Hallasan Volcano

Address: Hallasan (Hallasan National Park), Jeju Province, South Korea

Website: https://english.knps.or.kr/Knp/Hallasan/Intro/Introduction.aspx

Hours: Open year-round (weather-dependent; trail closures possible)

Admission: Free (park access); some visitor facilities or transport may charge

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.

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.

• 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.