Hallasan Seongpanak, Jeju

Highest mountain in Korea, 1950m. Summer is better in my opinion when you can see the lake Baekrokdam. Several things to remember for hiking. 1. You need to get to a point called "Jindalebat Daepiso(진달래밭 대피소, Korean Rosebay Field Refugee Shelter) before 12:30. After that, you are not allowed to go further. 2. There are two points to go to the summit, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa starting point. Yes, two path to the summit. Around the hallasan there are 4 routes but only 2 routes are available for the summit, the lake baekrokdam. Of course, the route to the summit from other route was available before. But after an accident, it was closed permanently. There was a news about the opening again but it was canceled... 3. From Seongpakak, about 4 ~ 5 hours going up and 3 ~ 4 hours to going down. Prepare enough water. 4. There are so many Korean climbers...(Korean people like hiking) usually. 5. Several toilets on the way.

가장 높은 곳에 올라가려면, 가장 낮은 곳부터 시작하라. The good of the environment or not; In fact, the primary survival and development. Whatever befalls the earth, befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; He is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, He does to himself.

We rented a car to drive around as the attractions are scattered around the island. We ascended through Eorimok trail and went down on the Yeongsil trail. Both trails were really beautiful and serene in autumn. Yeongsil trail was a lot shorter than Eorimok however prepare to climb steep steps if you're going up 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. Jacket with a hood would be good. There is toilet (only one you'll find throughout the hike), resting area and a cafe selling instant noodles at the shelter. It is rather strange that the toilets do not have basins to wash hands so bring along wet wipes and hand sanitiser. We fueled up at the sheltered resting area. We took 4 hours to finish the hike including rest time at the top. The walk down was breathtaking. The trees were changing colours and you could see a shades of red and green in the landscape. It's handy to have some tissues in hand to clean your running nose. Taxi back to the Eorimok parking was a rip off at 20,000 won. I think the drivers knew we were too tired to walk back so they took advantage of that.

Very great love for hiking ! We went there at 7:50 so we hike alone and we loved it. At 12 we finished and it this time all the tourists start to climb and do hiking . So start early and you can enjoy your hiking!

Started at Yeongsil trail then Eorimok trail. Yeongsil trail's best during autumn. Best to visit Hallasan Peak during spring.