Hallasan National Park Playbook
Hallasan National Park's peak and magnificent mountain ranges create a grand natural landscape / Majestic natural landscape of Hallasan mountain peaks and ridges
Hallasan National Park Playbook

Hallasan National Park Hiking Playbook

A guide to Hallasan National Park, one of the best mountains in Korea. Provides detailed routes, practical maps, and tips for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced courses.

Photo byJulien Manival/unsplash
Beginner Course Overview
Yeongsil↑ Eorimok↓ Loop Traverse 11.6km
Duration 4~5h
Witseoreum·Nambyeokbungi-jeom 1,700m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±420m
Estimated Calories ~1,000
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Yeongsil↑ Eorimok↓ Loop Traverse

Yeongsil 1,280mByeongpungbawi RockWitseoreum 1,700mNambyeokbungijeom JunctionEorimok 970m
Overall Course Flow
Yeongsil Trail Entrance→Byeongpungbawi Rock→Witseoreum 1,700m→Nambyeokbungijeom Junction→Manse-dongsan→Sajebidongsan→ Eorimok Trail Entrance

Course Features

  • Yeongsil Trail entrance at 1,280m above sea level — high starting elevation allows for appreciation of high-altitude scenery over a short distance
  • Byeongpungbawi Rock formation + Obaeknahan, Hallasan National Park's best scenic section
  • Witseoreum Shelter sells cup noodles and drinks (cash required)
  • No reservation required (unlike Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa Temple, entry is possible without prior reservation)
  • Yeongsil Ticket Office → Yeongsil Trail Entrance: 40-minute walk or use a vehicle
  • Baengnokdam Lake summit is not accessible via this course — use intermediate or advanced courses for the summit
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Yeongsil Trail Entrance
Elevation 1,280m Hawon-dong, Seogwipo-si

Enter by car from Yeongsil Ticket Office or arrive at the trail entrance by walking for 40 minutes. Check safety regulations at the visitor center before departing. Enter the mountain after using the restroom.

After parking at Yeongsil Ticket Office, it takes 40 minutes to walk to the trail entrance. Shuttle bus available when operating. The earlier you depart, the more parking is available.
1
Yeongsil Trail Entrance → Byeongpungbawi Rock
Approx. 1.5km 50min Elevation ↑300m (Steep incline)
Difficulty

This course's only steep section, 'Kkaltakgogae'. After climbing the steep stairs for 40-50 minutes, you will reach Byeongpungbawi Rock. The Obangnahan (Five Hundred Generals) and strange rock formations unfold, allowing you to enjoy Hallasan National Park's best scenery.

This section is the most challenging part of the course. Take plenty of breaks and ascend slowly. The subsequent Seonjakjiwat (plain) section is very gentle.
2
Byeongpungbawi Rock → Seonjakjiwat → Witseoreum Shelter
Approx. 1.3km 50min Gentle plains
Difficulty

After passing Byeongpungbawi Rock, Seonjakjiwat (alpine plain) unfolds. Walk along a gentle trail with almost no incline, enjoying Hallasan National Park's unique alpine plants (Korean fir, azaleas). Cup noodles and drinks can be purchased at Witseoreum Shelter.

Cup noodles (1,500 won) and water are available for purchase at Witseoreum Shelter. Cash is essential! Enjoy a special experience dining at an outdoor table with a view of Baengnokdam's south wall.
3
Witseoreum → Nambyeokbungi-jeom (optional view)
Round trip approx. 1km 30 min View of Baengnokdam's south wall
Difficulty

When hiking round trip from Witseoreum to Nambyeokbungi-jeom (0.5km), you can admire the magnificent volcanic cliffs of Baengnokdam's south wall head-on. Reaching the summit of Baengnokdam is not possible from this point. After taking photos at Nambyeokbungi-jeom, begin descending towards Eorimok.

Nambyeokbungijeom Junction is the closest point to view the southern wall of Baengnokdam Crater. On a clear day, the grandeur of the volcanic cliff is overwhelming!
4
Nambyeokbungijeom Junction → Manse-dongsan → Sajaebidongsan → Eorimok
Approx. 4.7km 1h 40min Descent
Difficulty

Descend towards Eorimok. Pass Manse-dongsan and Sajaebi-dongsan, then through a dense fir forest to reach the Eorimok Trailhead. After Sajaebi-dongsan, a gentle forest path continues.

