Hallasan National Park National Park

Address: Hallasan National Park, Jeju Province, South Korea

Website: https://english.knps.or.kr/

Hours: Open daily (trail access and summit routes may be seasonally restricted)

Admission: Free entry (no park admission fee)

Hallasan National Park covers the central highlands of Jeju Island and protects Hallasan, a volcanic peak that rises to 1,947 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain in South Korea. The summit contains a crater lake known as Baengnokdam and the park is valued for its volcanic landforms and biodiversity.

Trails range from short walks to full-day summit routes; the two main summit approaches are the Seongpanak Trail (about 9.6 km one-way to the peak) and the Gwaneumsa Trail (about 8.7 km one-way). Hikers encounter alpine shrubland, mixed forests, and distinctive volcanic features, with ascent times commonly taking 4 to 6 hours depending on route and conditions.

Geologically the mountain is a shield volcano formed by repeated eruptions that built the island’s central massif; the slopes host a range of plant communities from subtropical to alpine. The park was designated a national park in 1970 and later became part of broader conservation recognitions for Jeju’s volcanic landscapes.

The park occupies the center of Jeju Island in Jeju Province and is accessible from towns around the island; trailheads and visitor facilities are distributed around the mountain’s base.

• Elevation: The summit reaches 1,947 meters, making it the highest point in South Korea and a popular destination for day hikes to the crater lake.
• Park status and seasonal access: Park status was designated in 1970; summit trails can close in winter and strong weather can make ascents hazardous, so check conditions before hiking.

What to See#

• Baengnokdam (summit crater): The summit crater lake Baengnokdam sits at the mountain peak and is the highest natural feature on Jeju Island.
• Seongpanak Trail: Seongpanak Trail leads to the summit and is approximately 9.6 km one-way from the trailhead to the peak, commonly used for summit ascents.
• Gwaneumsa Trail: Gwaneumsa Trail approaches the summit from the west and is about 8.7 km one-way, offering a steeper route used by many hikers.

Hallasan National Park occupies the center of Jeju Island; main public access points are the Seongpanak (south/east) and Gwaneumsa (north) trailheads. From Jeju International Airport or Jeju City you can reach the park by car or taxi (drive times typically under an hour depending on traffic); intercity and local buses also run from Jeju City and Seogwipo to stops near the main trailheads, where you will then start hikes that range from short walks to full-day ascents.

• Choose your trail to match time and fitness: Seongpanak is longer and more gradual to the summit, Gwaneumsa is steeper and shorter; both are the two standard summit approaches and have different turnaround logistics.
• Start very early (pre-dawn or at opening) to beat afternoon cloud build-up that often obscures summit views and to secure limited parking or the early buses to trailheads.
• Check current trail and summit closures (Hallasan is frequently closed in winter or during bad weather) and consider the Yeongsil Trail if you want a shorter hike with dramatic panoramic cliffs without committing to a full summit ascent.