Hallasan Hiking Reservation: Seongpanak vs Gwaneumsa Trail
Short answer: To reach the Hallasan summit crater (Baengnokdam), you need a free advance reservation for either the Seongpanak trail or the Gwaneumsa trail. Pick Seongpanak if you want the longer but gentler climb with easy bus access, and Gwaneumsa if you are a confident hiker who wants steeper ground and the best views. A popular plan is to go up one and down the other. Book through the official Hallasan National Park reservation site, and check its notices for current rules, cut-off times and weather closures before you go.
Why Hallasan needs a reservation
Hallasan (1,947 m) is South Korea's highest mountain and the centre of Jeju's UNESCO-listed natural heritage. To protect the summit area and manage crowds, Jeju runs a reservation system for the two trails that reach the crater. Sources consistently give daily caps of about 1,000 hikers on Seongpanak and 500 on Gwaneumsa. Shorter trails that stop below the summit, such as Eorimok and Yeongsil to Witse-oreum, have generally not needed a booking, but rules have changed over the years, so confirm on the official site.
How booking works
- Where: the official Hallasan National Park reservation page (search "Hallasan reservation" and use the government site, not a reseller). Reservations are free.
- When: slots for a given month open at the start of the previous month. Weekends, holidays, autumn foliage season and New Year's sunrise dates fill fast.
- What you get: a QR code. Bring it on your phone with your passport or ID; staff check it at the trailhead.
- Time slots: you choose an entry time window. Arrive within it.
- No-shows are penalised: if you can't go, cancel. Missing a booking without cancelling can block you from booking for months.
- Cancellations reappear: if your date looks full, check again in the days before. Freed slots often come back.
Seongpanak vs Gwaneumsa at a glance
| Seongpanak | Gwaneumsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to summit | About 9.6 km one way | About 8.7 km one way |
| Steepness | Gradual most of the way, steeper near the top | Steeper and more uneven, with long stair sections |
| Scenery | Mostly forest until the upper section | Deep valleys, Samgakbong peak and open views |
| Daily cap | About 1,000 | About 500 |
| Getting there | Easy by public bus from Jeju City or Seogwipo | North side near Jeju City; taxi is the easy option |
| Best for | First-timers and steady walkers | Fit hikers who want the more dramatic route |
Seongpanak: the long, steady way up
Seongpanak starts on the east side of the island, on the cross-island road between Jeju City and Seogwipo. Most of the climb runs through quiet forest on a mix of stone path and wooden decking. It is long rather than technical, so it suits people who are fit but not experienced on steep terrain. The trade-off is that the first few hours have few views. Things open up above the Jindallaebat shelter, and the last stretch to the crater rim is the steepest part.
The trailhead is on main bus routes, which makes Seongpanak the practical choice if you are travelling without a car. See our Jeju without a car bus guide for how the island's bus system works.
Gwaneumsa: steeper and more scenic
Gwaneumsa starts on the north side, closer to Jeju City. It is shorter on paper but feels harder: there are more ups and downs, long staircases and rougher sections. In return you get the best scenery on the mountain, with views into deep valleys, the sharp rock of Samgakbong and the Yongjingak suspension bridge area. If you are comfortable on steep ground and want photos as well as a summit, this is the one.
Up one, down the other
Many hikers climb Seongpanak, where the gentle gradient is easier on tired legs going up, and descend via Gwaneumsa for the views, or the reverse. You need a reservation for the trail you start on. Plan how you'll get back to your hotel from the other trailhead; a taxi is usually the simplest choice.
Cut-off times and how long it takes
Both trails have checkpoints with a cut-off time. If you reach the shelter after it, you must turn back. On Seongpanak this is around the Jindallaebat shelter, and on Gwaneumsa around the Samgakbong shelter. Times are earlier in winter, and Jeju also sets an earlier last entry at the trailheads during the cold season. Check the current times on the official site.
Plan on 8 to 9 hours for a full round trip at an average pace, plus breaks. Most people start soon after the trail opens in the early morning. The summit area must also be left by a set time in the afternoon, so starting late rarely works.
What to bring
- Layers and a windproof jacket. The summit is far colder and windier than the coast, even in summer.
- Crampons or microspikes in winter. Snow and ice are common from roughly December into March. Shops near the trailheads and in Jeju City sell them.
- Water and food. Facilities on the trail are very limited, so pack enough for the whole day. Bring your rubbish back down.
- Headlamp, phone power bank and your QR code with ID.
- Proper hiking shoes. The stone paths are hard on ankles, especially when wet.
Weather and closures
Hallasan makes its own weather. Heavy rain, strong wind, typhoons and heavy snow can close the summit section, sometimes on the morning itself, even if you have a booking. Trail sections also close for repairs from time to time. Check the official notices the night before and again before you set off. Keep a backup plan, such as Eorimok or Yeongsil to Witse-oreum, or an easier oreum (volcanic cone) near the coast.
If you are looking for a different kind of walk on the island, our Jeju Olle Trail beginner guide covers easier coastal routes.
"Seongpanak for the legs, Gwaneumsa for the camera," as LUMI from POPORO CITY puts it.
Quick tips
- Book as soon as your month opens, especially for weekends and autumn.
- Cancel a booking you can't use to avoid a booking ban.
- Start early. Cut-off times matter more than your speed.
- In winter, pack microspikes and expect earlier cut-offs.
- Check closures on the official site the night before and the morning of your hike.
FAQ
Do I need a reservation for every Hallasan trail?
No. The reservation is for the two summit trails, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa. Other trails that stop below the summit have generally been open without booking. Check the official site, because rules can change.
Which trail is easier for beginners?
Seongpanak. It is longer, but the gradient is gentler and the trailhead is easy to reach by bus. Gwaneumsa is steeper and more demanding.
Can foreigners book online?
Yes. Foreign visitors can book through the official reservation system. You will need to verify your contact details and show your QR code and passport at the trailhead.
What if my date is fully booked?
Check again over the following days, because cancellations release slots. You can also hike a non-summit trail such as Yeongsil to Witse-oreum, which has excellent views without the crater.
Is Hallasan open in winter?
Usually yes, and snowy Hallasan is popular. Winter brings earlier cut-off times, icy trails and more weather closures, so bring crampons and check notices.