Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, rising from the heart of Jeju Island.With every season, this volcano offers a completely different experience—one you can’t replicate anywhere else.
I’ve hiked Hallasan more than ten times, and in this post, I’ll help you find the best hiking trail for your Korea trip,
whether you’re an experienced trekker or just looking for an unforgettable nature walk.
Why Hallasan Should Be on Your Korea Travel List
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| Bird's-eye view of Hallasan showing the summit crater and ridgelines stretching across Jeju Island |
Hallasan stands at 1,947 meters and is a dormant volcano known for its crater lake at the summit, Baengnokdam.
The entire mountain is part of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, home to rare plants and animals.
Each season brings its own magic: pink azaleas in spring, emerald forests in summer, fiery autumn leaves, and snow-covered trees in winter.
For me, every hike felt different—even though I climbed the same mountain.
That’s the power of Hallasan. It changes not just the scenery, but how you feel.
Choosing the Right Hallasan Trail – Route Comparison Guide
Navigation Tip: You can search the English trail names below in Google Maps to navigate directly to each entrance. Addresses included for convenience.
Seongpanak Trail
Google Maps: Search "Seongpanak Trail Entrance"
Address: 2070-61 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Distance: 9.6km round trip (about 8–9 hours)
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
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| Wooden steps winding through volcanic rocks and alpine fields on the upper Seongpanak Trail. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아 - 김지호 |
This is the most popular trail to the summit.
It starts off gently, winding through dense forests of fir trees and dwarf bamboo, forming a quiet green tunnel.
As you climb higher, the slope gradually increases and the trail becomes more demanding.
In spring, I often began my hike before sunrise. The forest was still wrapped in darkness,
but as the sun rose, I saw light slowly piercing through the trees—along with the sound of dew dropping and birds waking up.
That moment when sunlight filters through the misty woods? It’s something I’ll never forget.
In summer, the air is warmer and brighter even in early morning.
The shade from the trees and the fresh forest breeze keep you cool throughout most of the trail.
In winter, even at 7 AM, it’s still dark. But when the sunlight finally hits the snow-covered path and the trees dusted in frost,
you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a completely white, peaceful world.
It’s tough, yes, but incredibly rewarding.
Gwaneumsa Trail
Google Maps: Search "Gwaneumsa Trail Entrance"
Address: 588 Gwaneumsa-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Distance: 8.7km
Difficulty: 4 out of 5
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| Dense morning fog fills the forest on Hallasan's Gwaneumsa Trail—one of the most scenic and challenging routes. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아 - 김지호 |
This is the most challenging route to the summit.
From the beginning, you’ll face steep inclines, stone steps, and rugged paths.
But the views make up for every bit of effort: lush forests, flowing streams, and massive lava rock formations create a constantly shifting landscape.
I had to pace myself carefully on this trail.
But the moment you pass by waterfalls and walk alongside deep ridges,
it feels like the mountain itself is quietly cheering you on.
Yeongsil Trail
Google Maps: Search "Yeongsil Trail Entrance" or "Yeongsil Rest Area"
Address: 224 Yeongsil-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Distance: 5.8km
Difficulty: 2 out of 5
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| The Yeongsil Trail in spring offers dramatic ridgeline views and blooming azaleas along the path. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아 - 김지호 |
This trail doesn’t lead to the summit but is famous for its scenery.
You’ll walk past dramatic rock cliffs like the “500 Generals Rock” and look down on a sea of clouds from the ridge.
It’s shorter, easier, and great for beginners or casual hikers.
Among all the trails, Yeongsil is probably the one I recommend the most—because you get the beauty of Hallasan without the exhaustion.
Eorimok Trail
Google Maps: Search "Eorimok Trail Entrance"
Address: 1860 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Distance: 4.7km
Difficulty: 2 out of 5
Another non-summit trail that takes you to the Witseoreum Shelter.
The path is smooth and beginner-friendly, with steady inclines and open ridgelines.
In autumn, I didn’t hike here, but I saw the golden silvergrass waving in the wind while driving along Route 1100.
It looked like the mountain was glowing.
It’s one of those scenes that stays in your memory, even if you weren’t right in the middle of it.
Before You Hike – What You Need to Know
- Summit Trails Require Online Reservations
→ You must book in advance to hike Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa
- Restricted Entry Times
→ Entry closes around 9:00 AM for summit hikes
→ Start your hike early—between 5:00 and 6:00 AM is ideal
- Estimated Duration
→ Seongpanak/Gwaneumsa: ~8 hours round trip
→ Yeongsil/Eorimok: ~3–4 hours round trip
- Gear & Clothing Tips
→ Spring/Fall: wear layers
→ Summer: breathable clothes, light windbreaker
→ Winter: proper hiking boots, gloves, and crampons
→ Always bring: water, snacks, power bank, sunblock
- Fees
→ No entry fee
→ Parking fees may apply
Why I Keep Coming Back to Hallasan
Even after ten hikes, Hallasan never feels the same.
Sometimes it’s the wind, sometimes the light, sometimes the silence that moves me.
The mountain doesn’t just change with the seasons—it changes me too.
Hallasan isn’t just a mountain you climb.
It’s a place where you pause, breathe, and listen.
Want to explore more real-life travel insights from Korea?
Stick with The Korea Unpacked, where every article comes from lived experience—not just search results.
>This guide focuses on trails and practical planning for hiking Hallasan. If you’re curious about what the experience feels like beyond route planning, you may also want to read My 10 Journeys Up Hallasan: Korea’s Highest Peak on Jeju Island.
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