A trip to Hallasan Mountain will give you a fresh look at Korean nature. Pocket the guide to conquering Hallasan National Park, Korea! So, what to do in hallasan national park, how to get to hallasan national park? Let’s explore hallasan mountain through this blog!
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Hallasan Mountain, the highest mountain in Korea with an altitude of 1,950 meters above sea level, is a destination not to be missed for those who love to explore nature. With a diverse ecosystem, from lush green forests to colorful flower carpets, Hallasan offers visitors challenging and exciting mountain climbing experiences.
Conquering Hallasan is not only a physical journey but also an opportunity for you to explore the wild beauty of nature and learn about the culture and history of the people of Jeju Island. Let’s go to discover the hidden secrets on this majestic mountain with our partner Klook below!
Where is Hallasan Mountain?
Hallasan Mountain is located in the center of Jeju Island – a famous island in Korea. As one of the three sacred mountains of Korea, Hallasan is located at the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula and is a sacred symbol in Korean culture. The mountain is also known as Yeongjusan, meaning “a mountain high enough to pull the galaxy”, expressing its grandeur and majesty.
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Hallasan is also notable for its 368 small volcanoes, called Oremus, creating a unique and rich ecosystem. The Hallasan mountain complex was designated as a National Park in 1970, in order to preserve and promote the natural and cultural values of this area. This further increases the attraction for tourists and nature lovers when visiting Jeju Island.
When is the best time to visit Hallasan Mountain?
Exploring Hallasan in the fall is a wonderful experience that anyone should try at least once in their life. Autumn lasts from September to November, when the mountain wears its most brilliant coat with the red, yellow, and orange colors of maple leaves and other trees. The cool, fresh air and beautiful natural scenery make autumn an ideal time for mountain climbing and sightseeing.
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In addition, autumn is also the time when many wild flowers bloom, creating brilliant color accents along the trails. The waterfalls and streams on Hallasan Mountain also become more sparkling under the autumn sunlight, creating poetic landscapes.
How to get to Hallasan Mountain?
Below is a detailed guide on how to getting to Hallasan Mountain from major cities in Korea, specifically from Seoul and neighboring areas.
Travel from Seoul to Jeju Island
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- Airplane: The fastest way to get to Jeju from Seoul is by plane. Gimpo International Airport (GMP) and Incheon International Airport (ICN) both have daily flights to Jeju International Airport (CJU). The flight time is about 1 hour and many airlines such as Korean Air, Air Busan, Jin Air, Jeju Air, etc. offer this service.
- Train and ferry: Another option is to take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Mokpo, then transfer to a ferry to Jeju. Although this takes longer (about 4-5 hours by train and another 4-5 hours by ferry), you will have the opportunity to experience more beautiful scenery along the way.
Getting From Jeju International Airport to Hallasan Mountain
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- Bus: From the airport, you can take a bus to Jeju Central Bus Station or Seogwipo, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to the starting points of Hallasan Mountain. Bus route 181 often serves these routes.
- Taxi: A more convenient way is to take a taxi directly from the airport to the hiking starting points. The cost will be higher than the bus, but you will save time and effort.
- Car Rental: If you are able to drive your own car, renting a self-driving car or renting a private car is a good option. This allows you to move freely and explore the areas around Hallasan flexibly.
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What to do in Hallasan National Park? Discover Hallasan National Park in Jeju Island
Explore the Natural Landscape
Hallasan Mountain is always an ideal destination for those who love to explore wild and diverse nature. With a small volcanic cluster called Oremus and rich forests, Hallasan gives you the feeling of being lost in a mysterious world. Climbing trails such as Yeongsil, Eorimok, Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa and Donnaeko all have beautiful natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of Jeju Island.
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Camping on the way up
Camping in Hallasan is a great experience for those who want to connect more deeply with nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Designated camping areas are spread out from the foot of the mountain to the rest stops along the way, providing convenience and safety when you want to stop to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Trekking Hallasan Mountain
Trekking the mountain trails in Hallasan is the most popular and value activity here. With a network of different trekking routes, from easy to difficult, you can choose the route that suits your ability and time. This is both a sport activity and an opportunity for you to explore the richness of nature and local culture. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, Hallasan will bring you unforgettable experiences and wonderful emotions when immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Jeju Island.