Accessible by Jeju city bus from Eorimok Bus Stop. 15-minute walk from the trailhead to the bus stop. If using a private car, separate travel to Yeongsil Parking Lot is required.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (non-slip)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Headlamp

Food & Water

  • More than 1.5L of water
  • Energy bar/Snacks
  • Prepare cash (shelter store)
  • Witseoreum Cup Noodle Sales

Safety Rules

  • Pass the trail entrance before the entry control time.
  • Winter season entry control 12:00, Summer season 15:00
  • No reservation required (Yeongsil·Eorimok)
  • Prepare for rapid weather changes in high mountains

Transportation Information

  • Jeju City Center → Eorimok: Bus No. 240
  • Seogwipo → Yeongsil: Seogwipo City Bus
  • Yeongsil·Eorimok Parking Lot (Paid)
  • When doing a loop hike, transportation planning for each direction is essential

Seasonal Information

  • Spring (April-May): Azalea colonies in full bloom
  • Summer: Seonjakjiwat in the clouds, mysterious cloud sea
  • Autumn: Eulalia and autumn foliage, best in October
  • Winter: Overwhelming snow scenery, crampons essential

Useful Information

  • Hallasan National Park Reservation visithalla.jeju.go.kr
  • Entry Control Phone: 064-713-9950
  • Jeju Weather, Jeju Regional Meteorological Administration 064-752-0365
  • Use Rambler GPS app

Yeongsil↑ Eorimok↓ Loop Traverse Concept Map

Yeongsil Trail Entrance PByeongpungbawi RockWitseoreum 1,700mNambyeokbungijeom JunctionBaengnokdam LakeEorimok Trailhead PNYeongsil Uphill TrailEorimok Descent Trail
All Checkpoints
1
Yeongsil Trail Entrance Starting Point
Elevation 1,280m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Restroom·Parking Lot
2
Kkaltakgogae Pass (Start of steep slope) Caution Section
Elevation 1,400m Cumulative 0.5km
Amenities: —
3
Byeongpungbawi Rock (Obaeknahan) Attractions
Elevation 1,580m Cumulative 1.5km
Amenities: Observation Deck/Rest Area
4
Seonjakjiwat (Alpine Plateau) Scenery
Elevation 1,630m Cumulative 2.3km
Amenities: —
5
Witseoreum Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,700m Cumulative 2.8km
Amenities: Snack bar, restroom, drinking water
6
Nambyeokbungijeom Junction Fork in the road
Elevation 1,600m Cumulative 3.3km
Amenities: Observation Deck
7
Manse-dongsan Ridge
Elevation 1,580m Cumulative 4.5km
Amenities: —
8
Sajebidongsan Ridge
Elevation 1,400m Cumulative 6.5km
Amenities: —
9
Eorimok Trailhead Terminus
Elevation 970m Cumulative 7.6km
Amenities: Parking Lot/Bus Stop
Intermediate Course Overview
Round trip distance 19.2km
Duration 8~10h
Baengnokdam Lake summit 1,947m
Cumulative Elevation Change 1,300m
Estimated Calories ~2,500
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Seongpanak Baengnokdam Round Trip

Seongpanak 750mSokbat ShelterJindallaebatBaengnokdam Lake 1,947mDescent (Reverse Direction)Return to Seongpanak
Overall Course Flow
Seongpanak Trailhead→Sokbat Shelter→Saraoreum Entrance→Jindallaebat Shelter→Baengnokdam Lake 1,947m→(Return to starting point)→ Seongpanak Return

Course Features

  • Course allowing ascent to Baengnokdam Crater Lake at the summit of Hallasan National Park (one of two)
  • Relatively gentle ridge — comparatively easier than Gwaneumsa Temple course
  • Optional addition of Saraoreum Oreum exploration (round trip +1.3km)
  • One-way 9.6km · Round trip 19.2km — Sufficient stamina is essential
  • Seongpanak·Gwaneumsa course advance reservation required (visithalla.jeju.go.kr)
  • Summer season entry control 12:30, Winter season 11:30 — Early departure essential
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Seongpanak Trailhead Information Center
Elevation 750m 516-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si

Start from the 516 Road (Seongpanak) Trailhead Information Center towards Jeju City. After confirming your reservation, enter the mountain. After using the restroom and checking your backpack, enter the trail.

