• Hiking Hallasan

    South Korea’s Highest Peak

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HIKING HALLASAN

Hallasan, a massive shield volcano, tops out at 1950m. It is the highest mountain in South Korea and just like any other country’s premier peak, it is one of the hottest items on the hiking menu.

“But wait …” I hear you say, “a volcano?”

Well, a volcano it is, and classed as an active one at that, but don’t worry – it hasn’t erupted for about 5,000 years and is basically dormant, it’s just that the boffins can’t agree on its true status.

Forming the bulk of Jeju, Hallasan is central to the island’s identity. It gave birth to Jeju, and to the locals, the two are often interchangeable, one and the same. No matter where you are, you can see its distinctive profile against the sky, and when it’s shrouded, thick and grey, you can still feel its huge bulk rising behind you.

Hallasan mountain reflected in the rock pools of So-Cheonji

The summit of Hallasan seen from the south coast of Jeju Island


Hallasan mountain reflected in the rock pools of So-Cheonji

The summit of Hallasan, seen from
the rocky south coast of Jeju Island


It is a fantastic hike and one of our favourites in Korea. Jeju’s isolation from the mainland has made it a unique place and the journey up the mountain displays its great qualities, from the beautiful, low lying forests to the craggy beauty of its upper flanks. If you get lucky you’ll see out across the whole of Jeju as you climb, and the crater lake on the summit is a special place.

If you like hiking, nature and spectacular views – and let’s face it, what’s not to like – plan a trip to Jeju Island and put Hallasan first on your list. Watch the video and check out the rest of this guide to find out all you need to know about hiking South Korea’s highest peak.

Looking for a particular section in this Hallasan guide?
Click the links below to jump straight to it!


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HALLASAN HIKE QUICK FACTS

HALLASAN QUICK FACTS

      • Distance | 17.3 km Gwaneumsa – Dongneung Hallasan Summit – Seongpanak or vice versa
        Duration | 8 – 10 hours
        Start/End | Gwaneumsa Trailhead / Seongpanak Trailhead or vice versa
        Total Ascent | 1376 metres (starting Gwaneumsa)
        Total Descent | 1197 metres (ending Seongpanak)
        Max Elevation | 1913 m (Dongneung Hallasan Summit)
        Hiking Season | Possible all year
        Accommodation | Campsite at Gwaneumsa Trailhead (no camping or overnight stays in NP)
        Food & Supplies | Limited on the trail, bring with you
        Transport | Car park at both trailheads, bus to both trailheads
        Permit | Advance reservations (free) required 

HALLASAN QUICK FACTS

Distance
17.3 km
Gwaneumsa
– Dongneung Hallasan Summit
– Seongpanak
or vice versa

Duration
8 – 10 hours

Start/End
Gwaneumsa Trailhead/Seongpanak Trailhead
or vice versa

Total Ascent
1376 metres
(starting Gwaneumsa)

Total Descent
1197 metres
(ending Seongpanak)

Max Elevation
1913 m
(Dongneung Hallasan Summit)

Hiking Season
Possible all year

Accommodation
Campsite at Gwaneumsa
trailhead
(no camping or overnight stays in NP)

Food & Supplies
Limited – bring with you

Transport
Car park at both trailheads
Bus to both trailheads

Permit
Advance reservation (free) required

 


HALLASAN HIKING MAP

We have created a Hallasan Hiking Trail Map which can be used online or offline to navigate during your hike and quickly pinpoint all of the places mentioned in this guide. We have marked the Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak hiking trails, plus the facilities along the routes and practical info such as bus stop locations for getting to and from the trailheads.

HALLASAN PERMITS

You need a reservation to hike to the summit of Hallasan via the Gwaneumsa or Seongpanak trails. There is no fee for the reservation.

To make a reservation follow this link, or alternatively, call 064-713-9953. Once the reservation is made, a QR code will be sent to your mobile so you can access the trails via the gates at the trailheads by flashing the QR code on your phone. Note that reservations open on the 1st of the month for dates up until the end of the following month. 

