Jeju Hallasan: Complete Hiking & Driving Guide to Korea's Sacred Volcano

Hallasan is the reason Jeju Island exists. This dormant shield volcano rises 1,950 meters from the sea floor, making it Korea's highest mountain, and its forested flanks and crater lake have earned UNESCO World Natural Heritage status. Whether you want to summit for the view or simply drive over it on one of Asia's most scenic mountain roads, Hallasan deserves a full day.

Choosing Your Trail: Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa, or Eorimok

Only two trails reach the summit crater lake, Baengnodam (백록담): Seongpanak on the eastern side and Gwaneumsa on the northern side. Eorimok and Yeongsil are shorter and more popular with casual hikers, but they stop at the ridge shelter, not the crater.

• Seongpanak (성판악): 9.6 km to summit, ~4.5 hours up. Gradual slope, mostly forested. Most popular summit route.
• Gwaneumsa (관음사): 8.7 km, ~4 hours up. Steeper, more dramatic. Best views but physically demanding.
• Eorimok (어리목): 4.7 km to Witseoreum shelter, ~2 hours. Does not reach summit. Great for families and casual hikers.
• Yeongsil (영실): 5.8 km to Witseoreum, ~2.5 hours. Volcanic rock pillars make this the most scenic shorter trail.

For the summit, take Seongpanak up and Gwaneumsa down (or the reverse) — the contrast between the two sides is worth it. Seongpanak has the gentler grade and is the best choice if you're hiking with limited mountain experience.

Summit Crater Lake: Baengnodam

Baengnodam (백록담, 'White Deer Lake') is the caldera at Hallasan's summit. On clear days, the walk around its rim reveals a 360-degree panorama over all of Jeju — you can see both coasts simultaneously. The crater holds water after heavy rain but often appears as a rocky basin. It's one of Korea's most iconic natural sights.

The summit closes by early afternoon on summit-accessible days — cut-off times vary by season but are typically 12:00–13:00 for Seongpanak and 12:00 for Gwaneumsa. Start before 6:30 AM to be safe. Cloud cover rolls in fast by midday, so the earlier you summit, the better your chances of a clear view.

The 1100 Road: Driving Over Hallasan

Even if you don't hike, you can cross Hallasan by car on the 1100 Road (Route 1139, 1100도로), which crests at 1,100 meters — the highest paved road on Jeju. The 35-kilometer route connects Jeju City to Seogwipo through a corridor of ancient oak and cedar forest. At the summit rest stop, there are benches, a small café, and views down to the south coast on clear days.

• Distance: ~35 km, about 50 minutes nonstop (more with stops)
• Highest point: 1,100m above sea level at the rest stop
• Best time: Morning for clear views before clouds build
• Winter note: The road closes during heavy snow. Check conditions before driving.
• Tip: Combine with a stop at Eorimok trailhead for a 2-hour walk through the forest — no permit needed.

Hallasan Dullegil: The Circular Forest Trail

If you want forest immersion without the summit climb, Hallasan Dullegil (한라산 둘레길) is a 80-km circular trail skirting the mountain's mid-elevation. It's divided into 8 sections, each taking 2–5 hours. The Cheonasup Trail (천아숲길) in Section 1 and the Sumorpyeonbaeksup Trail in Section 9 are the most popular day-hike options — dense conifer forests, volcanic soil paths, and almost no crowds.

Permits, Reservations & Practical Info

Hallasan requires a free online reservation for the two summit trails (Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa). Book at the official Jeju National Park website at least 1 day in advance. Slots fill fast on weekends, especially in May and October. The Eorimok and Yeongsil trails do not require reservations.

• Admission: Free for all trails
• Reservation: Required for Seongpanak & Gwaneumsa (summit trails). Book at hallasan.jeju.go.kr
• Parking: Free at each trailhead. Arrive by 6:00 AM on weekends or expect to park on the roadside.
• No food on trail: Bring everything you need — there are no shops above the trailhead.
• Cut-off times: Seongpanak summit gate closes at 12:00 (13:00 in summer). Gwaneumsa closes at 12:00. Non-summit trails close at 12:00–15:00 depending on season.
• Winter (Dec–Mar): Some sections close or require crampons. Check the Hallasan National Park website.
• Emergency: In-park ranger stations at each trailhead. Emergency number: 119.

FAQ

Hallasan is Jeju's soul — you can sense it from anywhere on the island, its silhouette dominating the skyline. Whether you summit for Baengnodam or simply drive the 1100 Road through the clouds, no trip to Jeju is complete without getting close to it. Plan the logistics early, start at dawn, and the mountain rewards you.