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Usitour
must-visit in JejuNational Park & Nature

Hallasan

📍 Hallasan, Jeju, South Korea
Hallasan
1 photos
4.8/ 5.0
★★★★★

Introduction

Jeju's backbone rises 1,947 metres as South Korea's highest peak, core of the UNESCO Jeju volcanic island and lava tubes listing. At the summit sits Baengnokdam, a crater lake about 500 metres across, named for legend of white deer drinking there. Only two trails reach the top - Gwaneumsa at 8.7 kilometres and Seongpanak at 9.6 - both with cutoff times; every other trailhead stops halfway. Temperatures can swing more than ten degrees between base and summit, and fast-changing weather is the norm, so gear and timing are non-negotiable.

✨ Highlights

1
Korea's Roof
The national high point at 1,947 metres; clear days reveal the whole island and surrounding sea.
2
Baengnokdam
A crater lake roughly 500 metres wide at the summit, often rimmed with snow well into spring.
3
World Heritage
Inscribed by UNESCO in 2007, a living textbook of volcanic landforms.
4
Two Summit Trails
Gwaneumsa passes cliffs and falls; Seongpanak runs gentler high meadow - very different walks.
5
Vertical Seasons
Climb from temperate forest to alpine tundra in a single day.

🛈 Practical Info

→Cost：Entry is free, but the summit section runs timed access control.
→Cutoff Times：Pass the mid-mountain checkpoint by roughly noon in peak season, 13:00 off-season, or turn back.
→Getting there：Buses from Jeju City reach the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trailheads; services are sparse, so catch an early one.
→Gear：Wind-and-rain shell, proper boots and ample water; summit wind chill sits near freezing even in autumn.
→Closures：Annual ecological rest periods close trails - check the national park site before committing.

💡 Tips

• The summit takes four to six hours up; plan eight to ten hours door to door and start at dawn.
• For half-mountain views without cutoffs, choose Yeongsil or Eorimok - gentler and stress-free.
• Stay on the boardwalk at the top; stepping past the Baengnokdam barrier gets you escorted down.
• Fog rolls in faster than forecasts admit - when visibility drops, descend, don't gamble.
• Last buses leave early; if you miss one, the trailhead taxi queue can take a while.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Hallasan?

The summit takes four to six hours up; plan eight to ten hours door to door and start at dawn. For half-mountain views without cutoffs, choose Yeongsil or Eorimok - gentler and stress-free.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.