When you make a reservation there are three things to consider: the trail you want to take to the summit, the date you plan to hike, and the number of people in your group. You have a choice between the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa Trails (see below for which trail to take). Seongpanak is limited to 1000 hikers per day and Gwaneumsa is limited to 500 per day. Whichever trail you choose to climb, you’re free to descend via the other one. The available dates will obviously be dependent on the number of people booking, and it’s possible to include up to 10 people in one reservation.

In order to deal with the issue of no-shows, the following penalties will be in effect. If you fail to show up, you won’t be able to book again for three months. And if you fail to show up for a second time, it will be a year before you can make another reservation.

HALLASAN TRAILS

While Hallasan National Park has seven hiking trails, only two take you to the summit of the mountain:
Seongpanak (성판악)  and Gwaneumsa (관음사).

Seongpanak Trail 

Seongpanak – Dongneung Peak:
9.7km, 3 – 4.5 hours one way

Gwaneumsa Trail

Gwaneumsa – Dongneung Peak:
8.7km, 4 – 5 hours one way

Seongpanak is the longest of the two at 9.7km, but it is also the gentlest trail, making it the easier and quicker of the two going either way. It is also the busiest and best served by public transport. 

Gwaneumsa is shorter and steeper, but much more scenic and well worth making the effort to get there. For full details on access to both trails, the getting there section has all the info you need.

*Some maps of the park might show other trails linking up to these two, but this hasn’t been the case for years, the park authority having closed them off to aid recovery of the land*

Hiking HallasanThe trails up and around Hallasan – only
Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak go to the top


Which Hallasan Trail to Hike?

Basically, there are two options for hiking Hallasan. Hike up one and down the other, or hike up and back down the same trail. However, it’s worth noting that the Gwaneumsa trail is sometimes closed due to rock falls, etc., so it’s hard to plan your route too far in advance and you’ll need to stay flexible.

*To check on whether the Gwaneumsa trail is open, check this website, or call the travel hotline on 1330. 

When we were hiking Hallasan, we climbed up Gwaneumsa and came down Seongpanak – it was definitely the right decision. Many people like to go in the opposite direction because Seongpanak is the easier climb. Even Mr. Kim at the Gudeok Guesthouse looked at us strangely when we said we wanted to climb the steeper path. But who wants to punish the knees with a steep descent? And you can better enjoy the great scenery when you’re feeling a little fresher and not watching every step you take.

HALLASAN ACCESS TIMES

In order to make sure people get up and down Hallasan safely before dark, the park authority has set strict cut-off times which must be adhered to. These times change from season to season. On the way up, you must pass either the Samgakbong Shelter on the Gwaneumsa trail or the Jindallaebat Shelter on the Seongpanak trail by the following times:

Hallasan Shelter cut-off times

Spring (Mar – Apr) & Autumn (Sept – Oct) : 12:30 pm

Summer (May – August): 1:00 pm

Winter (Nov – Feb): 12:00 pm

When heading back down you must get off the summit by the following times:

Hallasan Summit cut-off times

Spring & Autumn: 2:00 pm

Summer: 2:30 pm

Winter: 1:30pm


WHEN TO START?

We recommend that you start hiking Hallasan as early as possible.

You want to enjoy your time without needing to rush to meet the cut-off times. Also, as clouds tend to roll up and form around the summit by midday, you should earlier to get the best views. We started around 8:00 am. That gave us enough time to spend at the top, appreciate the trail, and stop to take pictures.

If you’re a really early bird or plan to stay at the Gwaneumsa campsite, the park opens at these times and you can start anytime after that:

Hallasan Trail Opening Times

Spring & Autumn: 5:30 am

Summer: 5:00 am

Winter: 6:00 am

MORE FROM JEJU ISLAND

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Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 7 to 12

A female Olle Trail hiker standing by a Hallabong mosaic mural, looking out to sea on Jeju Island

Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 2 to 7-1

Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 18 to 1

Camping The Jeju Olle Trail: Everything You Need To Know

The Best Beaches On Jeju Island

The Best Beaches On Jeju Island

Diving Jeju Island South Korea

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A Week On The Olle: Jeju Olle Video

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Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea’s Highest Peak

Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 13 to 18-1

A catamaran sails on the calm water at sunset off the south coast of Jeju Island

Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 7 to 12

A female Olle Trail hiker standing by a Hallabong mosaic mural, looking out to sea on Jeju Island

Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 2 to 7-1

Jeju Olle Trail: Routes 18 to 1

Camping The Jeju Olle Trail: Everything You Need To Know

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The Best Beaches On Jeju Island

Diving Jeju Island South Korea

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A Week On The Olle: Jeju Olle Video

A Week On The Olle: A Video From Jeju’s Island Walking Trail

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea’s Highest Peak

WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKING HALLASAN

There are a few important things to keep in mind before hiking Hallasan.