Early departure between 5-6 AM is recommended. Including waiting time for summit photos (1-2 hours), the entire trip can take 12 hours.
No entry without advance reservation! Be sure to make a reservation at visithalla.jeju.go.kr.
1
Seongpanak → Sokbat Shelter
Approx. 3.8km 1h 20min Elevation ↑300m
Difficulty

A wide and gentle trail continues. You will walk through lush Jeju warm-temperate forests and Korean fir forests.

Restrooms and water refills are available at Sokbat Shelter. This is an initial warm-up section.

Snacks and stretching are recommended at Sokbat Shelter. The altitude gradually increases thereafter.
2
Sokbat Shelter → Saraoreum Entrance → Jindallaebat Shelter
Approx. 4.0km 1h 30min Elevation ↑450m
Difficulty

The slope continues gently. After passing the Saraoreum entrance (1.3km round trip exploration possible), you will arrive at the Jindallaebat Shelter. The Jindallaebat area offers the best scenery on Hallasan National Park when azaleas bloom in spring (late April to early May).

Be sure to refill water at Jindallaebat Shelter. There is no drinking water until the peak. Replenish energy here and prepare for the final ascent.
3
Jindallaebat Shelter → Baengnokdam Peak
Approx. 1.8km 1h 30min Elevation ↑550m (Steep slope)
Difficulty

The section from Jindallaebat to the peak is the most challenging. It involves repeated rock formations, rocky paths, and steep inclines.

At the peak, enjoy views of the Baengnokdam crater lake and a 360-degree panorama. Expect a waiting time of 30 minutes to over 1 hour for a photo with the peak marker.

Weather changes rapidly in the summit area. A windproof jacket is essential for strong winds, fog, and rain. Crampons are required in winter.
4
Baengnokdam Lake → Seongpanak (descent)
9.6km 3h~3h 30min Return to starting point
Difficulty

Descend back to the original point in the direction of Seongpanak, from where you ascended. You must adhere to the descent control times (14:30 in summer, 13:30 in winter). Wear knee pads and use two trekking poles to distribute knee impact.

Check the descent time at the Jindallaebat Control Post. When descending via Seongpanak, exploration towards Gwaneumsa Temple is not permitted (it is not a one-way route).
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (waterproof, non-slip)
  • Knee protectors (essential)
  • 2 trekking poles
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Headlamp

Food & Water

  • More than 2L of water (limited replenishment mid-hike)
  • No drinking water after Jindallaebat
  • Plenty of packed lunch/energy bars
  • Carbohydrate and protein balanced action food

Safety Rules

  • Must depart between 5-6 AM
  • Advance reservation (visithalla.jeju.go.kr)
  • Strict adherence to entry control times
  • Prepare for rapid weather changes at the summit.

Transportation Information

  • Jeju City → Seongpanak: Bus No. 181
  • Seogwipo → Seongpanak: Seogwipo City Bus
  • Seongpanak Parking Lot is Paid (Congested)
  • Early arrival for parking is recommended

Reservation Information

  • Seongpanak·Gwaneumsa advance reservation required
  • Reservations for the next month open on the 1st of every month at 09:00
  • First-come, first-served early closing (popular dates within minutes)
  • Note reservation cancellation penalties

Summit Environment

  • Summit temperature in summer is around 10°C.
  • Frequent strong winds and fog
  • Waiting time for summit marker: 1-2 hours during peak season.
  • Crampons and gaiters essential in winter

