Temple, the oldest Buddhist shrine on Jeju Island, sitting 650 metres up the mountain.
If you're ready to start hiking Hallasan, this guide will tell you everything you need to know, from hiking gear to the best trails.
Hallasan National Park: All You Need to Know
Welcome to Hallasan National Park, which spans about 153 square kilometres and is where you'll kick off your Hallasan hike.
As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, the park is teeming with flora and fauna, including some pretty unique alpine plants and animals.
The park also features seven hiking trails:
Eorimok Trail (6.8 km)
Yeongsil Trail (5.8 km)
Seongpanak Trail (9.6 km)
Seokgulam Trail (1.5 km)
Gwaneumsa Trail (8.7 km)
Donnaeko Trail (7 km)
Eoseungsaengak Trail (1.3 km)
Although there are multiple trails, only two trails - Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak - lead to the Hallasan summit. The other trails offer stunning scenery, including forested areas and rocky terrain.
No matter which trail you choose, there's no wrong way to hike Mt. Hallasan.
For example, the Yeongsil Trail is moderately challenging yet beginner-friendly, making it perfect for a day hike if you're not keen on summiting but still want to soak up some epic views.
Preparing for Your Hike
Hallasan Permits and Reservations
Just a heads-up: you'll need a reservation to climb Mt. Hallasan, whether you're taking the Gwaneumsa or Seongpanak trails.
If you're sorting out the arrangements yourself, make sure to book online ahead of time through Hallasan National Park’s official website. You can also give them a call at 064-713-9953 with a Korean number.
Oh, and don’t forget your QR code after making your reservation. You’ll need to show it at the trailhead gate before you start your hike.
When planning your reservation, keep in mind your group size, which trail you want to take, and your trek date.
Alternatively, you could book a private tour if planning feels like a hassle - either way works.
Trail limits are in place: Gwaneumsa is capped at 500 hikers daily, and Seongpanak at 1,000.
But don’t worry if you start on one trail - you can always start descending via the other trail.
Take note: reservations open on the 1st of each month for dates through the end of the following month. For example, if you book on April 1st, you can reserve dates up until May 31st.
There are no entrance fees for entering the park.
What to Wear and Bring for Hiking Hallasan
Wear light and comfortable clothes in summer. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Those pesky UV rays can be deceptive when you're out of the tree line, even if the weather forecast isn’t sunny.
For monsoons, raincoats and waterproof backpacks are a must.
You'll need warm layers, preferably waterproof, as the weather in the mountains can change unpredictably. And needless to say, winter clothing is essential in snowy conditions.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Mountain safety is always a priority. Hiking poles will help you descend more easily and be kinder to your knees when going down steep stairs.
Pack enough snacks, water, medicines, insect repellent, and tissue. Also, make sure to charge your electronics, like your phone and camera. The view will be epic, so you'll want to snap loads of photos.
Hiking Routes at Hallasan Mountain
Choosing the Best Trail for Your Mount Hallasan Hiking Trip
Choosing the best trail for your Mount Hallasan hiking trip really depends on what you're after.
Whether you're aiming for breathtaking views that'll make for surreal photos on the Gram' or just a shorter hike to immerse yourself in nature and de-stress, it’s a good idea to look at the Hallasan trail map beforehand.
With so many options, taking the time to understand the different Hallasan hiking routes will help you find the trail that suits you just right.
Seongpanak Trail
The Seongpanak route is the longest one at Hallasan, stretching 18.5 kilometres and usually taking about 7 to 9 hours round-trip.
The Seongpanak trailhead is also the most popular and easiest to get to by public transport.
Even though it’s the longest, the trail is actually shorter, flatter, and easier for reaching the summit compared to other trails, with a gradual incline that makes it beginner-friendly.
Plus, you’ll walk along a mix of stone paths, boardwalks, and stairs, making for a varied and interesting hike.
Gwaneumsa Trail
The Gwaneumsa Trail is 20.5 kilometres long and typically takes around 8 to 10 hours to complete. It’s a bit shorter and steeper, but you'll be treated to some jaw-dropping views.
Be ready to climb lots of steep staircases and navigate stone paths, especially after you cross the suspension bridge.
And don’t worry about getting there - the trailhead is easily accessible by bus.
Eorimok Trail
This 14-kilometre trail is super easy to get to from Jeju City and takes about 5 to 6 hours round-trip.
It’s a nice, short hike through mostly forest, with boardwalks making it a breeze. The incline is pretty gentle, but you’ll get a great view of the peak from below.
Yeongsil Trail
The Yeongsil route is 16.7 kilometres long and usually takes about 5 to 6 hours round-trip.
It’s a great spot to catch fall foliage. You’ll climb quite a few wooden stairs in the first half, but it’s well-paved and has clear signs, so you won’t get lost.
Eoseungsaengak Trail
If you're short on time, the Eoseungsaengak Trail is a superb 1.3-kilometre route that starts at the Visitor Center and leads to the Eoseungsaengak Summit.
One of the easiest Hallasan trails, it offers 360-degree vistas of the peak along the way.
Donnaeko Trail
When it comes to long trails, with a 14-kilometre length, Donnaeko is a relatively easy route near Seogwipo-si that takes roughly 5 to 6 hours to complete.
It’s also the least crowded of the routes, making it an underrated option if you're seeking solitude.
Seokgulam Trail
Taking only two hours to complete with a distance of just 3 kilometres, Seokgulam is perfect for a leisure hike and is popular among Korean hikers.
When You Reach the Summit
The Upper Crater
When you reach the Hallasan summit, one thing that'll definitely catch your eye is the crater lake called Baengnokdam, which transforms depending on the season.
Sometimes the water level is low, and other times it can be high, even being covered with snow during winter.
The summit is a large open area mostly decked with a wooden boardwalk, featuring a moon-shaped ranger’s hut and a stunning view of the island below (though this can sometimes be blocked by cloud cover).
Transportation for Your Hallasan Hike
How to Get to Mount Hallasan
If you have a rental car, getting to Mount Hallasan will be super easy. But do note that you'll need to pay for parking at the car park.
To reach the Seongpanak trail by public transport, taking bus 281 from either Jeju City or Seogwipo is probably the best bus route option - it is a direct bus after all.
However, to get to the Gwaneumsa trailhead, you’ll need to take two buses: first, take bus 281 to Sancheondan Korean Polytechnic University, then cross the road and take bus 475 for another 10-minute ride.
You can always take a taxi at the end of the day, so there’s no need to worry too much about losing your way.
Additional Tips and Reminders
When you're heading out for hiking Hallasan, starting early is key. Even though the trail isn't super tough, it can take a bit of time to reach the summit, especially depending on your fitness level and the season.
You might also need to hit certain checkpoints by specific times, so getting an early start will help you stay on track.
Make sure your electronics are sorted - since you'll be outdoors for about 7 to 8 hours, you'll want your phones, cameras, and other devices fully charged.
There aren’t many facilities along the way, so pack enough snacks, water, allergy meds, and tissues. And remember, you’ll need to take your trash with you because there are no bins on the trail.
If you’re renting a car, it’s a good idea to plan your route and parking ahead of time to keep things smooth and stress-free.
Wrapping Up: Climbing Mt. Hallasan
At the end of the day, hiking is really about the strength of your spirit more than just your legs and lungs - though those come in handy too.
After all, there's nothing like breathing in the fresh air and being one with nature. When you next visit Jeju, there's no better way to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
The most important thing is that when you reach the summit of the highest mountain in South Korea, you take a moment to fully savour the incredible sense of accomplishment - you deserve it.