Clothing

You’ll be hiking up to nearly 2000m, on a mountain in the middle of a small island that stands alone and unprotected. Conditions can and do change quickly.

In Spring and Autumn, the weather can be cool at the trailheads in the early mornings and late afternoons. You should have warm layers that you can take on or off as needed. At the summit, it’s heavily weather dependent. On a sunny day in early October, we needed hats and sunscreen under the fierce sun. Two days later, our friend was wrapped in her jacket and scarf. So best to be prepared and always be ready for rain.

In Summer, cold shouldn’t be a problem but it rains heavily and often, so something light for wind and rain protection is a must. Again, if you plan on hanging around at the top, which you should, don’t forget your sun protection. I left my sunglasses in the hotel when we hiked and I missed them on the summit.

In Winter, early Spring or late Autumn, it’ll be cold and there’s a high chance of snow and ice. You’ll need a warm jacket and clothes, good boots and many people pack crampons/microspikes which can be bought in Jeju City and Seogwipo.

Food and Water

Take plenty of food and water with you. Hiking Hallasan is a full day of strenuous activity. We normally pack enough but were short on both. Do like the Koreans and pack a few rolls of kimbap and/or pop into a Paris Baguette or Tous Les Jour and stock up on enough baked goods to keep your energy levels high. Both trailheads have small cafes selling kimbap, noodles, etc. and shops where you can pick up some last minute snacks, but don’t count on much variety. You can buy snacks at the Jindallaebat Shelter on the Seongpanak trail but the options are limited.

Insect repellent

Don’t forget bug spray! Signs warn of ticks, mosquitoes can be around, and when we were there, the summit was swarming with some tiny pesky flies.


HALLASAN GWANEUMSA AND SEONGPANAK TRAIL NOTES

Hiking Hallasan Part I: The Gentle Forest Walk
08:00 – 09:00

After arriving at the Gwaneumsa trailhead and downing a quick can of coffee from the little shop, we set off just past 8 o’clock. Waiting for the bus in coastal Seogwipo before dawn, it had been warm, but starting on the trail at a height of 600m, fleeces were on and our hands felt a little chilly. This part Hallasan was really beautiful, following the winding trail, steadily climbing, the morning sunlight breaking through the trees. 

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Passing rocky streams at the start of the Gwaneumsa trail

The small mountain rescue monorail car trundled by, hugging the forest floor. We crossed rocky river beds and small streams, passing our fellow hikers again and again as we stopped to film and take pictures. A few strong limbed hikers strode purposefully by, but most people kept to a similar pace. The trailside boards kept us up to date with where we were and how far we’d gone. It took us almost exactly an hour to complete the first section of the trail.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

The mountain rescue train

Hiking Hallasan Part II:  Onwards and Upwards
09:00 – 10:55

After a quick snack break at the small bridge we were ready to head off again. The trail map board showed the next section was going to be a little steeper and sure enough, there were the stairs at the other end of the bridge. As it turned out, it wasn’t too steep or challenging. Steady climbing yes, some wooden steps, some rocky path, but the trail was quite varied, not all up, up, up. The sunlight grew stronger, breaking through the trees and showing off the best of Hallasan’s pristine forest. Slightly less pristine were the long drop squat toilets we used on this part of the trail. Three pieces of advice for you: don’t take any deep breaths in there, watch out for the heavy doors and low ceilings, and remember to pack a little bottle of hand sanitiser.