Seongpanak Baengnokdam Round Trip Course Map

Seongpanak Trailhead Information Center PSokbat ShelterSaraoreum (Optional)Saraoreum EntranceJindallaebat ShelterBaengnokdam Lake1,947mNAscent (Seongpanak↑)Descent (Reverse Direction↓)
All Checkpoints
1
Seongpanak Trailhead Information Center Starting Point
Elevation 750m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking/Restroom/Information Center
2
Sokbat Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,050m Cumulative 3.8km
Amenities: Restroom·Water Fountain
3
Saraoreum Junction Fork in the road
Elevation 1,310m Cumulative 5.8km
Amenities: —
4
Saraoreum (Optional) Crater
Elevation 1,322m Cumulative 6.5km
Amenities: Observatory
5
Jindallaebat Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,500m Cumulative 7.3km
Amenities: Restroom·Drinking Water·Shelter
6
Jindallaebat Control Post Entry Control
Elevation 1,500m Cumulative 7.3km
Amenities: —
7
Rocky section just before the summit. Steep Slope
Elevation 1,850m Cumulative 8.8km
Amenities: —
8
Baengnokdam Lake (summit) Summit
Elevation 1,947m Cumulative 9.6km
Amenities: Monuments·Observatories
9
Return to Seongpanak Terminus
Elevation 750m Cumulative 19.2km
Amenities: Parking Lot/Restaurant
Advanced Course Overview
One-way traverse distance 18.3km
Duration 9~11h
Baengnokdam Lake summit 1,947m
Cumulative Elevation Change 1,350m
Estimated Calories ~3,000
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Gwaneumsa↑ Seongpanak↓ Traverse

Gwaneumsa Temple 620mTamna ValleyGaemideung RidgeSamgakbong ShelterBaengnokdam Lake 1,947mJindallaebatSokbat ShelterSeongpanak 750mGwaneumsa↑↓Seongpanak
Overall Course Flow
Gwaneumsa Trailhead Information Center→Tamna Valley→Gaemideung Ridge→Samgakbong Shelter→Baengnokdam Lake 1,947m→Jindallaebat Shelter→Sokbat Shelter→ Seongpanak Trailhead

Course Features

  • Gwaneumsa (North) → Baengnokdam → Seongpanak (East) Hallasan National Park Full Traverse
  • Gwaneumsa Temple Course: Includes Tamna Valley, Korean Fir primeval forest, and Gaemideung scenic sections
  • Seongpanak descent: Safely descend along a gentle ridge
  • One-way 18.3km — A day-long traverse that's tougher than a round trip
  • Advance reservations required for both Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak (reserve each on the same day).
  • Gwaneumsa Temple Course steep section 3.5km — For advanced hikers only
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Gwaneumsa Trailhead Information Center
Elevation 620m Ara-dong, Jeju-si

Travel from Jeju City towards Gwaneumsa. After confirming your reservation at the Gwaneumsa Trailhead Information Center, enter the mountain. Depart after using the restroom.

If you start hiking at 5 AM, a leisurely traverse is possible. It is recommended to depart from Gwaneumsa Temple by 7 AM at the latest.
Advance reservations are required for both Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak. Entry is not permitted without a reservation!
1
Gwaneumsa Temple → Tamna Valley
Approx. 3.2km 1h 10min Elevation ↑300m
Difficulty

Walk along the trail through the lush subtropical forests of Jeju to Tamna Valley. The atmosphere is that of a relatively gentle walking path. After crossing the Tamna Valley wooden bridge, the real climb begins.

Take a short break at Tamna Valley Wooden Bridge to refill water and snacks. After this, a 2.8 km steep ascent to Gaemideung begins.
2
Tamna Valley → Gaemideung → Samgakbong Shelter
Approx. 2.8km 2h Elevation ↑700m (Extremely steep slope)
Difficulty

The Gwaneumsa Course's most difficult section. A steep ridge climb, known as Gaemideung, continues relentlessly.

Stairs and rock ridges repeat, gaining 700m in elevation. Be sure to take a sufficient rest at Samgakbong Shelter (1,500m).

The core difficult section of this course. There is a risk of injury after reaching the summit without knee pads or trekking poles. It is essential to check the passing time at the Samgakbong Control Post.
3
Samgakbong Shelter → Yongjingak Suspension Bridge → Baengnokdam Peak
Approx. 2.7km 1h 30min Elevation ↑447m
Difficulty

From Samgakbong Shelter, cross the Yongjingak Suspension Bridge and ascend to the peak via the rocky ridge section. The magnificent scenery unique to the Gwaneumsa Course unfolds—the grand volcanic terrain of the North Face and Janggu-mok. Reach the northern peak of Baengnokdam.

