Which trails lead to the summit of Hallasan Mountain?

The only two trails that lead to Baengnokdam Crater Lake at the summit of Hallasan are the Seongpanak Trail and the Gwaneumsa Trail. The Yeongsil and Eorimok trails only go as far as the Witseoreum Volcanic Cone.

What are the features and duration of the Seongpanak Trail?

The Seongpanak Trail is a 9.6 km one-way hike that takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. It is recommended for beginners due to its gentle slope. There is also a junction where you can detour to see the Saraoreum Volcanic Cone.

Who is the Gwaneumsa Trail suitable for?

The Gwaneumsa Trail is an 8.7 km one-way hike that takes about 5 to 6 hours. It is a steep and physically demanding trail suitable for experienced hikers with good fitness levels. It offers beautiful scenery, including Samgakbong Peak and valleys.

Are there any easier trails for a casual hike on Hallasan?

Yes, the Yeongsil Trail (3.7 km) and Eorimok Trail (4.7 km) do not go to the summit but lead to Witseoreum Volcanic Cone. They are shorter, scenic, and suitable for families or day-trippers.

What essential items should I bring for hiking Hallasan?

Essential all-season items include hiking boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket, a hat, gloves, a backpack, water, snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses. For winter hiking, crampons, thermal clothing, gaiters, and thick gloves are also necessary.

How do I make a reservation to hike Hallasan?

Reservations are required for the Seongpanak Trail (1,000 people/day) and the Gwaneumsa Trail (500 people/day). You must book in advance through the Hallasan National Park Visitor Reservation System website and present the QR code you receive upon entry.

What precautions should I take when hiking Hallasan?

You must reach Baengnokdam summit before 1:30 PM (1:00 PM in winter). The weather can change suddenly, so be prepared for cold conditions. Also, littering and cooking are prohibited within the national park, so you must carry out all your trash.

Hallasan Hiking Guide: How to Reach Baengnokdam Crater

Hallasan Mountain, standing at 1,947 meters, is the highest mountain in South Korea and a landmark of Jeju Island, boasting beautiful scenery throughout the year. The mystical Baengnokdam Crater Lake at its summit is one of the main reasons many hikers visit.

There are four main hiking trails on Hallasan. Among them, only the 'Seongpanak Trail' and 'Gwaneumsa Trail' lead to Baengnokdam Crater Lake, while the other two trails (Yeongsil and Eorimok) do not reach the summit. This article provides a comparative analysis of the Hallasan hiking trails, including difficulty, duration, and reservation methods. We also offer tips on seasonal preparation and safety, so be sure to read to the end!

Wooden deck on a hiking trail leading to the summit of Hallasan

Hallasan Hiking Trail Recommendation

Overview of Hallasan Hiking Trails

Hallasan Mountain has a total of four hiking trails. Of these, only the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails allow you to climb to the Baengnokdam summit. Here is a summary of the characteristics of each trail.

Seongpanak Trail

Summit Access: Possible
One-way Distance: 9.6 km
Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours
Features: The longest trail, but its gentle slope makes it suitable for beginners.

Gwaneumsa Trail

Summit Access: Possible
One-way Distance: 8.7 km
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Features: A steep and physically demanding trail.

Yeongsil Trail

Summit Access: Not possible (only up to Witseoreum Volcanic Cone)
One-way Distance: 3.7 km
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Features: The most popular trail due to its stunning scenery.

Eorimok Trail

Summit Access: Not possible (only up to Witseoreum Volcanic Cone)
One-way Distance: 4.7 km
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Features: A relatively gentle trail recommended for family hikers.

Note: For a round trip, you must also consider the descent time. For example, the Seongpanak Trail can take about 9-10 hours for a round trip.

Main Trails to Baengnokdam Crater Lake

The two trails that lead to the Baengnokdam summit are the Seongpanak Trail and the Gwaneumsa Trail.