We continued to pass and be passed, but the trail wasn’t overly busy. Waiting for Kim at one point, I spoke with an elderly guy in his seventies taking it slow and steady, and later we passed a hiker lying trailside who appeared to have nodded off. Just before Samgakbong Shelter, there was one guy behind us shouting repeatedly in one of the loudest displays of self encouragement you’re likely to hear on any mountain. But, even his bellowing couldn’t spoil our appreciation as we came out of the forest to a stunning view of Samgakbong, a sharp peak jutting from the mountain, decorated in a patchwork of lush greens and autumn reds, standing beneath the blue sky.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

The impressive Samgakbong peak

Hiking Hallasan Part III: A Brief Rest At The Shelter
10:55 – 11:15

There was plenty of space here both inside and outside the shelter to take a rest. More toilets were set off to the side, no more pleasant than the last ones according to Kim. At the front of the shelter was a viewing platform facing north towards Jeju City. People clustered around, ready to pose for the usual snaps. The view towards the city was getting a little cloudy but we could see it in flashes, and the horizon out at sea was really cool, it seemed to be halfway up the sky, almost at eye level.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

The view towards Jeju City from Samgakbong Shelter

We took a load off, wolfed down our next round of snacks, and sat back and admired the mountain. Soon we were off again. This was the cut-off point for the Gwaneumsa trail, no climbing after 12:30, but we were in plenty of time.

Hiking Hallasan Part IV: Up To The Summit
11:15 – 12:45

Leaving the shelter, the next section was really beautiful, with clear views up and around the mountain and vivid autumn colours appearing. The trail here was easy, winding along a wooden boardwalk before descending a short staircase to a stone basin, where drinking water was flowing rapidly from a pipe – you should fill up here, there’s no more to be had this side of the mountain. We didn’t and we regretted it. Crossing a big wooden bridge over the river bed, almost dry, we stopped for a minute or two to take it all in.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Crossing the suspension bridge after Samgakbong Shelter

Not long after the bridge we passed the site of the old shelter, destroyed by Storm Nari in 2007, a reminder that conditions on a mountainside can turn nasty. The information board showed a serious looking stone building, but nothing remained except a few tumbled stones here and there, and the flagstones where the door once stood.

Just beyond this was the steepest part of the climb. The trees hung close to the narrow path and the rough hewn steps were high and uneven. The good news is it doesn’t last for long, maybe 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness, and it’s not too bad … I’ve seen much worse. Again, take it slow and know that it’ll get easier soon.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Autumn colours in full swing

As we emerged from the trees the clouds were rolling in behind us but we could still see the top of Hallasan ahead. Worried about missing the views at the summit, Kim told me to crack on, leaving her to catch up. This final section was mostly open, through scraggly trees, scrub and brush, on a metal and wooden pathway, climbing gradually with the odd set of steps.

The path was under construction here, so care was needed when passing the workmen, busy with soldering irons and drills, the smell of diesel filling the air from the rattling mini-generators. These days the path extends all the way to the top.

The path slowed to a gentle slope for the last 30-40 metres, passing through open ground ruled by large ravens – it felt like Odin’s messengers were gathering, ready to feast on the fallen.

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Hiking Hallasan Part V: The Summit
12:45 – 14:00

I’d reached the summit with plenty of blue sky still to go around. Looking across the grass to the south, a blanket of white cloud shrouded the edge of the mountain, obscuring the island view but acting as an interesting backdrop to the moon base-like hut sitting there. To the north was the crater, a great sight and why Hallasan stands out among the big hikes of Korea; the rough rocky slope dropped steeply below the wooden barrier, turning to a thick, green mossy covering, the base filled with a small blue-green lake glinting under the hot sun. The level was low: sometimes there’s no water, at other times it can be filled high, and come winter, it’s covered with snow.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

At the summit. The rangers’ hut and wooden decks for chilling out. 

The summit had a large open area with extensive decking, pocketed with rest areas where people ate, chatted, rubbed aching feet or took a short nap. Others were queuing for their picture at the obligatory summit stone. The hike saw all sorts. Families with kids as young as 6 or 7, lone hikers, husbands and wives, some elderly men and women, and the odd group of foreigners.

Kim arrived soon after, grinning and excited. She took some pictures while I rested up.  Starving, I got tucked into the lunch bag and Kim eventually joined me after gawking at the crater lake for twenty minutes.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

The icing on the cake – Hallasan crater lake 

We had more than an hour up top, a good amount of time to really enjoy the experience and take plenty of pictures. At 2:00pm, the guy working up there came on the loudspeaker telling everyone it was time to get off the summit, making the long way back down before sunset.

