Guide for First-Timers to Hallasan Mountain

Did the word ‘Hallasan Mountain’ first make you think of a Soju brand? It’s time to change that. Now is the time to meet the real Hallasan Mountain. Here’s everything you need to know from essential gear to recommended courses and helpful tips, to climb Hallasan Mountain, even for beginner hikers.

Located in the center of the island, it is considered one of the three most important mountains in Korea, along with Baekdusan Mountain and Jirisan Mountain. It is the highest mountain in Korea, with an altitude of 1,947 meters above sea level. Due to its high altitude, it is a repository of ecosystems where various vegetation appears from warm temperate zones to temperate zones to polar zones. Designated as a national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, its value is widely recognized. At the summit is Baekrokdam, a volcanic crater. Unlike mainland mountains, Hallasan Mountain features unique basalt formations, bracken ferns, and broad-leaf bamboo, giving it an ancient, mystical feel. The changing seasons and various trails offer different charms, allowing for a fresh and exciting hiking experience each time.

Hallasan Mountain offers a variety of trails, each with different levels of difficulty and unique features. You should make the reservation and check the weather conditions and things to bring in advance. Find out what you need to do before your hike.

Each trail on Hallasan Mountain is often controlled for safety or nature protection. Depending on the situation, certain courses may be closed for several months, so it's a good idea to check the latest information on the official website. In particular, when the weather fluctuates, make sure the trail is operating normally through the website or phone inquiry before departure.

Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa courses are only open to those who make reservations through the Hallasan Mountain Visit Reservation System. Reservations are available from the first of the month prior to your desired month of visit. Seongpanak accepts 1,000 visitors a day and Gwaneumsa, 500 visitors a day, and there is no entrance fee. Advance reservations can be made through the website, and on-site reservations are also available for the remaining spots. After the pilot operation, the visit reservation will be expanded to other courses.

· Eorimok: 064-713-9950(1) · Seongpanak: 064-725-9950 · Yeongsil: 064-747-9950 · Gwaneumsa Temple: 064-756-9950 · Donnaeko : 064-710-6921

There are more ways to climb Hallasan Mountain than you might think. You can choose from trails like Eorimok, Seongpanak, Yeongsil, Gwaneumsa, Donnaeko, and Seokgulam. The most popular routes are Eorimok, Seongpanak, and Yeongsil, which are well-maintained and equipped with amenities, making them safe and accessible even for beginners.

The Seongpanak-Sara Oreum and Yeongsil-Witse Oreum trails are ideal for beginner hikers seeking a manageable climb without overexertion. Since the Eorimok and Gwaneumsa trails are more challenging, if you’re not accustomed to regular exercise, it’s best to choose a different route.

Eorimok is easily accessible from Shinjeju, Seongpanak, from Gujeju and the eastern part of Jeju-si, and Yeongsil, from the Jungmun Tourist Complex. Depending on your accommodation, choosing a trail based on its proximity can be a good strategy. If you’re taking a bus, Eorimok and Seongpanak offer better accessibility.

The Yeongsil Trail on Hallasan Mountain is highly popular due to its relatively easy difficulty and stunning scenery. It’s renowned for its beauty in spring, with azalea, and in autumn, with vibrant foliage. Particularly from mid-May to mid-June, witnessing the breathtaking sight of azaleas and royal azaleas blooming in succession is a must-see. Before reaching Baekrokdam on the Seongpanak Trail, you’ll encounter Sara Oreum, on which the scenery of the high-altitude lake, Sanjeong Lake, is incredibly captivating, changing with the seasons. During the dry season, the lake can completely dry up, while in winter, it may freeze. Visiting after rain, when the lake’s water level is higher, offers a mystical atmosphere.

To conquer the summit of Hallasan Mountain, you can’t just choose any trail. Currently, only the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails lead to Baekrokdam. Among these, Seongpanak is the easier and more straightforward option. If using public transportation, a good strategy is to ascend via Seongpanak and descend via Gwaneumsa. The round-trip hike to Baekrokdam takes around 8 hours, so it’s important to manage your stamina and come prepared with adequate gear and snacks.

If you present a picture taken at the top of Hallasan Mountain to the management office at the entrance of Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trails, you can get a "Summit Climb Certification." The issuance fee is \1,000.

If you’re interested in experiencing Hallasan Mountain but find a full hike daunting, consider the Eoseungsaengak Trail, which takes 30 minutes to the top and an hour to get back and forth. The Eoseungsaengak Trail, located across from the Eorimok Trail, is a short course, but it is called a miniature version of Hallasan Mountain because it showcases the colorful vegetation and topography of Hallasan Mountain. At the summit of 1,169 m above sea level, you can see the downtown of Jeju at a glance, so you can feel the true taste of hiking. Eoseungsaengak is also recommended as a winter hiking course, but don't forget that crampons are a must no matter how short the course is.

· Essential: Hiking boots, hats, water, snacks · Optional: Trekking poles, sunglasses, gloves, raincoats, hiking backpacks, hiking cushions (mats), Gimbap, cup noodles · In winter: Crampons, gaiters, gloves, ear warmers, hand warmers, extra socks

Hiking boots are a must. If you don't have any, wear sturdy sneakers. However, it’s best to wear well-fitting hiking boots. Slippers and dress shoes are not only dangerous but may also be restricted on the trails. A hat is essential to protect against sun and wind. Trekking poles can be very helpful as they distribute weight and reduce strain. If you plan to reach Baekrokdam, it’s advisable to bring them.

Unlike other mountains on the mainland, Hallasan Mountain has few water sources and no convenience stores along the trails. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water with you. It's also a good idea to pack snacks like chocolate to keep your energy up. For meals on the mountain, Gimbap or instant noodles are convenient options. Carry hot water in a thermos and remember to take all your trash back with you.

Other useful items include sunglasses, gloves, hiking backpacks, hiking cushions or mats. Even on clear days, high altitudes can experience fog and light rain, so a rain jacket can be helpful. While hiking attire isn’t strictly necessary, layering thin clothes allows you to adjust for temperature changes. Even in summer, high altitudes can feel chilly, so it’s a good idea to bring a windbreaker.

Special supplies are required for winter hiking. You need to crampons and gaiters. Gaiters are useful but not essential; however, you should consider crampons indispensable. Preparing cold-weather gear like gloves, a hat, ear warmers, and hand warmers will be helpful. Spare socks are also very useful in case your socks get wet.

To find hiking gear locally, you can visit large stores like Emart or hiking shops in the city. At the trailheads for Yeongsil, Seongpanak, and Gwaneumsa, there are small shops where you can purchase trekking poles, crampons, gloves, and other equipment. If purchasing multiple items for a hike feels overwhelming, consider renting a Hallasan Mountain hiking package from 'Oshare,' a rental service for travel items in Jeju. You can rent hiking boots, backpacks, poles, crampons, hats, and more at affordable prices.

The weather in mountainous regions can be highly unpredictable. While it might be sunny in the city just 30 minutes away, you could encounter storms on Hallasan Mountain. Always check the weather forecast. Unlike other mountains on the mainland, Hallasan Mountain does not have restaurants at the base. While the small shops at Yeongsil, Seongpanak, and Gwaneumsa trails offer some food, it's essential to bring your own food for longer hikes. Drinking alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited in Hallasan National Park. Additionally, disposable lunch boxes are not allowed, so it's best to prepare food like Gimbap that generates minimal waste. Restrooms are quite far apart, so if you pass a shelter on your hike, it's a good idea to use the facilities there.