Trips and Tours to Mount Hallasan

The mountain itself is home to the oldest Buddhist temple on the island, Gwaneumsa, built during the Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392). It also contains a crater lake named Baengnokdam, meaning ‘white deer lake’. The name derives from a story concerning heavenly men who often descended from the heavens to play and mock the white deer. The scenery around the mountain is beautiful through all seasons and offers a number of hiking trails. Both the Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak trails will lead trekkers to the summit. Those keen enough to reach the top will be greeted with stunning views of the island and the South China Sea.

Almost 2,000m in height, the trek to the top of Mount Hallasan is certainly a challenge but is by no means impossible. Be aware that the temperature at the summit will usually be drastically colder than whatever the climate was at the base of the mountain. Taking a sweatshirt in your backpack is usually a sensible idea and will protect you from getting too cold at the top. There are also snack stations that sell noodles on the way up so make sure you have some change if you feel you might get peckish en route.