Hiking Hallasan Part VI: The Descent to Jindallaebat Shelter
13:55 – 14:45

We headed down the Seongpanak trail. It was a mixture of even to uneven stone slabs, new wooden steps and slippery boulders. The cloud surrounding the slope limited the view and most people were descending at a similar pace. The path was definitely less steep than the Gwaneumsa trail but a little more slippery. Slipperiness aside, it only took us about 50 minutes to get down to the big shelter where they cut you off on the way up. The trail board said it would take an hour and a half so we made decent time.

Hiking Hallasan Part VII: Quick Rest At The Shelter
14:45 – 15:00

The shelter had toilets, rest areas and a small store inside selling water, Pocari Sweat, chocolate bars, cup ramyeon and rain covers. We only picked up a small bottle of water, planning to fill up at the spring further down the trail.

If you do buy supplies, you have to carry your own trash off the mountain. There are no bins at the shelter or anywhere on the trail. Also, although the signs indicated that there was a spring further down the trail, it wasn’t where it was supposed to be, so make sure you have enough water.

At 3:00pm, an announcement was made to leave the shelter and start heading down.

Hiking Hallasan Part VIII: The Long Way Down
15:00 – 17:45

It was about an hour to the next shelter, through more wooded trail. The path was sometimes wooden path and stairs, sometimes slippery, damp, mud covered stones. We passed the point where the spring was supposed to be with only a mouthful of water left. Kim, who drinks water endlessly in normal life, was a little pissed at me for only getting a small bottle at the last shelter.

There’s a side route to another peak and crater lake, Sara Oreum. We didn’t have time but it wasn’t far from the trail and I was tempted by the trailboard picture. If you have time, maybe 30-45 minutes, factor it in.

We passed through the final shelter without stopping. It was in woodland with toilets and rest areas but nothing else. Beyond here, the final stretch took us just over an hour and a half. Kim’s feet and legs were hurting and the trail was often muddy so the going was a little slow. A few parents were patiently cajoling their young kids, promising that the end was near. There were plenty of wooden boardwalk sections too where the slope was very gradual, often without steps. Large signs displayed dramatic warnings of wild boars but none showed their face.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

The forest path on the Seongpanak trail 

After a while, we passed through a really cool section where the deciduous trees gave way to tall straight pines, and an eerie, ethereal mist suddenly filled the forest. Kim’s tiredness disappeared, too excited to take pictures of the mysterious forest.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Mist enshrouding the tall pine trees

The rest of the trail was similar to the lower sections on the Gwaneumsa trail, only flatter, more open and a little wider. Birds occasionally flew by and we were lucky to see a couple of deer. One was scared away by noisy hikers but the other hung around for five minutes, busily nibbling on grass and licking the fur on its forelegs. We were tired and ready to finish at this point, but really appreciated the chance to just stand and watch it.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

The second deer we saw nearing the bottom of the Seongpanak trail

Back at the car park

As we arrived at the Seongpanak car park the mist was hugging the ground thickly. It was 5:45 and almost sunset, though there was no sun to be seen. Both of us were tired, hungry and thirsty (for beer as well as water), but happy too. It had been a long but really great day. Hiking Hallasan had most definitely lived up to our expectations.

After five minutes the bus arrived, and we were back in Seogwipo in less than 25 minutes – the driver was mental, taking corners like Lewis Hamilton. Ten minutes later we were tucking into a Sumburger and sipping on a cold beer.
How the day should end!

GETTING TO THE HALLASAN TRAILHEADS

Car

If you have your own transport you can easily get to either trailhead from Jeju City or Seogwipo:

Jeju City – Gwaneumsa

about 20 minutes

Jeju City – Seongpanak

about 30 minutes

Seogwipo – Gwaneumsa

about 30 – 40 minutes

Seogwipo – Seongpanak

about 25 – 30 minutes

If you do drive you can start at Gwaneumsa or Seongpanak, come down the other trail, and take one of the available taxis back to your car. It should cost roughly 15,000₩ to get between the two trails.

Or if you decide to go up and down the same way, we definitely recommend the Gwaneumsa trail.

There is parking available at both locations. It costs 1,000 – 1,800₩ depending on the size of your car.