It is essential to confirm the descent route towards Seongpanak from the summit. Be careful not to confuse the descent direction between Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak!
4
Baengnokdam Lake → Jindallaebat Shelter → Sokbat Shelter → Seongpanak
9.6km 3h~3h 30min Descent
Difficulty

Descend from the summit towards Seongpanak. After replenishing water and snacks at Jindallaebat Shelter, pass through Sokbat Shelter and arrive at Seongpanak Trailhead Information Center. This descent route is gentler than Gwaneumsa.

From Seongpanak, you can travel to Jeju City by Bus No. 181. If using the Gwaneumsa parking lot, vehicle retrieval is necessary — use a bus or taxi.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (waterproof, ankle-supporting)
  • Knee protectors (both sides essential)
  • 2 trekking poles
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen

Food & Water

  • More than 2.5L of water
  • Check water fountains at Samgakbong and Jindallaebat
  • 2 meals worth of packed lunch/energy bars
  • Prepare enough high-calorie action food

Reservation Information

  • Reservations for both Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak
  • Apply for separate reservations on the same day
  • visithalla.jeju.go.kr
  • Opens on the 1st of every month at 09:00, first-come, first-served

Safety Rules

  • Recommended to depart from Gwaneumsa Temple at 5 AM
  • Must pass Samgakbong before control time
  • Summer entry control strictly enforced at 12:30.
  • Solo hiking strictly prohibited

Transportation Information

  • Gwaneumsa→Seongpanak One-Way Traverse
  • Return by Bus No. 181 from Seongpanak
  • Vehicle retrieval required if parking at Gwaneumsa Temple
  • Taxi alternative when using a rental car

Physical Preparation

  • Minimum 3-4 months of hiking training
  • Intermediate course Seongpanak round trip in advance
  • More than 5 hikes over 10km
  • Combine with knee and ankle strengthening exercises

Gwaneumsa↑ Seongpanak↓ Traverse Concept Map

Gwaneumsa Trailhead Information Center PTamna ValleyGaemideung RidgeSamgakbong Shelter1,500mBaengnokdam Lake1,947mJindallaebat ShelterSokbat ShelterSeongpanak Trailhead Information Center P →← Gwaneumsa Temple NorthSeongpanak East →NGwaneumsa Temple uphill (ascent)Descent from Seongpanak (Traverse)
All Checkpoints (Traverse)
1
Gwaneumsa Trailhead Information Center Starting Point
Elevation 620m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking/Restroom/Information Center
2
Tamna Valley Wooden Bridge Valley
Elevation 920m Cumulative 3.2km
Amenities: Shelter
3
Gaemideung Ridge steep section begins Caution Section
Elevation 1,100m Cumulative 4.0km
Amenities: —
4
Samgakbong Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,500m Cumulative 6.0km
Amenities: Restroom·Drinking Water
5
Samgakbong Control Post Entry Control
Elevation 1,500m Cumulative 6.0km
Amenities: —
6
Yongjingak Suspension Bridge Attractions
Elevation 1,650m Cumulative 7.0km
Amenities: —
7
North Face / Janggu-mok Scenic View
Elevation 1,850m Cumulative 7.8km
Amenities: —
8
Baengnokdam Lake (summit) Summit
Elevation 1,947m Cumulative 8.7km
Amenities: Monuments·Observatories
9
Jindallaebat Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,500m Cumulative 10.9km
Amenities: Restroom·Drinking Water
10
Saraoreum Junction Fork in the road
Elevation 1,310m Cumulative 12.5km
Amenities: —
11
Sokbat Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,050m Cumulative 14.5km
Amenities: Restroom
12
Seongpanak Trailhead Information Center Terminus
Elevation 750m Cumulative 18.3km
Amenities: Parking Lot/Bus/Restaurant

Hallasan National Park's Four Seasons & Attractions