Hallasan
Volcano Jeju shield volcano and South Korea's highest peak
Jeju’s Hallasan rises to South Korea’s highest point; hikers follow maintained trails to the crater lake, alpine flora and panoramic island views within a national park.
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Hallasan is a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea, located at the centre of Jeju Island in Jeju Province. Its summit rises to 1,947 metres and contains a crater lake known as Baengnokdam.
The mountain is a focal point for hikers and nature visitors, with well-maintained trails and park facilities leading to the summit crater and across diverse vegetation zones. Popular routes start from the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trailheads and provide access for day hikes as well as multi-hour summit ascents.
The landscape is volcanic in origin, featuring lava flows, parasitic cones and a mix of temperate and alpine plant communities. Hallasan sits roughly in the middle of Jeju Island and is the dominant topographic feature of the island.
- Highest point: Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, rising to 1,947 metres above sea level.
- Volcanic summit: A volcanic shield with a summit crater lake, it is the central feature of Hallasan National Park and a popular destination for hiking year-round.
What to See #
- Baengnokdam (crater lake): Baengnokdam is the crater lake at the summit and occupies the volcanic caldera at the top of Hallasan.
- Main trailheads: Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa are the principal trailheads providing the most-used routes to the summit and crater for hikers and trekkers.
How to Get to Hallasan #
Hallasan sits in the centre of Jeju Island inside Hallasan National Park. Most visitors reach the park by car or by intercity buses/tour buses from Jeju City or Jeju International Airport; there are official trailhead parking areas and shuttle/tour options. Popular trailheads (Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa) are served by park buses and taxis - expect a 40-60 minute drive from Jeju City or the airport depending on traffic.
Tips for Visiting Hallasan #
- Start very early (pre-dawn) from trailheads to reach the summit zone before clouds roll in and to ensure you finish before afternoon weather changes; summit routes (Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa) are the two main ways up-choose Gwaneumsa for a steeper route and Seongpanak for a gentler ascent.
- Check Jeju city-trailhead bus timetables or arrange return transport before you go-public buses that serve Hallasan trailheads run limited schedules, and missing the last service can leave you dependent on taxis.
- In winter and during strong winds trails or sections may close-verify current Hallasan National Park updates (trail closures and weather advisories) before committing to a summit attempt.
Best Time to Visit Hallasan #
Best to hike Hallasan in spring or autumn for clearer weather and comfortable trail conditions.
Weather & Climate near Hallasan #
Hallasan's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2200 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (322 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (384 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (319 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (208 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