Bus

You can get to both trails by bus. For Gwaneumsa you need to take two buses to get there, but for Seongpanak there’s a direct bus. The first step for both is to take bus 281 from either Jeju City or Seogwipo – the bus route starts and finishes at the main bus terminal in each city.

Bus to/from Seongpanak Trailhead:

Take bus #281 from either Jeju City or Seogwipo and get off at the Seongpanak trailhead. It takes around 30 minutes from either location.

You can view the #281 route, bus stop locations, and the next bus time here and the #281 bus timetable here. Click between the tabs at the top for the schedule in the opposite direction.

Bus to/from Gwaneumsa Trail:

From Jeju City take bus 281 and get off at Sancheondan (산천단), it’ll take around 15-20 minutes.

From Seogwipo take bus 281 and get off at Sancheondan Korean Polytechnic University (산천단한국폴리턱대학), it’ll take around 40 – 45 minutes, then walk across the road for the next bus.

You can view the #281 route, bus stop locations, and the next bus time here and the #281 bus timetable here. Click between the tabs at the top for the schedule in the opposite direction.

At the Sancheondan (산천단) bus stop take bus 475.

From here it’ll take 5 – 10 minutes to get to the Gwaneumsa trailhead. Keep an eye out for the huge car park appearing and hopefully a view of the mountain too.

There are 14 #475 buses a day, with 1 – 1.5 hours between services.

You can view the #475 route, bus stop locations, and the next bus time here and the #475 bus timetable here. 

Top Bus Tips

Bus Stops, Route Maps & Timetables

The best way to find the nearest bus stop to you is on Kakao Maps  (iOS/Android) or Naver Maps (iOS/Android). Download the app to your phone, zoom in on the road till the bus stop symbol appears and click on it. Select bus 281 from the list and it will show you every bus stop on the route and track the buses in real time. 

You can also check out this website which gives you similar information: search by bus number, view route maps and get live tracking info.

English App Translations

Both Naver maps and Kakao Maps have English language versions (try both to see which one works best for you). A word of warning though, the English translations may be a little different from the ones that appear on the bus screens. Keep an eye on the screens behind the bus driver – they tell the name of the upcoming stop and the next one.

Buy a T-Money Card

Buy a T-money card for 3,000₩ at any convenience store, put 10,000₩ on it to get you started and top it up anytime. Then you can just tap on and off any bus in Jeju, or any bus or subway in Korea. It’s the easiest way to pay, your balance pops up each time and if you change buses or lines within 30 minutes, you won’t pay for the second journey. The journey to the trails cost around 2,000₩.


EXPLORE THE REAL JEJU ISLAND

PART ONE


PART TWO


PART THREE


PART FOUR


Taxi

If you’re not on a budget then you can always take a taxi directly from Jeju City, Seogwipo or even the airport. The Jeju website says the fare will be around 20,000₩ from the airport to Gwaneumsa. It should be similar or less from Jeju City. Best advice is to check with your hotel or guesthouse. From Seogwipo to Gwaneumsa, we were advised that a taxi would cost about 40,000₩ – a little bit steep.

Korea’s equivalent of Uber is Kakao T (iOS/Android) which is worth downloading and setting up prior to your hike if you plan on taking taxis. The app is now available in English.

If you decide to go to the Seongpanak trail, don’t waste money on a taxi. The bus couldn’t be more convenient and it’s far cheaper.

WHERE TO STAY

Gwaneumsa Campsite

There’s a decent sized campsite at the start of the Gwaneumsa trail. It looked like a fairly pleasant place to camp, shaded by overhanging trees. Expect the nights to be somewhere between cool and cold outside July and August. There are clean toilet blocks and sinks outside for washing dishes. The campsite fees are as follows:

Small (3 people or fewer) 3,000₩

Medium (4-9 people) 4,500₩

Large (10 people or more) 6,000₩

Jeju City

We stayed at the R Hotel in Jeju City and it was a good budget option. It’s clean, modern and self service breakfast is included, plus it’s only a 5 minute walk from the main bus terminal. 

