Hallasan Mountain Hiking Guide: Trails and Permits

To hike to the summit of Hallasan, you must secure a permit in advance via the official Hallasan National Park reservation system for the Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trails. Other trails, such as Yeongsil and Eorimok, do not require permits but only reach the Witse Oreum shelter, offering stunning volcanic views without access to the Baengnokdam crater. Getting these permits is the first step in conquering South Korea's highest peak, a dormant volcano that dominates the center of Jeju Island.\n\n## Why Hallasan is a Must-Visit for Travelers\n\nWhether you are a K-drama fan who recognizes the misty landscapes from your favorite series or a foodie looking to burn off a week's worth of Jeju Black Pork BBQ, Hallasan Mountain is the crown jewel of Jeju Island. Standing at 1,947 meters, it is the highest mountain in South Korea. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to a unique ecosystem of alpine plants and a massive crater lake at the summit. Unlike many rugged peaks, Hallasan is accessible to most hikers with a moderate level of fitness, provided they choose the right trail and prepare for the island's famously unpredictable weather.\n\nPlanning a hike here is different from hiking in Europe or North America. One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is that Google Maps is virtually useless for navigation. Due to South Korean security regulations, Google is unable to provide walking directions or detailed maps of the terrain. To navigate the trails and find the correct bus stops at the trailheads, you will need to rely on Naver Map or Kakao Map. These apps require a steady data connection, which is why having a reliable Korea eSIM from SeoulSIM is essential before you even leave your hotel in Jeju City or Seogwipo.\n\n## The Hallasan Permit System: Step-by-Step\n\nSince 2021, the Hallasan National Park office has implemented a reservation system to protect the environment from over-tourism. This only applies to the two trails that reach the summit: Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa.\n\n1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Hallasan National Park Reservation website. It is available in English, but the interface can be finicky on mobile browsers. It is best to do this on a laptop or using a stable 5G connection.\n2. Choose Your Trail: You must pick either Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa. You cannot switch on the day of the hike.\n3. Select Your Date: Reservations open at 9:00 AM KST on the first day of the preceding month. For example, if you plan to hike in October, you should book on September 1st. Slots for weekends and peak foliage seasons (late October) fill up in minutes.\n4. Enter Details: You will need your name and passport number. Since SeoulSIM plans are data-only and do not come with a local phone number, make sure you use an email address you can access easily. The system will send a QR code to your email, which you must scan at the park entrance.\n5. Check the Cut-off Times: Hallasan has strict time limits. If you do not reach the intermediate shelters by a certain time (usually 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM depending on the season), park rangers will prevent you from continuing to the summit. This is for your safety, as they want all hikers off the mountain before dark.\n\n## Choosing the Right Trail for Your Level\n\nHallasan offers five main trails, but they serve different purposes. Before you see plans for your data needs, decide which trail suits your hiking style.\n\n### Seongpanak Trail (Summit Access)\nThis is the most popular route to the top. It is approximately 9.6 kilometers one way and takes about 4.5 to 5 hours to ascend. The path is relatively gradual, consisting mostly of wooden stairs and volcanic rock paths. It is known for being long and a bit monotonous through the forest, but it is the easiest way to reach the Baengnokdam crater lake. In winter, this trail becomes a snowy wonderland, requiring crampons.\n\n### Gwaneumsa Trail (Summit Access)\nIf you are looking for the most scenic route, Gwaneumsa is it. It is 8.7 kilometers one way but significantly steeper and more challenging than Seongpanak. It takes about 5 hours to climb. You will pass through deep valleys, over suspension bridges, and along dramatic ridges. Many hikers choose to go up Gwaneumsa for the views and down Seongpanak to save their knees.