Hallasan Hiking Guide: Reservations, Trails & Local Tips (2026)
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, plus a third option if you just want the views without the full summit push.
| Trail | Best For | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seongpanak | Beginners | ~9 hrs round trip | ★★★★★ |
| Gwaneumsa | Scenic challenge | ~8–9 hrs round trip | ★★★★★ |
| Yeongsil | Half-day hike | ~2.5 hrs round trip | ★★★★★ |
If you don't have a car, the Gwaneumsa trailhead is also reachable by public bus. Bus 475 loops between Jeju National University and the Gwaneumsa entrance roughly every 45–90 minutes, running from 6:20 AM to 7:45 PM. Heading to Seongpanak or Seogwipo afterward? Transfer to bus 281 at the Sancheondan stop.
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. Mind the Trail Access Cutoff Times ⏰
Every trail entrance on Hallasan has a strict cutoff time — arrive after this and the gate simply won't let you in, reservation or not. Cutoffs run later in summer and earlier in winter, so double-check before you go.
| Trail | Entrance Cutoff (Oct–Mar) | Entrance Cutoff (Apr–Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| Seongpanak | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Gwaneumsa | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Yeongsil | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Eorimok | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
If you're heading all the way to the summit via Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa, there's also a descent cutoff at Dongneung Top — 1:30 PM in winter, 2:30 PM in summer. Miss that, and rangers will turn you back before you even reach Baengnoktam.
4. 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.
5. 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.
One more catch: only JPEG, JPG, or PNG files under 95MB are accepted. If you're on an iPhone and your camera saves photos in HEIC format, switch it to "Most Compatible" in Settings before you start hiking — otherwise your summit photo won't upload at all.
FAQ
How long does it take to hike Hallasan?
Around 8–9 hours round trip via Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa. If you're short on time, the Yeongsil trail takes about 2.5 hours round trip.
Can beginners hike Hallasan?
Yes. Most first-time visitors choose the Seongpanak trail for its gentler, well-maintained path.
Do I need hiking boots?
Strongly recommended. The trails include long stretches of wooden decking and stone steps that get slippery when wet.
Can I hike Hallasan in winter?
Yes, but crampons are often necessary, and entrance cutoff times are earlier than in summer.
"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!"
☀️ Sunny's Note
As a local resident of Jeju Island, I explore places in person and share my honest experiences, travel tips, and photos whenever possible. I continue to update my guides with new information and changes that may help your Jeju trip.
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