Hallasan National Park — Attraction in Seogwipo-si

Hallasan National Park is incredible. Easily my favorite of the 8 other Korean National Parks I've seen so far. The highlight of course is hiking all the way to the summit of Hallasan, where, if you're lucky like I was, you'll get to see a sea of clouds below you as you stare down at a beautiful, sleeping volcano. But regardless of the weather and time of year, Hallasan is a beautiful sight to see. If you have the opportunity (and you're able to score a permit to hike to the summit via the Gwaneumsa or Seongpanak trails), you should totally do it.

The hike to the peak is awesome, probably the most enjoyable one I've done in Korea. Getting there isn't exactly easy, but if you're in at least decent physical condition it shouldn't be too hard. It took me a little less than 6.5 hours to get to the top and back down, but I've heard some people say it took them around 9 hours. Either way, a hike to the summit is an all-day affair, so start as early as your permit will allow you to. I started at around 9:30am on the Gwaneumsa Trail and reached the final shelter at 11:40am, only 20 minutes before they stopped letting people continue to the summit. A 10am-12pm permit probably won't leave you enough time unless you move at a breakneck speed and don't stop for pictures or to catch your breath a couple times.

Even if you don't make it to the summit, it's still an awesome sight, and if you take the Gwaneumsa Trail, the views along the way will be absolutely spectacular. Of course the best views are all beyond the final shelter on either course, so do try to make it there before last call. But regardless, this is perhaps my favorite thing I've done during my time in Korea....

Excellent hike, all day trip, aproximately 7-8 hrs together, 4hrs up 3 down. Leave early as possible May be around 6-7am. There are few trails to reach the summit as Eorimok trail and Yeongsil trail. Both trails are really beautiful and serene in autumn. Yeongsil trail was a lot shorter than Eorimok but needs to climb steep steps in Yeongsil. Both trails will lead you to the Witae Oreum Shelter. It is extremely windy up there so it'll be wise to dress warm. Hoody Jacket would be good. You can find only one toilet in the whole hike and toilet resting area and a cafe selling instant noodles are at the shelter. You can fuel up at the sheltered resting area. The cafe gave only one ramen for one person and they weren't ready to supply more than one per person. So make sure you take all what you need in your back pack including thermos with hot water, wet tissues, gloves, snacks, raincoat, hot packs and other nessasary stuff.The walk down is breathtaking. The trees were changing colours and you could see a shades of red and green in the landscape. Make sure to wear solid shoes or hiking boots, the lava rock coming down will be dangerous if you don’t watch your step.It is very windy up there so be careful. you will be super tired when you reach the summit. The management announced to leave the summit at 2pm as if it might get darker by the time we go down in autumn. From the resting area also they didn't let hikers to go after 11am as if there wont be enough time to reach the summit. Therefore go early as possible. For the people who are very sick or unable to go further more, the management provides cable...

We took the easiest trail to just try it out and it was quite tough, admittedly, but we made it to the top! We were lucky the weather was really good in the morning and there was no one at the peak when we made it up. The view was nice and there was some areas with the pillars that provide a QR code for emergency calls in case you need help. Try going earlier in the morning to try and catch the nice view of the sun. It was slightly drizzling so we caught a mini rainbow! Admission is free and there is even a phototaking booth in the visitor's centre if you would like to take a photo for memories after your climb. Photo is 2,000 KRW per printed photo, and the instructions are all in Korean, Japanese, English and Chinese so there's no need to worry about not understanding how to use the booth. There are also some signages which introduce the names of the flora and fauna and if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of the animals that live in the mountain. Unfortunately for us, that didn't happen but the view was so worth the climb up. It may be tedious for those who aren't able to climb too much stairs so maybe bring along a pair of walking/climbing sticks to help you get to the peak easily. Ground may be wet and muddy...