Hallasan Mountain Trekking (한라산 트레킹)

13.7Km 2020-06-25

2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-740-6000

Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan is 1,950 meters in x_height and is the highest mountain in South Korea. Formed from volcanic activity, the mountain is a dormant volcano made mostly of basalt. Home to the magnificent Baekrokdam (lake-filled crater), the mountainside is covered with alpine flora and lush trees.

The mountain is characterized by majestic cliffs, steep slopes, interesting rock formations, and, in particular, myriads of colorful azaleas. There are over 360 small mountains (uniquely-shaped volcanic mountains called “Oreum” in Jeju dialect) surrounding Halla Mountain that offer new delights to visitors with the coming of each new season. Along with Hallasan, the oreums were officially named the Hallasan Natural Protection Area (Natural Monument No.12) in 1966.

There are six hiking trails along Hallasan. Seongpanak Trail on the east and Gwaneumsa Trail in the north go all the way up to the summit (Baekrokdam). Those looking for a less rigorous hike are advised to take the shorter trails reaching midway up the mountain. All trails are relatively short (less than 10 kilometers) and can be hiked in less than a day. Visitors are advised, however, to start early in the morning if planning on hiking up to the summit and to check official operating hours, as some trails are only open during certain hours of the day. Keep reading for information on some of the most popular trails.

* Gwaneumsa Trail (North)—Summit Trail
Gwaneumsa Trail offers hikers the best view of Hallasan’s deep valleys and stunning terrain. Midway along the trail is Guringul (a lava cave) and Tamna Valley. Tamna Valley is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves are changing and during the winter when the entire area lays under a dusting of snow.

* Seongpanak Trail (East)—Summit Trail
This relatively long, gently sloping trail is perfect for beginners. Lush broadleaf trees give shade from the beating sun and in spring the azaleas bloom and turn the mountainside into a dazzling array of color.

* Eorimok Trail (Northwest)
This short trail is another relatively easy trail for beginners. In spring, the nearby meadows are adorned with red royal azaleas. From the stone pathway to Mansedongsan visitors can catch a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the island’s signature Oreums.

* Yeongsil Trail (Southwest)
As the shortest trail in Hallasan, this trail boasts Yeongsilgiam (a spectacular cliff with series of unusual rock formations). It is covered with azaleas and royal azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn foliage starting in October.

Jeju Island Special Tourist Zone (제주도 관광특구)

13.8Km 2024-03-15

Jeju-do
+82-64-740-6000

Located to the southwest of the Korean Peninsula, the island of Jeju is Korea's largest tourist destination. The entire island has been designated as a special tourist zone, and it's easy to see why: there is hardly any spot on the island that is not photogenic. Unlike mainland Korea, which has a temperate climate, Jeju boasts a climate that is closer to subtropical. Hallasan Mountain, lying at the center of the island, is surrounded by 368 parasitic cones, known as "Oreum." Eleven beaches have been designated as tourist beaches, but including those that are not officially designated, the island features nearly thirty beaches in total. Famous beaches include Iho Tewoo Beach, Samyang Beach, Hyeopjae Beach, Geumneung Beach, and Gwakji Beach. Jeju's renowned Olle Trails, a system of hiking paths, span a total length of 425 kilometers and would take about fifteen days to complete in their entirety.

Noeully (노을리)

14.0Km 2024-01-31

656 Aewolhaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Noeully is a dessert café located in Gueom-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si. The entrance and interior are decorated like a bus stop and a glass greenhouse, respectively, allowing visitors to enjoy tropical plants and the ocean view. It consists of a rooftop café on the second floor and a sky garden on the third floor, as a no-kids zone except on the first floor. Chairs and tables face the sea for an open view of the Jeju sea and sunset, making this café a popular spot to visit for taking photos to post on social media. One of the charms of Noeully is that visitors can enjoy flowers here all year round, such as mustard flowers, hydrangeas, sunflowers, cosmos, and buckwheat flowers. The representative menu item is Briquette bread, a briquette-shaped glutinous rice bread filled with strawberry jam. In addition, the menu includes a variety of drinks, coffee, scones, and cookies.