Baengnokdam Crater Lake

Seongpanak Trail: Recommended for Beginners

Trail Overview

Subtitle: Recommended for beginners, the most popular trail

Starting Point: Seongpanak Trail Entrance

Total Distance: 9.6 km (one-way)

Average Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours (one-way)

Features

It is the longest trail on Hallasan, but its gentle slope makes it manageable for beginners.
The path is mostly composed of stone paths and wooden decks, making it relatively easy to walk on.
There is a junction along the way where you can detour to see Saraoreum Volcanic Cone.

Detailed Sections

1. Seongpanak Entrance → Sokbat Shelter

Distance: 4.1 km
Estimated Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Features: The trail starts with a gentle dirt path and gradually turns into a rocky trail.

2. Sokbat Shelter → Jindallaebat Shelter

Distance: 3.3 km
Estimated Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Features: A mix of forest paths and rocky trails. The Jindallaebat Shelter is a good spot for a short break.

3. Jindallaebat Shelter → Baengnokdam Summit

Distance: 2.2 km
Estimated Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Features: This is the final ascent to the summit, a strenuous section that requires significant stamina.

Gwaneumsa Trail: Challenging but Beautiful Scenery

Trail Overview

Subtitle: Beautiful scenery but a high-difficulty trail

Starting Point: Gwaneumsa Trail Entrance

Total Distance: 8.7 km (one-way)

Average Duration: 5 to 6 hours (one-way)

Features
- It is physically demanding due to its steep inclines and many rocky stair sections.
- You can enjoy diverse landscapes, including Samgakbong Peak, valleys, and forests.
- Using hiking poles is recommended, as the descent can be hard on the knees.
- It is less crowded than the Seongpanak Trail, offering a quieter hike.

Detailed Sections

1. Gwaneumsa Entrance → Samgakbong Shelter

Distance: 6.1 km
Estimated Time: Approx. 3 hours
Features: Many steep sections, with a fantastic view from Samgakbong Peak.

2. Samgakbong Shelter → Baengnokdam Summit

Distance: 2.6 km
Estimated Time: Approx. 2.5 hours
Features: This final section is physically challenging with many rocky paths and stairs.

Seongpanak vs. Gwaneumsa: A Guide to Choosing Your Trail

At-a-Glance Comparison

Comparison	Seongpanak Trail	Gwaneumsa Trail
Distance (One-way)	9.6 km	8.7 km
Duration (One-way)	4.5 - 5 hours	5 - 6 hours
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate	Difficult
Slope	Gentle	Steep
Recommended For	Beginners, less strenuous hikers	Experienced, physically fit hikers
Main Scenery	Saraoreum, dense forests	Valleys, Samgakbong Peak, volcanic terrain
Crowd Level	High (Popular trail)	Low (Quiet trail)

Conclusion and Recommendation

If you are a beginner, the Seongpanak Trail is recommended.
If you prioritize stunning scenery and are confident in your fitness, choose the Gwaneumsa Trail.
For those using public transport, ascending via Seongpanak and descending via Gwaneumsa is a great option (allowing you to enjoy different landscapes).

Hallasan Hiking Trails Comparison

When planning your Hallasan hike, it's important to compare the difficulty, duration, and scenery of each trail. Refer to the information below to choose the best trail for your fitness level and schedule.

A foggy day on a Hallasan hiking trail, with low visibility.

