Hiking Hallasan: A Guide To South Korea’s Highest Peak

Hiking Hallasan is the dream of every hiker visiting Jeju Island, because more than the destination, it’s probably the journey that will enchant you the most. So let’s set off together to discover the national treasure that is this dormant volcano!

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Hallasan in a few words

At a height of 1,950m, the mountain, located right in the centre of Jeju Island, is quite famous, not only for being the highest in Korea, but also for its wealth of flora and fauna, not to mention the famous crater lake at its summit (although you may not see it depending on the weather conditions and the time of year you visit).

This shield volcano, which last erupted in 1007, is considered sacred and is home to many legends, including one about immortals, making your hike unique and unforgettable.

I’d say a visit to Jeju isn’t really complete until you’ve witnessed the beauty and scenery of Hallasan. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to be amazed by Jeju-do’s must-see dormant volcano!

> If you want to know more about Jeju, you can read my article on the 30 best things to do on the island here!

How to get to Jeju and Hallasan

If you’re not already on the island, here are two ways to get there:

• By flight:
  This is by far the fastest way (1hr) to get to the island and pretty cheap too, especially if you plan your trip in advance. You can fly to Jeju from any domestic airport in the country, with Busan’s Gimhae International Airport being the closest.
  
• By ferry:
  If you want the experience of sleeping and traveling on a ferry while enjoying the pretty ocean views, you might want to consider booking a ferry but, bear in mind that the journey time is significantly longer: ~12hr.

Once you arrive in Jeju-do, you can choose to rent a car or take the bus to Hallasan (2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si).

If you’re coming by car, keep in mind that there aren’t many parking spaces (78) and that the usage fees varie according to the type of car you own!

And if you decide to take the bus, here are the routes depending on the trail you choose:

• Gwaneumsa trail: from Jeju City bus terminal, take bus 360 or 355 for 24mn, get off at Jedae Village, transfer to bus 475 for 10mn and get off at Gwaneumsa Entrance Trail

• Seongpanak trail: from Jeju City bus terminal, take bus 281 for 40mn and get off at Seongpanak

The two trails to the peak

As I mentioned earlier, there are two ways to reach the summit: by taking the Gwaneumsa trail or the Seongpanak trail.

In my opinion, the best way to enjoy the scenery is to climb one route and descend the other. Having said that, let me take you through the two trails and what you can expect if you choose one or the other!

Let’s start with the one I chose for the ascent:

Seongpanak trail

Ideal for a healing forest walk

Starting from the Visitor Information Center, this trail takes you through lush forests – all the while soaking up the gentle sounds of nature – to the shelter of the azalea field (blooming season April-May), before finally reaching the famous Baeknokdam crater Lake, which stretches 3km in circumference and 500m in diameter.

The hike, which is the longer of the two (9.6km), generally takes less than 5 hours one-way. Although the path is not considered very difficult, it is quite rocky and you’ll need to take care, especially if it has rained a few days before, as it can be very slippery. This is even more true if you choose the Seongpanak trail for the descent.

You can also observe the many oreums (also known as parasitic volcanoes) around the mountain and marvel at this singular and wonderful sight.

So, if you’d like to experience the start of your hike as a quiet, relaxing stroll, the Seongpanak Trail is for you!

Gwaneumsa Trail

Ideal for a breathtaking panorama

The 8.7 km trail, which usually takes 5 hours one way, is the one you’ll want to take down the mountain. Why? Because the breathtaking views you’ll have over the valleys and mountains are second to none!

Be aware that the path is steeper than the one to Seongpanak and has many stairs, so be prepared to catch your breath! But the reward of reaching the top will probably make you forget all that. As with the other route, the crater lake awaits you, and with it a well-deserved rest!

Walk along the streams, cross the majestic suspension bridge and lose yourself in the wonders of nature on Hallasan’s most picturesque trail!

> A little warning: if you choose to descend the Gwaneumsa trail, the last 30 minutes can be very slippery, as the path is made up entirely of rocks!

Trail restrictions in Hallasan

Whichever trail you choose, be aware that the Seongpanak trail is limited to 1,000 hikers per day, while the Gwaneumsa trail accepts only 500 hikers per day. But, don’t worry, you’re welcome to come back down the other way if you wish. This rule has been put in place to preserve the mountain’s ecology and beauty!

Trail entry times & checkpoints

Once again, to avoid safety problems – it’s forbidden to descend the mountain in the dark – there are set entry times and checkpoints, which you must reach by a certain time, otherwise the path to the summit will be closed and you’ll be forced back down.
There’s also a set descent time, so you can get down safely before nightfall.

Both trails have the same check-in times, depending on the season you decide to hike:

• Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails:
  Spring: you can start your hike as early as 05:30, checkpoint at 12:30 and descent at 14:00
  Summer: entrance of the trail at 05:00, checkpoint at 13:00 and descent at 14:30
  Winter: slightly later start at 06:00, checkpoint at 12:00 and descent at 13:30

Hiking tips for Hallasan

1. Check the weather forecast

Weather conditions tend to change quite quickly on Jeju Island, and this is even truer in Hallasan due to the altitude. So before booking your spot, remember to check whether there’s a risk of rain or anything else that might prevent you from completing your hike.

2. Plan ahead

As I mentioned above, places are limited every day, so you need to book on the official website and choose the trail you want to climb. You’ll need to decide what day and time you’d like to start your hike, then you’ll get a QR code to scan at the trail entrance sent directly to your phone.

Pro tip: if you want to be sure of reaching the summit, and depending on your physical condition too, I strongly advise you to start as early as possible (between 06:00 to 08:00)! Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the view and enjoy lunch at the summit!

Here is the link to reserve your spot!

3. Pack some food, water and warmer clothes

As you know, it can take you up to 10 hours or more to complete the hike, so pack plenty of water, energy bars, gimbap (the ideal dish for a hike) and warmer clothes (remember: fickle weather). It’s better to be prepared than sorry!

And don’t forget your first-aid kit!

4. Wear good hiking shoes

A basic rule to avoid injuries and uncomfortable hikes is to buy and wear good, sturdy hiking boots. Your feet will thank you, believe me!

And if you’re hiking in winter, buy crampons as well as hiking poles (useful in other seasons too)!

5. You don’t have to queue at the summit

If you don’t want to receive the climbing certification or have your photo taken in front of the summit stele, you can skip the queue and directly go see the view over Baeknokdam Lake and the surrounding area!

Hallasan climbing certification

If you’d like to keep a special souvenir of your hike to Hallasan, you can apply for the climbing certification! You’ll have to apply on the website (GPS information must be on) with your reservation number and photo of yourself at the summit.

You can then print it out at the kiosk located at the entrance of both trails for 2,000 KRW ($1.50).

Best time to go to Hallasan

It all depends on what you want to experience and see during your hike. If you love snow-covered landscapes and the wonders of winter, there’s no question about it: you should hike Hallasan from November to February.

Want to see vibrant, warm colors? Then, go in Autumn to enjoy the fall foliage.

If you want to see the crater lake with water and have a comfortable hike, then summer is for you and if you want to experience the mountain filled with beautiful, flagrant flowers, you should visit in spring.

My personal opinion? For me, the best time to hike Hallasan is between March and May and September and October, because the weather is pleasant and the mountain is an oasis of greenery.

In a nutshell

Hiking in Hallasan is a must if you’re visiting Jeju-do, as the mountain is a hiker’s paradise. From exceptional landscapes to healing forests, you can be sure that the adventure will remain a memorable one!

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