Seongpanak Trail
Hike to the summit of Mount Hallasan via the Seongpanak Trail, a UNESCO site offering stunning crater lake views and diverse natural landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier permits
Seongpanak Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier permits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the summit of Mount Hallasan via the Seongpanak Trail, a UNESCO site offering stunning crater lake views and diverse natural landscapes.
"A challenging but incredibly rewarding hike with breathtaking views from the summit crater lake."
🎟️ Book Your Permit Early
Mandatory online reservation required for Seongpanak Trail. Apply in advance, especially for weekends.
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for a comfortable and safe hike. Avoid casual shoes like Vans.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Hallasan Summit
Summit of Mount Hallasan
Reach the volcanic crater lake at the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Jeju Island. A truly rewarding experience.
Seongpanak Visitor Center
Trailhead
Your starting point for the hike, offering free lockers and helpful park rangers. A good place to prepare.
Forestry Paths
Lower sections of the trail
Wander through serene forests with diverse flora. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and immerse yourself in nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit & Reservation Essentials
Gear Up for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Your Permit Early
Mandatory online reservation required for Seongpanak Trail. Apply in advance, especially for weekends.
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for a comfortable and safe hike. Avoid casual shoes like Vans.
Hallasan Hiking
Hiking Hallasan - tips and good things to know before I go
💧 Pack Ample Water & Snacks
No food or drink facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for the climb.
🌦️ Check Weather Forecast
Weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for rain or wind, even on clear days.
Hallasan Hike report (Gwaneumsa - Seongpanak)
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Your Permit Early
Mandatory online reservation required for Seongpanak Trail. Apply in advance, especially for weekends.
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for a comfortable and safe hike. Avoid casual shoes like Vans.
💧 Pack Ample Water & Snacks
No food or drink facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for the climb.
🌦️ Check Weather Forecast
Weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for rain or wind, even on clear days.
🧳 Utilize Free Lockers
Available at the Seongpanak Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Seongpanak Trail offers a rewarding hike to Mount Hallasan's summit, praised for its natural beauty and the stunning crater lake views. Visitors appreciate the free entry and facilities like lockers, though the mandatory permit and the trail's demanding nature require thorough preparation. Some find the trail challenging despite its reputation as the easier route.
"This is the place where visitors start their climb up Mount Hallasan via the Seongpanak Trail.
Please take note that everyone needs to apply for a permit to climb up Mount Hallasan. Have to apply online in advance.
Mr Lee, the park ranger at this Seongpanak Visitor Information Center is a very kind and helpful man.
Mr Lee, we truly appreciate your assistance. We will always remember you. Thank you very much, Mr Lee."
CS Chai
"Lockers available inside visitor center (free, no charge) on a first come first served basis. In June 2025 3x of the lockers were broken but the rest worked fine - great facility."
Richard Kemp
"This was supposedly the easier trail which wasn’t that easy either. Carpark is limited but there are regular buses which drop you right at the entrance of the trail. Reservation is required (1000 permits at Seongpanak) which you can do on the official website and bring your passport if you’re a foreigner. There’s a QR code so screenshot that when you enter. Bring food and enough water for the hike up and down. Check the weather forecast as well! Weekday permits are easier to get as locals tend to flock on the weekends. Have fun!"
Saranya A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Seongpanak Trail entrance directly from Jeju Airport via bus 181. There are also regular buses that drop you right at the entrance.
Yes, there is a carpark available at the Seongpanak Visitor Center, but it can be limited.
Taxis are an option, but ensure your driver knows the exact location of the Seongpanak Trail entrance for Hallasan National Park.
From Seogwipo, you can take local buses that connect to the Seongpanak area. Check local bus schedules for the most direct routes.
Yes, Seongpanak Trail is accessible by public transport, with bus routes connecting it to major points on Jeju Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is mandatory for climbing Mount Hallasan via the Seongpanak Trail. You must apply online in advance.
Permits are obtained through the official Hallasan National Park website. Be sure to book your timeslot.
Entrance to the Seongpanak Trail itself is free of charge. The cost is associated with the permit application.
The trail is generally open year-round, but specific access times may vary. It's best to check the official Hallasan National Park website for current hours and any potential closures.
Foreign visitors are required to bring their passports as proof of identity when entering with their permit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Seongpanak Trail is considered the easier of the two main trails to Hallasan's summit, but it still requires a good level of fitness and preparation.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Lockers are available at the visitor center.
Restroom facilities are available at the Seongpanak Visitor Center and at designated points along the trail, such as the Jindallaebat Shelter.
No, there are no shops or vendors selling food or drinks on the Seongpanak Trail. You must bring everything you need.
The Seongpanak Trail typically takes about 9-10 hours round trip, including time at the summit. It's a full-day hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit crater lake offers iconic views. The various viewpoints along the trail, especially during sunrise or sunset, provide stunning natural landscapes.
Even on a rainy day, the misty atmosphere can create dramatic and unique photographic opportunities, immersing you in nature's quiet beauty.
A versatile lens for landscapes and potentially a wider aperture for low-light conditions would be beneficial. A sturdy tripod can help with long exposures.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other hikers and the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
Early morning for sunrise and the golden hour before sunset offer the best light. Midday can be harsh, but the summit views are always impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Jindallaebat Shelter as a mid-point goal for younger hikers. The visitor center at the start offers basic facilities, and the lockers can be useful for storing extra snacks or clothing. Focus on the journey and the natural beauty rather than solely on reaching the summit if you have younger participants.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Planning Your Seongpanak Hike
Crucially, advance online reservation is mandatory for all hikers. You must secure a permit through the official Hallasan National Park website, and foreign visitors will need to present their passports. Weekdays tend to have fewer visitors, making permit acquisition easier compared to weekends, when locals often flock to the mountain.
Before you set off, take advantage of the free lockers available at the Seongpanak Visitor Information Center to store any unnecessary items. Remember to pack ample food and water, as there are no facilities to purchase these along the trail.
What to Expect on the Trail
Reaching the summit is a significant achievement, where you'll be greeted by the stunning Baengnokdam crater lake. The panoramic views from the top are truly spectacular, offering a sweeping vista of Jeju Island.
Many visitors highlight the immersive experience of being surrounded by nature. The quietness and the opportunity to connect with the natural environment are often cited as major draws.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit