GUNUNG · Korea Selatan

Hallasan

한라산 (Hallasan)

Information

Elevation: 1.947 m
Country: Korea Selatan (KR)
Location / Range: Stands alone, forming most of Jeju Island (Jeju-do), South Korea — UNESCO Natural Heritage
Mountain type: Dormant shield volcano — the highest point of South Korea
Volcanic?: Yes — volcano
Coordinates: 33.3500, 126.5167
Difficulty: Intermediate trekking (good but long trail; standard fitness is adequate; winter requires crampons)
Best Season: March–May (spring, azaleas in bloom) and October–November (autumn, colorful foliage); winter is beautiful but snowy
Permits & Rules: A free online reservation via the official Hallasan Booking System is mandatory for the two summit trails (Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa). Daily capacity is limited. Registration is recommended several weeks to months in advance, especially on public holidays
Hazards: Rapidly changing weather at the summit (thick fog, strong winds), slippery paths when wet/snowy, and strict check-in deadlines — latecomers are not allowed to continue to the summit

Description

Hallasan (한라산, 1,947 m) is a massive shield volcano that forms nearly the entire Jeju Island at the southern tip of South Korea, and is the country's highest point. Its summit features the beautiful Baengnokdam crater lake ('White Deer Lake'), surrounded by more than 360 parasitic cones on the volcano's flanks. Geologically, Hallasan's last eruption was around 1007 CE, making it a dormant volcano. Hallasan is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site covering Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (2007), and was South Korea's first national park (1970). Only two trails allow access to the summit — Seongpanak (9.6 km, gentler gradient) and Gwaneumsa (8.7 km, steeper and more dramatic) — both under a strict online reservation and timed entry system. Other trails lead only to points below the summit. Hallasan is celebrated for its spring azalea blooms, autumn foliage, and pristine winter snow.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Jalur Seongpanak (Seongpanak Trail) — rute normal lebih landai

Trekking menengah (non-teknis; jalur diperkerasan/decking sebagian; bisa jadi licin saat basah)

9–13 jam pulang-pergi (ke puncak ~4,5–6 jam; turun ~3–5 jam)

The Seongpanak Trail (9.6 km one-way) is the most popular route to Hallasan's summit. Starting from Seongpanak car park (~750 m) on the eastern side of the national park, it passes through dense temperate forest on a mainly gradual gradient, ending with a steeper rocky section before reaching Baengnokdam crater lake (1,947 m). Compared to Gwaneumsa, this trail is longer but more consistently graded and more beginner-friendly. Strict cut-off times apply: hikers who pass certain checkpoints too late are not permitted to continue to the summit.

Route Segments

1

Seongpanak Trailhead → Shelter Seongpanak

↔ 4.1 km ↑ 430 m ⏱ 2–3 jam 1.140 mdpl

Hutan lebat, jalur landai; ada toilet & shelter
2

Shelter Seongpanak → Puncak Baengnokdam

↔ 5.5 km ↑ 807 m ⏱ 2,5–3 jam 1.947 mdpl

Bagian terjal terakhir berbatu; cut-off time berlaku di shelter

Source

Jalur Seongpanak (성판악)

Menengah — jalur terpanjang namun paling landai; salah satu dari dua rute yang mencapai puncak

±8–10 jam pulang-pergi (sekitar 19 km PP)

The longest but most gradual route to the Baengnokdam summit crater, starting from the Seongpanak trailhead on the east side. The terrain is gentle with some inclines and wooden stairs, making it the most accessible option for most hikers. Online reservation via the official Hallasan National Park system is required, and hikers must pass Jindallaebat Shelter before the seasonal cut-off time to continue to the peak.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Hallasan (1,947 m), the roof of South Korea on Jeju Island, is climbed via two summit trails — the long, gradual Seongpanak and the steep, dramatic Gwaneumsa — to the Baengnokdam crater lake. The videos below show real ascents of both across the seasons, from autumn foliage and azalea meadows to snow- and ice-covered winter trails. All links are verified live.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.