SEARCH JEJU CITY ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com

Seogwipo

We’ve stayed at the Gudeok Guesthouse on three separate trips to Seogwipo and love it! It’s a family run place and Mr. Kim is super helpful and friendly. He speaks enough English to talk you through options for just about anything you want to do on Jeju. The common areas have been recently renovated and it has an awesome rooftop terrace with sofas, a small kitchen, tables, etc. Self-service breakfast is included in the new open plan kitchen on the ground floor. This guesthouse has both private rooms and dorm rooms and is a great budget option in a central location.

SEARCH SEOGWIPO ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com

Organise Your Trip To Jeju Now


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Enjoy Hiking Hallasan!

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. We greatly appreciate your support!*

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The Essential Seoul City Guide

A Week On The Olle: Jeju Olle Video

A Week On The Olle: A Video From Jeju’s Island Walking Trail

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea's Highest Peak

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea’s Highest Peak

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Looking towards one of Saryangdo Island's suspension bridges from the ridge hiking trail, with the road bridge and surrounding islands in the distance, South Korea

Saryangdo: The Best Day Hike in Korea


Do you have a favourite hike?
Let us know in the comments below!
We’re always keen to discover new trails…

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Solo Hiking at Hallasan: South Korea’s Tallest Peak and Jeju’s Centerpiece – Twenties Daybook

[…] so naturally, I did my own online research and stumbled upon very helpful ones, especially Going the Whole Hogg and Fork and Foot’s very detailed accounts of their hike at Hallasan. Of course, […]

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2 years ago
Joel
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Joel

Thanks for this. It was a really helpful guide to climbing Hallasan and I hope I can make it soon 🙂 I plan to visit in January and hope there’ll be lots of snow on top of the mountain!

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3 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Thanks Joel! Would love to see Hallasan all covered in snow, hope you get a nice clear day for it! Cheers, Kim

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3 years ago
Rei
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Rei

Wow, your blog is really helpful, thanks to you I can get a better of image of how the hike is going to be like! I am not really a pro hiker but I’m not inexperienced either. But I’m going to be alone when I go to Jeju this autumn and hike Gwaneumsa by myself. Do you have any other tips for a solo hiker like me? It is safe, right? :-p
Thanks again!

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3 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Rei! Glad we’ve helped you out ? I’m sure you’ll meet plenty of other hikers on the trail, so you won’t be completely alone. But yes, it’s safe, just be sure to have enough food and water with you for the whole day. Have a great time on Jeju and Hallasan especially. Cheers! Kim

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3 years ago
Hannassi
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Hannassi

Thank you for all of your valuable information and tips for the hike as I’m planning to visit Korea for 1 month in Sept-Oct. Hiking Hallasan is on my list to conquer with a few of my cousins and sister. I’m very nervous and excited at the same time as I’m not a very active person. Thank you once again for all of your information on this page. I’m more excited than nervous as I’m able to have some expectations in place.

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3 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Hannassi! Thanks so much for your kind words and so glad we’ve made the hike seem a little less nerve-wracking for you! It’s definitely easier to prepare yourself when you know what to expect. Having a month to travel in Korea will be great. If you have some extra time on Jeju besides Hallasan, a great way to experience the island is walking one or more of the Olle Trails. They’re much less challenging than the Hallasan hike and some of them take you past amazing natural scenery. We’ve got plenty of blog posts on the site about various… Read more »

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3 years ago
Martin Billingham
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Martin Billingham

Hey, looks like you both had an enjoyable hike! The information on this page is priceless! Thank you so much. This is the best page I have found by a long mile! Hiking hallasan this month by myself thanks for the info guys! Did you guys do seoraksan by any chance?
Kind regards Martin

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hey Martin, thank you! And that’s great you’re going to do the hike. Hopefully you get good weather, we’re actually hiking the Olle Trail around Jeju right now and we’ve had amazing views of Hallasan most days. We’ve been to Seoraksan NP and hiked to Ulsan Bawi, but unfortunately haven’t had a chance to hike any of the other bigger trails there. It’s a beautiful place if you get a chance to go. Enjoy your hike! Cheers, Kim

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4 years ago
Thomas
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Thomas

Looks like you guys had fun, thank you so much for the info! It’s tough to find such clear detail about Hallasan, especially when it comes to actual hiking times and the possibility to grab a taxi back to the other car park. Looking forward to trying this end of May! 🙂

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hey Thomas, thanks for the message! It’s always nice to hear we’ve helped people out. You can get the Kakao T app in advance (in English) if you’re planning to take a taxi. It’s like Uber, but used all over Korea. Have a great hike! We’ll be back on Jeju then too, can’t wait ?

