Conquering Hallasan: A Local's Guide to South Korea's Highest Peak 🏔️

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The imposing south wall of Baengnoktam crater seen from Seonjak-jiwat on Hallasan mountain in Jeju Island
The Imposing South Wall of Baengnoktam Crater — Seen from Seonjak-jiwat on Hallasan

Planning to hike Hallasan — the crown jewel of any Jeju trip? At 1,947m above sea level, South Korea's highest peak demands serious preparation. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned hiker, Sunny's tips will help you make the most of every step.

1. First Things First: Make a Reservation 📝

The summit trail isn't open to everyone — the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa courses require advance reservations.

  • How to book: Reserve your slot through the official reservation system:

    🏔️ Book Your Hiking Slot
  • Important: You must present the QR code from your reservation at the entrance gate — no QR, no entry.

2. Choosing Your Trail 🥾

There are two main routes to reach the summit at Baengnoktam crater.

  • Seongpanak Trail (Standard Route): Longer in distance but gentler in gradient — the go-to choice for beginners and those who prefer a steadier pace.
  • Gwaneumsa Trail (Challenge Route): Shorter but significantly steeper, rewarding hikers with dramatic, rugged scenery along the way.
☀️ Sunny's Tip Experienced hikers often take Gwaneumsa on the way up for the scenery, then descend via Seongpanak to protect their knees on the way down. Just remember — the two trailheads are in different locations, so if you drove, you'll need a taxi to get back to your car!
☀️ Sunny's Final Note: Is Hallasan Too Hard for Beginners?

Don't let the height intimidate you! While Hallasan is the tallest mountain in South Korea, the trails are very well-maintained with wooden decks and clearly marked paths.

  • Pace Yourself: You don't need to be a professional athlete. The key to conquering Hallasan is maintaining a slow, steady rhythm.
  • Start with Seongpanak: If it's your first time, the Seongpanak Trail is highly recommended. It's longer but offers a much gentler incline compared to the steep steps of Gwaneumsa.
  • Try the "Lite" Version: If the 9-hour round trip to the summit feels too daunting, take the Yeongsil Trail. It's a 2.5-hour hike that offers breathtaking scenery with much less effort!
  • Listen to Your Body: There is no shame in turning back. The mountain will always be here, and your safety is the top priority!

3. Couldn't Get a Reservation? Try Yeongsil & Eorimok 🌿

Missed the summit reservation or prefer a shorter hike? These two trails require no reservation and offer some of Hallasan's most breathtaking scenery.

  • Yeongsil Trail (Most Scenic Route): The best bang for your effort — in the shortest time, you'll reach iconic views of Byeongpungbawi cliffs and the Seonjak-jiwat plateau. Absolutely stunning.
  • Eorimok Trail: Wide, open views and a great option to combine with the Yeongsil trail for a full loop experience.
☀️ Sunny's Tip The Yeongsil trailhead parking lot fills up fast. If you arrive after 8 AM, you'll likely end up in the lower lot — which means a long walk before you even start hiking. Aim to arrive before 8 AM, or take a taxi directly to the entrance.
Endless wooden and stone stairway with dramatic volcanic rock formations on the Yeongsil trail of Hallasan mountain
Endless Stone Stairway and Dramatic Volcanic Rock Formations on the Yeongsil Trail

4. Want the Official Summit Certificate? Read This First 📜

Once you reach the summit, you can apply for an official Hallasan Summit Certificate through the Visit Halla website. It's a genuinely satisfying keepsake — but there's one thing that trips up a surprising number of people, including experienced hikers.

When you upload your summit photo, the system automatically reads the photo's hidden data and checks whether a geotag — a GPS location stamp — is embedded in the file. If your photo was taken with location services turned off, or if your camera app doesn't have location permissions, the system will reject it, even if your photo is clearly taken at Baengnoktam crater.

The photo has to have been taken within 1 km of the summit, and the GPS coordinates need to be saved inside the image file itself. The system checks this automatically — there's no way around it.

☀️ Sunny's Tip Before you even start the hike, open your phone's camera app and make sure location permission is turned ON. Then take a quick test shot and check that the photo has GPS data saved. Don't wait until you're at the summit to find out it wasn't recording — by then it's too late. Make sure your camera's location tag (Geotag) is turned ON before taking the summit photo.
Official Hallasan Summit Certificate document issued by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Official Hallasan Summit Certificate — UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Jeju
"Climbing a mountain on your travels is a conversation with yourself — and a way of meeting the deepest part of the land beneath your feet. I hope Sunny's tips help you have a safe and unforgettable journey up Hallasan!"