Top of Hallasan Mountain — Attraction in Seogwipo-si

Hiking Mt. Hallasan was a bucket list item for me the moment I moved to Seoul. While the route I took (Seongpanak) was an “easier” route up, it was the longest route at almost 10k in distance. The route is very wooded and there isn’t much scenery to look at until you get about 2K from the summit. It altered in terrain constantly between giant rocks, to wood planks, carpeted paths, wood bridges, stairs, and gravel walkways. Hiking shoes/boots are highly recommended as everything was wet from the humidity and dense forest canopy.

I didn’t use hiking sticks, but saw many people using them. (Better for the way down, than up if you ask me).

I completed the entire thing in UNDER 5 hours, but I didn’t take any breaks. (2:40 up / 2:17 down). I left at approximately 9:15 and had plenty of time to make it to the checkpoint. But if you are a slower walker/hiker, I would recommend leaving earlier to allow for breaks if necessary.

If I could do it again I would choose a different route or even perhaps a western route that didn’t make it to the summit! (Just...

Not for the faint of heart. This is a serious day hike. The trail is well maintained --there are stairs in many spots-- but also made up of volcanic rock/stones. We had some drizzle/rain and the peak was fogged in, but a memorable hike all the same. We had reservations, and understand they are compulsory: attendant checked our IDs. 6+ hours round trip. There are two shelters to take a break, but no drinkable water or food service of any kind:...

Beginning and end of the hike go through beautiful green forests... Did this without any rain equipment and with ordinary running shoes. It's perfectly doable when being careful :) I went up from Gwaneumsa and down to Seongpanak, took roughly 5:40hrs with 5:10hrs of walking time at moderate speeds

Make sure the sky is actually clear tho, because otherwise you'll just get wet down to your bones and not...