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Yeongsil Trail
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Yeongsil Trail at Hallasan Mountain is about 3.7 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete the whole route. This is a great choice for visitors who want to explore Hallasan Mountain without climbing to the top. This hiking trail leads along one side of the mountain, so you can admire the diverse landscape of the mountains and prominent waterfalls in this area.
Eorimok Trail (#Hallasan National Park blog)
Eorimok Trail is the perfect choice when you want to explore Hallasan easily and comfortably. With a length of 4.7 km each way and a total walking time of about 2.5 hours, this trail has a moderate slope that is very easy to walk. Besides, this trail also brings you a peaceful and cool space with pine forests and ancient oak trees providing shade.
Seongpanak Trail
With a length of about 9.6 km one way, it will take you from 7 to 9 hours to walk the entire Seongpanak Trail. This is also a popular choice for tourists who want to trek Hallasan because there are many public transportations to get to the starting point of the trail. However, you should note that Seongpanak Trail mainly goes through valleys and steep passes, so the space will be quite deserted.
Gwaneumsa Trail
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Gwaneumsa Trail is an ideal choice for those who are passionate about exploring and want to challenge themselves with the wild beauty of nature at Hallasan Mountain. With a length of 8.7 km each way and a walking time of 8 to 10 hours, this trail offers a challenging and attractive trekking journey. The highlight of this trail is the beautiful natural scenery, from dense forests to majestic mountain landscapes. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the rich vegetation and listen to the birds chirping in the peaceful space of the mountains and forests.
Donnaeko Trail
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Donnaeko Trail is located at an altitude of about 500m above sea level with a length of 7km. In particular, when choosing this route, you need to prepare enough drinking water because there are no natural water sources throughout the journey. Although Donnaeko does not have the same majestic scenery as some other trails in Hallasan, it gives you a closer experience with the wild and quiet nature of the mountains.
Guide to Buying Souvenirs in Hallasan Mountain, Korea (#Hallasan National Park blog)
A trip would not be complete if we go back empty-handed without bringing a souvenir from the land we have just discovered, right? If you do not know what to buy for your relatives and friends on your Jeju Island trip, please refer to some suggestions from Klook below!
Lingzhi Mushrooms
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Lingzhi is a precious mushroom with high medicinal value, famous for its many uses such as strengthening the immune system, improving health and anti-aging. On Jeju Island, lingzhi is carefully grown and cared for, ensuring high quality. You can buy lingzhi in the form of dried mushrooms, lingzhi powder or lingzhi processed products such as tea, lingzhi extract.
Hallabong Tangerine
A specialty fruit of Jeju Island, Hallabong tangerine is famous for its sweet, delicious and juicy taste. This tangerine is characterized by a large stem, creating a unique shape. You can buy fresh Hallabong tangerine or tangerine products such as juice, tangerine jam, tangerine candy as gifts.
Chocolate Candy
Jeju chocolate candy is also a popular souvenir that you cannot miss. Chocolate is made from fresh ingredients, combined with typical Jeju flavors such as citrus, green tea, or honey. Chocolate candy is often beautifully packaged, convenient to bring back as a gift for relatives, friends or colleagues. In particular, the unique flavor of Jeju chocolate will surely satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
Dolhareubang Stone Statue
Dolhareubang statues are made from volcanic rock, with a characteristic shape with a gentle face, big nose and bright smile. You can buy compact, delicately carved Dolhareubang statue models as souvenirs. This is a gift that carries the rich culture of Jeju and has a good feng shui meaning.
Omegi Rice Cake
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Omegi rice cake is a traditional dish of Jeju Island, made from glutinous rice, red beans and honey sugar. The cake has a sweet, smooth and delicious taste. This is an ideal gift for those who love Korean cuisine. You can find Omegi rice cakes at specialty stores on Jeju Island.
Popular Tourist attractions Near Hallasan Mountain, South Korea
Baengnokdam Lake
Located on the top of Hallasan Mountain, Baengnokdam Lake is a great destination for those who love mountain climbing and admiring majestic natural landscapes. Baengnokdam means “white deer pond”, creating a mysterious and poetic image. The lake is located in the crater and is surrounded by high cliffs, creating a beautiful scene. Conquering Hallasan Peak to see Baengnokdam Lake promises to be an unforgettable experience for you.
Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
Jeolmul Forest at the foot of Hallasan Mountain is a lush green forest with many colorful trees and flowers. This forest is famous for its fresh, cool air, an ideal place to relax and immerse yourself in nature. When you come here, you can walk on the trails and participate in outdoor activities such as camping and picnicking. Jeolmul Forest also has many beautiful photo spots, suitable for those who love nature photography.
Seongeup Folk Village
As a traditional ancient village of Jeju Island, Seongeup Folk Village is where you can learn about the culture and life of the local people. This village is famous for its low-roofed thatched houses, stone walls and winding small roads. Here, you can visit historical sites, watch traditional performances and enjoy Jeju specialties.
Gwangchigi Beach
Gwangchigi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Jeju Island. This beach is famous for its fine white sand, clear blue water and beautiful natural scenery. This is an ideal place for you to swim, sunbathe or participate in water activities such as diving and kayaking. In addition, Gwangchigi Beach is also a great place to watch the sunrise, giving you romantic and memorable moments.
Jeju Stone Park
Known as an impressive tourist area, Jeju Stone Park concentrates many works of art from natural stones. This park includes exhibition areas, landscaped gardens and trails with a series of sculptures from natural stones and volcanic rocks. You can walk around the park, admire the unique works of art and learn about the history and culture of Jeju Island through the exhibits.
Hotels Near Hallasan National Park, Korea
Libentia Hotel & Pool Villa
Libentia Hotel & Pool Villa offers you a luxurious and private resort experience with villas with private pools. The rooms here are designed modernly, comfortably with high-class equipment. In addition, the hotel also has a restaurant, bar and spa area, ensuring you a comfortable and relaxing stay. (agoda, klook)
- Address: 33, Hanlim-ro, Hanlim-eup
- Reference price: From $91.21/night
Orange Hotel
Orange Hotel is a popular and affordable choice for you. It offers clean, comfortable rooms with full necessary facilities. The hotel also has a 24-hour reception service, making it easy for you to arrange travel and sightseeing plans. (agoda, klook)
- Address: 3, Taepyeong-ro 335beon-gil
- Reference price: From $34.10/night
Lotte City Hotel Jeju
Located right in the city center, Lotte City Hotel offers luxurious rooms with beautiful views of the sea or the city. Lotte City Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, gym, restaurant and bar. From here, you can easily travel to famous tourist attractions of Jeju, including Hallasan National Park. (agoda, booking)
- Address: 83, Doryeong-ro
- Reference price: From $95.17/night
Hotel Bridge Seogwipo
Hotel Bridge Seogwipo offers a wide selection of modern and comfortable rooms with full amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar and gym, along with 24-hour front desk service. This is a great choice for those who want to combine visiting Hallasan with exploring Seogwipo city and its beautiful coastline. (agoda, booking)
- Address: 436, Taepyeong-ro
- Reference price: from $39.26/night
Hamdeok Beach Stay Jeju
Hamdeok Beach Stay Jeju is located near Hamdeok Beach. It offers airy, modern rooms with views of the sea or garden. The hotel also has a restaurant, cafe and other recreational facilities, helping you relax after tiring days of sightseeing.
- Address: 474 Johamhaean-ro (Jocheon)
- Reference price: From $43.62/night
Things to Note When Visiting Hallasan Mountain
Hiking in Hallasan Mountain requires careful preparation to ensure safety and enjoy the experience to the fullest. You should wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing that is suitable for the weather. In addition, preparing non-slip and comfortable climbing shoes is a must. In addition, bring hiking sticks, maps and drinking water. To avoid risks, you should depart early and note the opening and closing times of the hiking trails.
Not only that, having a SIM card when traveling to Korea will also help you easily connect to the internet, look up information and communicate. You can buy a SIM card online before coming to Korea. Most tourist SIM cards are easy to install and activate.
Visiting Hallasan Mountain is not only a tourist trip but also a journey to discover the majestic and profound natural beauty of Jeju Island, Korea. With a peak of over 1,900 meters and a diverse ecosystem, Hallasan offers you stunning landscapes as well as opportunities to explore the rich culture and history of this land.
The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!
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Are you looking for more Jeju travel guide and top things to do in Jeju: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Jeju travel blog (Jeju blog) — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Jeju island, South Korea.