A Complete Guide to Hiking Hallasan in Winter

Would you like to have an adventure in the cold in the mountains? Nothing beats the beautiful landscape covered by miles of thick snow and watching the snow-capped slopes turn into sparkling seas.

Go for a new challenge this winter season by climbing the highest mountain in South Korea! If you are excited to start a new adventure this winter, this guide is perfect for learning about the beauty of hiking Hallasan in winter!

You may have doubts about the place and hiking during winter. We understand that you may be confused about what to do in a new place. Here at Daebak, we tell you everything about Korean travel, so you get prepared for your itinerary or a sudden change of mind. This blog tells you about Hallasan and its magical mountains, which preserve the mystery of ancient times.

The tallest peak in South Korea is a shield volcano on Jeju Island. Hallasan, together with Jirisan and Seoraksan, is regarded as one of South Korea's three deity mountains. In 1970, the region surrounding the mountain was declared Hallasan National Park. 

Hallasan reaches such heights that it appears to touch the Milky Way. Mt. Yeongju, or Mountain of the Spirits, is another name for Hallasan, which was thought to be home to gods and spirits.

The national park is the tenth smallest of the 22 national parks, with an area of 153.11 sq km (1.947 meters above sea level). It is the only Korean national park not maintained by the Korean National Park Service and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hiking is an activity that many of us like. On a Sunday, it is nice to discover a nice place to connect with nature. Have you ever imagined walking in the middle of a beautiful mountain covered by a white blanket of snow and seeing the sun's rays bouncing off the crystal clear season surrounding Jeju? You can witness everything when you go to the top of mount Hallasan in winter. 

If you know or have seen Jeju Island on social media, you know that it is a lovely place in every year's season. Finding the perfect season to visit Jeju Island is difficult as it brings out the best of nature.

There are several reasons to go for a Hallasan mountain winter hike: the snowy sceneries, the opportunity to get away from the city, a fantastic exercise, reconnecting with nature, or seeing the entire island of Jeju from South Korea's highest peak. 

Think of the incredible opportunity to recharge your body, mind, and spirit by hiking snowy trails, having snowball fights, and watching the snow cover everything. It is a memorable hike you can only experience during winter. 

Whatever your motivation, you will not be disappointed in the end. The satisfaction you receive from completing a long walk like this is the joy you get from having an excellent view while enjoying a delicious meal. You can pair your Korean hiking snacks with the island's soju called Hallasan.

Hallasan is one of Korea's most popular hiking destinations, with winter being especially busy. There are a few basic things you can take to prepare on the day of your trip and have a good time switching off.

Some Hallasan trails are short and easy, but others require more physical effort. However, Hallasan's hiking trails are less than 10 kilometers (one way).

There are various routes up Mount Hallasan (7 total). The Yeongsil Trail, Eorimok Trail, Seongpanak Trail, and Gwaneumsa Trail are the four most popular trails. The remaining ones are the Donnaeko trail, the Eoseungsaengak trail, and the Seokgulam trail. 

It's important to mention that only two of these routes (Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa) lead to the peak of Hallasan Mountain and are linked to the crater rim by the caldera's eastern ridge. Reservations are optional for hiking paths that do not reach the peak of Hallasan Mountain.

We will tell you about the 4 trails that pass near the peak and which are the most famous for hiking. They offer the best views and the best snow hiking experience.

Yeongsil Trail is the shortest of the main Hallasan hiking trails at 3.7km each way, and it approaches the mountain from the southwest. This hike should take between 2 and 3 hours altogether, depending on your speed.

While this route does not go to the peak of Mount Hallasan, it does provide several waterfalls and scenic vistas that will delight your eyes. It's unquestionably the most convenient method to enjoy a Jeju Island volcanic trek!

The #240 buses from Jeju City will take you directly to the trailhead. There is parking for automobiles, and a cab from Jeju City or Seogwipo will get you there in about 30 minutes.

Another short hike, this one is a 4.7km round trip. This trek typically takes 3-4 hours to ascend and descend. Although it is challenging at first, the gradient is relatively easy. Following a fast ascent, breathtaking vistas are available, and this path is also well-shaded by trees! Another simple route to climb Mount Hallasan is this one. 

