Halla Mountain in Early Summer

🌺 The azaleas on Halla Mountain bloom in early summer. Their low-lying blossoms captivate the eyes with their alpine beauty. 🌸 The Yeongsil Trail on Halla Mountain is not too difficult to hike. Unlike the trail leading to Baengnokdam, the Yeongsil Trail does not require prior reservations for hiking. 🌼 To park your car, it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot in the first parking lot for easy access. Set your navigation to "Obaekjanggun" and "Crow" to find the location. 🌹 Although it’s early summer, the mountain is windy and the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to bring a long-sleeved windbreaker. 🌷 As you start hiking from the entrance, you’ll notice many trees and short bamboo plants around you. After walking on flat terrain for a while, you’ll encounter stone stairs. Be cautious as some of them are steep and can be challenging. The continuous stairs can also be tough on your legs. 🌻 As you ascend further, the sky opens up and stunning rock formations come into view. After the stone stairs, you’ll begin climbing wooden deck stairs. These endless wooden stairs lead you to a landscape dotted with dwarf junipers and azaleas, creating a breathtaking scene. 🌺 As you climb the steep stairs, you’ll eventually reach flat wooden decks, signaling that you’re almost at the top. 🌳 A wide basin-like area appears, where azaleas stretch endlessly. The flowers spread out like a pink carpet, creating a mesmerizing view. 🌲 Light raindrops fell occasionally, and mist rose around, creating an indescribably beautiful atmosphere. Despite the aching legs, the climb was truly worth it. 🌳 From the opposite side, you can see Baengnokdam on Halla Mountain, and I found myself lost in the beauty of the azaleas for quite some time. Although I worried about the descent, it was easier than the climb.