Eco Land Theme Park (에코랜드테마파크)

14.1Km 2023-01-17

1278-169, Beonyeong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-802-8000

Eco Land Theme Park is built in the 1 km² Gotjawal primeval forest. Visitors can explore around in a train that looks like an 1800s steam-powered Baldwin train. The seven Baldwin train look-alikes (Lincoln Train) operated in the park were specially ordered and manually manufactured in the UK. In the large Gotjawal forest with railway trails, visitors can see a variety of plants, animals, and insects living in the mysterious Gotjawal forests, while touring around by special train. It also has a lake for visitors to experience the ecosystem of the forest, take a walk and enjoy a picnic. Besides, there are many things to enjoy including Eco Bridge, Eco Windmill, Picnic Garden, Kid’s Town, Eco Road, Bare Foot on Scoria, Floating Café, and topiary artworks.

Dolhareubang Museum (돌하르방미술관)

14.9Km 2024-03-12

70 Bukchonseo 1-gil, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-782-0570

Dolhareubang Museum is an outdoor art gallery that exhibits 48 original dolhareubang sculptures recreated by artists native to Jeju Island. Visitors can enjoy the artworks while strolling through the Gotjawal in Jeju. Along the forest path, there are various interpretations of dolhareubang, such as dolhareubang practicing yoga and dolhareubang throwing hearts, providing a fresh perspective on these iconic stone statues.

Jokeunnokkome Oreum Volcanic Cone (족은노꼬메오름)

15.3Km 2024-10-08

482-34 Sallokseo-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Jokeunnokkome Oreum Volcanic Cone gets its name, meaning "little high mountain" in the Jeju dialect, from its size and location near Nokkome Oreum Volcanic Cone. The name could lead to a misunderstanding, expecting this volcanic cone to over an easy hike up; the path is as difficult as any other, but offers stunning views of the nearby area, especially of the larger Nokkome Oreum.

Eondeokjip Guksu (언덕집국수)

15.5Km 2025-01-22

494 Aewolhaean-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

The restaurant carefully prepares gogiguksu using Jeju’s traditional cooking methods. It uses a rich broth simmered for 52 hours from Jeju pork bones. The tender meat, topped as a garnish, is Jeju heukdwaeji sous-vide-cooked for 7 hours.

Haenyeo’s Kitchen Bukchon Branch (해녀의부엌 북촌점)

15.5Km 2024-01-09

31 Bukchon 9-gil, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Haenyeo’s Kitchen Bukchon Branch was renovated from a fishing village warehouse and is a unique restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals while appreciating the media art in a 360-degree panorama. Only 14 people are invited to a table of dishes carefully prepared by 12 artists to taste a course meal of seafood collected by haenyeo (female divers who collect seafood). While dining, the customers are entertained with media art and a storytelling by a docent that depicts the life of haenyeo divers and their village. The four-course lunch lasts 80 minutes, and the seven-course dinner lasts 120 minutes. Unique dishes, such as shindari, the fermented beverage; sangwetteok, Jeju’s traditional rice cake; uyeongpat with bracken and bean sprouts; Nangpun Set Menu comprised of top shells, red tilefish, seafood wraps, steamed pork slices, vegetables, and other side dishes; omegi rice cakes, become special memories of the trip in itself. Admission is available for those aged 6 or older, and reservations are required.

House of Refuge (하우스오브레퓨즈)

15.5Km 2024-07-24

735 Haso-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

House of Refuge is a large culture complex featuring a cafe and artwork together. The menu includes unique items using local products, such as Jeju banana pudding, and Jeju Nouveau non-alcoholic beer. The space is the perfect setting for exhibitions, parties, performances, and other events.

Jeju Central Park (제주 센트럴파크)

16.0Km 2025-01-08

606, Bijarim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-782-7720

Jeju Central Park is a miniature theme park located in the beautiful scenery of Hallasan Mountain. The park is divided into five different zones, including the World Heritage Land, Fantasy Land, and Dinosaur Land. It serves as a fun education park for children and teenagers where they can explore exotic landscapes without having to travel far. It also has the nation's first and largest outdoor go-kart track.

Hallasan Mountain Trekking (한라산 트레킹) - Area information - Korea travel information