Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, in the middle of Jeju Island. For the crater at the top, choose a summit trail and book ahead. For cliffs, fir trees and a shorter hike, choose Yeongsil. Yeongsil has steep stairs and does not reach the summit.

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1. Seongpanak: hike to Baengnokdam crater

The Seongpanak trail is 9.6 km one way. The park estimates 4 hours 30 minutes to the summit, not including the walk back. The route starts in the forest and gets steeper above Jindallaebat Shelter. Reserve the final section from the shelter to Baengnokdam and keep the confirmation QR code. Gwaneumsa is the other summit route, with the same booking rule above Samgakbong Shelter. Bring photo ID matching the booking name.

From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus 281 toward Seogwipo. Get off at Seongpanak (성판악), then walk about 2 minutes to the trail entrance. The park estimates about 40 minutes on the bus. Trailhead: 1865 516-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si (제주시 조천읍 516로 1865).

2. Yeongsil: cliffs and views without a summit booking

From Yeongsil Rest Area, the trail to Witse Oreum is 3.7 km one way, about 1 hour 30 minutes according to the park. That starts at the trailhead, not the bus stop. Look for the rocky cliffs and the fir forest. You do not need a reservation, but this is a hike with steep stairs, not a stroller route.

From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus 240 toward Jungmun. Get off at Yeongsil Ticket Booth (한라산국립공원 영실지소). From the stop, walk about 2.5 km uphill along the access road to the rest area and trailhead. Trailhead: 495 Yeongsil-ro, Seogwipo-si (서귀포시 영실로 495). Check the return bus before you start. Allow about 40–45 minutes for that uphill walk. Get off at the ticket booth, not the Yeongsil Entrance road junction.

The park’s separate route pages give up to 5 hours for the Seongpanak ascent and 2 hours 30 minutes to Witse Oreum. Allow extra time for your pace and the return. Restrooms are available at the Yeongsil office, rest area and Witse Oreum shelter.

Hours, fees and weather

Entry is free; parking can cost extra. In October–March, the published park timetable starts at 05:00. On Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa, pass both the entrance and the relevant shelter checkpoint by 11:30 and leave the summit by 13:30. At Yeongsil, enter by noon and leave Witse Oreum by 15:00. Your booking window and same-day restrictions still apply. April–September has a different timetable.

Before leaving, check the live trail status and the official booking site. Rain, wind, snow or ice can change access. Bring water, food, warm layers and shoes with good grip. Do not rely on buying supplies on the trail. VisitKorea route and transport guide. Information checked November 15, 2026.