Hallasan Hiking Trails

Seongpanak Trail

Total Distance: 9.6 km (one-way)
Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate (gentle slope)
Summit Access: Possible (Baengnokdam)
Scenery Highlights: Forest paths, Saraoreum Volcanic Cone
Recommended For: Beginners, those capable of long-distance walking
Entry Hours: Winter (Nov-Feb) 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gwaneumsa Trail

Total Distance: 8.7 km (one-way)
Duration: 5 to 6 hours (one-way)
Difficulty: High (steep slope)
Summit Access: Possible (Baengnokdam)
Scenery Highlights: Valleys, Samgakbong Peak, volcanic terrain
Recommended For: Experienced hikers, those with high fitness levels
Entry Hours: Winter (Nov-Feb) 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Yeongsil Trail

Total Distance: 3.7 km (one-way)
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy (short distance)
Summit Access: Not possible (only to Witseoreum)
Scenery Highlights: Short ascent with beautiful views
Recommended For: Day-trippers, those who enjoy scenic views
Entry Hours: Winter (Nov-Feb) 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Eorimok Trail

Total Distance: 4.7 km (one-way)
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy (gentle path)
Summit Access: Not possible (only to Witseoreum)
Scenery Highlights: Gentle, beginner-friendly trail
Recommended For: Families, those wanting a light hike
Entry Hours: Winter (Nov-Feb) 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Final Trail Selection Guide

If you want to reach the Baengnokdam summit, choose either the Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trail.
If you're concerned about stamina or want a lighter hike, we recommend hiking to Witseoreum via the Yeongsil or Eorimok trail.
Note: To reach the summit, you must check the seasonal entry restriction times. You usually need to arrive at Baengnokdam summit before 1:30 PM (1:00 PM in winter).

What to Prepare for Your Hallasan Hike

View of Hallasan Mountain scenery from a trail

Recommended Hiking Trails for Hallasan Mountain

Hallasan is a high mountain at 1,947m, where temperatures can change drastically and weather can shift suddenly. Especially in winter, safety gear is essential due to snow and ice.

Essential Gear (All Seasons)

Hiking Boots: Wear boots with good grip to prevent slipping.
Waterproof/Windproof Jacket: Essential to prepare for weather changes.
Hat, Gloves: To block strong sunlight and wind.
Backpack (20-30L recommended): A size suitable for carrying water and snacks.
Water & Snacks: A 500ml-1L water bottle and simple energy boosters like chocolate and nuts.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Essential due to strong UV rays at high altitudes.

Additional Seasonal Gear

Season	Additional Gear
Spring (Mar-May)	Windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt (chilly mornings/evenings)
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Sunscreen, cooling sleeves, insect repellent, extra clothes (for sweat)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	Windproof jacket, warm clothing (large temperature differences)
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Crampons, gaiters, thick gloves, winter clothing, thermos (hot packs recommended)

Important Tips for Hiking Hallasan

Be prepared for cold temperatures and strong winds.
Hiking without crampons is prohibited in winter (slippery snow/ice).
There are no restrooms at the Baengnokdam summit, so use the facilities at a shelter beforehand.
You must carry out all your trash (cooking and littering are prohibited in the national park).

How to Book a Hike at Hallasan National Park

Hallasan National Park operates a reservation system for hiking. Since the number of hikers is limited, you must make a reservation before your visit.

Trails Requiring a Reservation

Seongpanak Trail (1,000 people per day)
Gwaneumsa Trail (500 people per day)
The Yeongsil and Eorimok trails can be used without a reservation.

How to Make a Reservation

Access the Hallasan National Park Visitor Reservation System website.
Select your desired date and trail (reservations open up to one month in advance).
Enter your name and contact information to complete the reservation.
Receive a confirmation text (SMS) and QR code.
Present your ID and the reservation QR code on the day of your hike to enter.

Important Notes on Reservations

Changes and cancellations are possible (up to the day before the hike).
Entry is not allowed without a reservation (no on-site booking).
Reservations are free (no additional cost).
A penalty may be applied for no-shows after booking.

If you are planning to hike Hallasan, make sure to complete your reservation in advance!

Choosing a Hallasan hiking trail should be done carefully, considering the difficulty and time required for each. A reservation is mandatory to reach the Baengnokdam summit, and it's crucial to pack the right gear for the season. Pick the optimal trail for your fitness level and schedule to safely enjoy the beauty of Hallasan Mountain!