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4 years ago
Erin
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Erin

Hi. Thank you so much for the detailed guide! We are looking forward to hiking Hallasan this autumn. Could I find out when in the autumn did you ascend via the Gwaneumsa Trail? We are planning to visit Jeju-do from late Oct to early Nov, am wondering if we should go earlier to avoid colder temperature when hiking Hallasan.

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Erin, that’s great to hear! It’s an awesome hike. We did it in early October. Obviously weather can be very changeable but we reckon it shouldn’t be too cold in late Oct/early Nov. January and February are generally the coldest months in Korea. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast when you are there and try to be flexible in case you need to change hiking plans to suit the weather!

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4 years ago
roland biemond
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roland biemond

Thanks, really helpful. On this website you can check whether the trails are open: http://www.jeju.go.kr/hallasan/index.htm# (in the menu you can select English)

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4 years ago
Kevin
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Kevin

I’m hoping to summit Hallasan in mid-October 2018. I’m reading much talk about one or the other trail occasionally being closed, but I don’t see any reference to a phone or website that will tell me of closures close-in to my departure. Any help? Very helpful info on this site. I have bookmarked it. Thanks.

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
Author
Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Kevin, Glad you found it useful. As far as we know, there is no website (at least in English) that publishes information about trail closures. If they do close a trail, it usually happens at short notice. We’d advise you to make your plan and then check the day before. There are a few ways you can find out. Call the English Tourist Helpline on 1330. They contact the Ranger’s office and find out for you. Or you can ask your guesthouse or hotel to contact the trail office directly as they’ll only speak Korean. The phone numbers are… Read more »

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4 years ago
Michael
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Michael

Thanks for sharing your experience, enjoyed the video, my wife and I both. I also intend to take the Gwaneumsa path up and descent via the “gentler” Seongpanak trail to at least try to save my knees. We will be renting a car for the duration of our jeju stay. I wonder if it is wise to drive and park at Seongpanak and take a taxi to the Gwaneumsa starting point. The plan being so we end up back to our car once we finish the hike. Just wondering how are the signages and directions for the trails in general… Read more »

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
Author
Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Michael, glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully it gets you excited for the day ahead as well as letting you know what to expect. Your idea is a good one. Either park at Seongpanak and taxi to the start at Gwaneumsa or park at Gwaneumsa and taxi back when you finish at Seongpanak.There may be more taxis at Seongpanak when you finish and that would give you the advantage of driving straight to the trailhead at Gwaneumsa to start. I’d be inclined to do it that way but it’s probably a 50/50 call, and there’s definitely something to be… Read more »

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4 years ago
Diana
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Diana

Thanks for the elaborate and great guide. Especially love the tips for public transport. I would definitely say this is one of the better guides for anyone planning to hike Hallasan. Looking forward to more of your future posts, Cheers!

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
Author
Going the Whole Hogg

You’re very welcome Diana. Public transport was something we had a bit of a headache working out ourselves so we tried to give us much information as we could. Really glad you found it useful. Thanks!

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4 years ago
Veronica
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Veronica

Hi! Thank you for this giude! We got a lot of information here! We’re going to Hallasan tomorrow and I hope we get there on time. I don’t hike since a lot… so it’s gonna be hard I think ahahahah However it seems it’s worth it. 😀

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
Author
Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Veronica, really glad we were able to help. We’ve been away hiking in Tajikistan for the last two weeks ourselves. Hope you enjoyed Hallasan and got lucky with the views. It would’ve been very hot this time of year but definitely worth it!

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4 years ago
Tahlia
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Tahlia

Thankyou so much for this!!! It has been so helpful!! We are hiking the trails tomorrow, despite the heatwave that has hit South Korea at the moment, extra water = extra exercise woo! Great guide <3

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4 years ago
Going the Whole Hogg
Author
Going the Whole Hogg

Thanks for the feedback! So glad you found it useful. How did the hike go?! Korean summers are pretty intense, well done for tackling it in the heat and humidity!

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4 years ago

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