Hiking in Jeju Island: Volcanic Wonders and Coastal Charms

1. Hallasan Mountain—A Pilgrimage to Volcanic Myths and Ecological Epics As Korea's only "Triple Crown" World Natural Heritage site, Hallasan Mountain, standing at 1,950 meters, is the spiritual totem of Jeju Island. Over 2,000 plant species and 4,000 animal species are vertically distributed here, together with the crater lake "Baengnokdam," composing a symphony of volcanoes and life. 2. Trip Highlights: The Ultimate Aesthetics of Volcanic Hiking 1. Gwaneumsa Trail × Seongpanak Trail | A Two-Sided Sanctuary for Summiters Gwaneumsa Trail: A steep 9.6 km climb, traversing the fern forests of the Tamra Valley and the volcanic tundra of Ant Meadow, with occasional glimpses of roe deer leaping through the mist. Seongpanak Trail: Korean fir forests form a green dome, the tapping of white-backed woodpeckers resonates with the volcanic rocks, and from the summit, the sapphire sheen of the Seogwipo coastline unfolds. 2. Yeongsilgiam × Oreum Meadow | A Golden Combination for a Half-Day Hike Yeongsilgiam: A cluster of volcanic pillars resembling 500 Arhats, rated as the top of "Jeju's Ten Scenic Wonders" by *Korea Geographic*. In autumn, maple leaves clash with the dark rock walls, creating a visual spectacle. Oreum Meadow: A volcanic grassland at an altitude of 1,700 meters. From April to June, Jeju azaleas blaze across the mountains, and moss shimmers like emerald under the sunlight. 3. The Secret Legend of the Dol Hareubang Encounter the statues of Dol Hareubang, the guardian deity of Jeju Island, along the way. Touch the simple faces carved from volcanic basalt and listen to the ancient belief of the ancestors that "the mountain is God." 3. Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights) DAY 1: Jeju Gathering, the Prelude to a Volcanic Wonderland 6pm Welcome Dinner with the Guide: CNY 200/person. Jeju black pork barbecue with Hallasan citrus juice. Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Jeju (ocean view rooms available). Soak in the open-air hot springs to relieve flight fatigue. DAY 2: Full-Day Hallasan Hike | A 20 km Volcanic Epic 9am Ascend from the Gwaneumsa Trail. 12pm Picnic at 1,500 meters above sea level (CNY 70 lunchbox: Abalone seaweed rice rolls + citrus tea). 5pm Summit certificate awarding ceremony. Encounter short-legged horses strolling through the meadows on the return trip at dusk. Evening Talk: The guide shares secrets of the volcanic monitoring station and the migration history of Jeju's haenyeo (female divers). DAY 3: Light Return Trip, Taking Away a Piece of Volcanic Memory 7am After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time. We recommend purchasing Hallasan honey and volcanic rock essential oil soap. 4. Practical Guide ⏰ Best Seasons April–June: Azalea blossoms and the thawing of Baengnokdam Lake October–November: Fir forests and carpets of red leaves 🥾 Packing List Mandatory Equipment: Windproof jacket (temperature difference at the summit reaches 15°C), trekking poles (for anti-slip on volcanic rock sections) Photography Tip: Bring a polarizing filter to capture the mirror reflection of Baengnokdam Lake ⚠️ Cautionary Advice There are no supply points on the Gwaneumsa Trail; bring your own 2L water bladder. Drone flights are prohibited at the summit (World Heritage Protection Regulations) 5. Why Choose This Route? Professional Escort: 1:8 guide ratio, certified interpretation of volcanic geology and ecological secrets Cultural Accolade: Summit certificate + Dol Hareubang amulet, adding a sense of ritual to the hike Gradient Design: Choose between a full-day 20 km challenge and a half-day light hike 🛣 Hiking Distance: 20 km 🕰 Hiking Duration: 8 h 🔥 Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ ------------------------------ Click the link below for more details 👇 ------------------------------