Hallasan Mountain on Jeju: The Highest Peak in South Korea

Rising 6,398 feet above sea level, Hallasan Mountain is the highest point in South Korea and the centerpiece of Jeju, a 714-square-mile island to the southeast of mainland Korea.

Hallasan Mountain's Eruptive History

Hallasan Mountain is an inactive shield volcano, meaning it was formed almost entirely from lava. The volcano sits inside Hallasan National Park, a biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to more than 1,800 species of plants.

Hiking Hallasan Mountain

Hallasan National Park has two trails that will take you to the crater at the top of the Hallasan Mountain. The mountain's gradual incline makes for a relatively low-key excursion, though you do need to be in decent shape to complete the 11-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, you'll savor the natural beauty of the national park, including its diverse flora and fauna.

Travel Tips for Visitors to Hallasan National Park

Start your climb early in the day—the park service won't allow people to start up the longer trails after 10:00 a.m. There are no places to eat or sleep on the mountain, so it's best to stay in Jeju City or Seogwipo, both of which are less than an hour from the park. Another option is to bring your own food and stay overnight at the Gwaneumsa Campground, which includes showers, restrooms, and fire pits.