\n\n### Yeongsil Trail (No Summit)\nFor those who want the best views with the least effort, Yeongsil is the hidden gem. It does not go to the summit, but it takes you to the Witse Oreum shelter (1,700m). From here, you have a majestic view of the south wall of Hallasan and the 'Yeongsil Giam'—a series of strange rock formations that look like 500 generals. It is only 3.7 kilometers and can be completed in about 2.5 hours.\n\n### Eorimok Trail (No Summit)\nOften paired with Yeongsil, Eorimok is a 4.7-kilometer trail that leads to the same high-altitude plateau. It is a great option if you want to see the diverse flora of the mountain without the grueling summit climb. This trail is particularly popular among local Jeju residents for a quick weekend hike.\n\n### Trail Comparison Table\n\n| Trail Name | Distance (One Way) | Time (Approx.) | Permit Needed? | Summit Access? |\n| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |\n| Seongpanak | 9.6 km | 4.5 - 5 hours | Yes | Yes |\n| Gwaneumsa | 8.7 km | 5 hours | Yes | Yes |\n| Yeongsil | 3.7 km | 2.5 hours | No | No |\n| Eorimok | 4.7 km | 3 hours | No | No |\n| Eoseungsaengak | 1.3 km | 30 minutes | No | No |\n\n## Connectivity: Why Your Phone is Your Most Important Gear\n\nHiking in a foreign country can be intimidating, especially when the local maps are in a different script. In Korea, the digital infrastructure is built around local apps. Google Maps will not show you which bus to take from Jeju City to the Seongpanak entrance, nor will it show you the real-time location of the bus. For that, you need to follow a Jeju Island by bus guide and use Naver Map.\n\nUsing Naver Map is much easier when you have already spent time organizing favorite places in Naver Map before your hike. You can pin the trailhead, the bus stops, and the nearest convenience stores for water and kimbap. This level of planning requires consistent high-speed data. While Jeju has public WiFi in some areas, it is non-existent on the mountain trails. A SeoulSIM eSIM connects you to the SKTelecom or LG Uplus 5G networks, ensuring you have coverage even when you are halfway up a volcano.\n\n## Roaming vs. Local eSIM: Making the Choice\n\nMany travelers consider using international roaming from their home carriers. However, roaming is often expensive and subject to 'deprioritization,' meaning your data speeds might be throttled just when you need to check your GPS. Airport SIM rentals are another option, but they require waiting in long lines after a long flight and swapping out your physical SIM card. If you lose your tiny home SIM card, you lose access to your bank's 2FA codes and text messages.\n\nSeoulSIM offers a more streamlined experience. You can check if your device is compatible online and receive your eSIM via email instantly. Because it is a data-only plan, you do not get a local Korean phone number, but you can still make calls via WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, or FaceTime. This is more than enough for travelers who primarily need data for navigation, social media, and emergency contact.\n\n### How to Install Your Korea eSIM\n\nSetting up your connection is simple. Once you purchase your plan, follow our how to install your eSIM guide. For iPhone users, it is as simple as scanning a QR code in your Cellular settings. Android users can add the plan under the SIM Card Manager. We recommend activating the plan the day before you fly to Korea or using the free Jeju Airport WiFi upon arrival. This way, you can call a taxi or check the bus schedule immediately without hunting for a physical kiosk.\n\n## Essential Tips for the Hallasan Hike\n\n* Water and Food: There are no shops on the trails or at the summit. You must bring at least 2 liters of water and plenty of snacks. Kimbap is the traditional Korean hiking fuel—you can find it at any 7-Eleven or CU convenience store at 6:00 AM.\n* Clothing: The weather at the summit can be 10-15 degrees Celsius colder than at sea level. Wear layers. Even in summer, a windbreaker is necessary for the summit.\n* Trash: Hallasan is a 'leave no trace' park. There are no trash cans on the mountain. You must carry all your trash back down with you.\n* Transportation: Parking at trailheads is extremely limited. We highly recommend taking a taxi or the 281 bus from Jeju City. Use Kakao Taxi to call a ride—it works perfectly with your data plan.\n\n## The bottom line\n\nConquering Hallasan is one of the most rewarding experiences in South Korea, but it requires more preparation than a typical day hike. From securing your permit weeks in advance to ensuring you have a working 5G connection for Naver Map, the details matter. By choosing an eSIM, you avoid the high costs of roaming and the hassle of airport rentals, leaving you more time to enjoy the views from the summit. Ready to start your Jeju adventure? You can see plans and get connected in minutes.