Take bus number 240 for 40 minutes from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal to Jungmun and get off at the Eorimok Trail entrance. There is a parking space for rental vehicles. It will also take a cab for about 30 minutes to get here.

This one is a lengthy and gorgeous course. This is 9.6km each way, becoming longer and more challenging; the entire trek should take about 8 hours to hike. This one leads directly to the peak of Mount Hallasan, and it is pretty steep. Even though it is the longest, there is a shelter halfway up where you can have ramyeon and relax.

The Seongpanak Trail is served by direct buses. Takes #181 from the airport, #281 from Jeju City, and #182 from Seogwipo. Taxis and automobiles can also get to the trailhead.

It provides a longer, more demanding trek of 8.7 kilometers each way. Because it is steeper than Seongpanak, the climb should take around 9 hours to accomplish. You ascend Mount Hallasan once again, and the scenery is breathtaking. The Gwanemsa Temple, which is absolutely worth a visit, is around 1 kilometer from where the walk begins.

Take bus #281 for 25 minutes (toward Seogwipo) from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, and get off at Jeju University. Then go for 15 minutes on bus route #475 at the Gwaneumsa Trail's entrance and exit. The trailhead is accessible by car as well!

The trails available include Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa. You must make an online reservation. You will be denied entry to the hiking route without it. Whether you trek Hallasan in the winter or any other season, this holds true. For Seongpanak, there are 1.000 daily permits, and for Gwaneumsa, 500.

Reservations are not required for hiking paths that do not reach the peak of Hallasan Mountain. This link will take you to Hallasan's official online reservation site, where you can find information about Hallasan National Park Climbing Allowance.

Remember: Hallasan entry time in Hallasan in winter (Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec) 06:00; in Spring and Autumn (Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct) 05:30; and Summer (May-Jun, Jul-Aug): 05:00

The admission time is fixed for each season so tourists may descend the mountain before dusk, and visits should be day trips.

We all agree that there are clothes for every occasion. Of course, we must always prioritize our comfort, taste, and style to dress. That is why we want you to consider some recommendations in clothing for this type of adventure and make your walk more enjoyable because we all want our hiking in Hallasan in winter to become a memorable experience.  

Specialized shoes for long treks, especially for climbing big mountains, are a must for this excursion. You will traverse rocky, snowy, and icy terrain and easily slip if you wear inappropriate footwear. In addition, we recommend waterproof boots that will help keep your feet safe.

The cold will easily creep into your body with the season's low temperatures. Thermal clothing will keep your body warm and protected. A good hiking jacket is key to keeping you warm and safe. 

Get waterproof and windproof ones to keep you warm without being too heavy. We assure you that they will be ideal for keeping your mind off the splendid cold of the mountains.

Hats, gloves, and scarves are must-have accessories for hiking in Hallasan in winter. The temperature will be below freezing, and you need to cover up as much as possible.

As for the rest of the clothes, such as pants or sweaters, we recommend some comfortable and warm clothes. Wearing too many layers is not a good idea since it will get warmer as you climb the mountain. Still, it doesn't hurt to visit a specialized hiking store that will help you to be as well-equipped as possible.

Staying warm and safe is more than just dressing for the occasion. Other items will be helpful to start your hike this season. Here are some essential things to put in your backpack.

Ice cleats are metal spikes on the bottom of your shoes that keep you from falling on ice or snow. A great idea to walk around Hallasan in winter.

Make sure you stock up before you start the trek, and take food for lunch, snacks, and water. Noodles can keep you warm during the journey, and some Korean snacks can keep you motivated and energized. 

Although there is a rest station on the Seongpanak trail that sells food and drinks and a convenience store at the start of the Gwaneumsa trail. You can rely on your packed Korean food if they are closed. 

Enjoying the trip and the destination is the point of hiking. Stop, look around, and take in the exciting sights, sounds, and scents you encounter along the journey. Hiking is not a race, after all.

If you liked this article, remember to follow our winter blog posts, where we will have much more content about Korea and its beautiful places to visit. We promise you will love every single one of them. Please share your experiences and ideas in the comment section. We would love to know about your many experiences hiking in the mountains of Korea, especially hiking Hallasan in winter.