Hallasan

Hallasan (Korean: 한라산) is a big shield volcano that covers most of Jeju Island in South Korea. It is the tallest point in the whole country, at 1,947 meters (6,388 feet). The area around the mountain is protected as a national park named Hallasan National Park.

Hallasan is one of the three most well-known mountains in South Korea, together with Jirisan and Seoraksan. It is very important to the people of South Korea and is studied by scientists for its beauty and history.

On October 12, 1966, the area around Hallasan was named a South Korean Natural Monument, number 182, to protect its special plants, animals, and landscapes.

Names

Hallasan has several alternate English names, such as Hanla Mountain and Mount Halla. Older English sources sometimes called it Mount Auckland. In Korean, it is written as if it were Hanrasan (한라산), but it is still pronounced Hallasan. The mountain was once known by many other Korean names.

Geology and geography

Hallasan is a large shield volcano that makes up most of Jeju Island. You can see it from anywhere on the island, though its peak is often hidden in clouds. The mountain’s soil is made from volcanic ash, volcanic sand, and lapilli, which helps water drain well.

A special lake called Baengnokdam sits near the top of Hallasan. Legends say it was named after white deer that came from the sky. The lake changes size with the seasons, stretching up to 2 kilometres around and reaching about 100 metres deep.

The shape and height of Hallasan affect the island’s weather. When winds are calm, the warmest spots are usually in the middle parts of the mountain. At night, cooler air from the mountain can make the coasts feel much colder.

Ecosystem

Hallasan has been separated from the mainland for a long time. This has allowed its plants and animals to become special. The mountain has different places where plants can grow, from low to high areas. Over 50 unique plant and animal species live here, especially in the higher parts. Many birds, insects, and spiders live on Hallasan. Some areas have more spiders than others. Ticks have been a problem for people and animals on the island.

Flora

The plants on Hallasan change from the coast to the top. They range from plants that like warm weather to plants that like cold weather. Many of Korea's rare plants grow on Jeju Island, and some can be found in Hallasan's protected areas.

Fauna

Because Jeju Island is far away from other lands, even common animals have special types here. The mountain's different heights allow both cold-climate and warm-climate animals to live together.

Mammals

Jeju Island has few mammal species because it has been separated from the mainland for a long time. Animals like weasels and badgers are becoming less common, but efforts have helped increase the number of roe deer.

Amphibians and reptiles

Jeju Island is a good home for amphibians and reptiles. It has many native species and some from other places.

Birds

Jeju Island has many bird species, with 160 of them living mainly on Hallasan. Nineteen of these birds are protected as natural monuments.

Temple

Hallasan mountain is home to Gwaneumsa, the oldest Buddhist temple on Jeju Island. It was built long ago but was closed for many years. The temple was rebuilt in 1908 and now shares the teachings of Buddhism with visitors. Many people visit Gwaneumsa each year.

The mountain is also where you can find Jonjaamji, a special pagoda that holds important relics connected to Buddha.

Trails

Hallasan has five hiking trails: Gwaneumsa, Eorimok, Seongpanak, Yeongsil, and Donnaeko. The Donnaeko trail reopened in 2009 after being closed for fifteen years. Only the Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak trails reach the top of the mountain. The other trails stop before the peak to protect the plants there.

Transport

Gwaneumsa Trail

To reach Gwaneumsa Trail by car, take road number 1117. This road links Jeju Arra-dong Mountain, Tamra Education Center, and Cheon-Wangsa. From Jeju city hall, it’s about 25 minutes to the Gwaneumsa Information Center. From Seogwipo city hall, it’s about 50 minutes. You can also use public transport by taking Jeju city bus number 475. This bus used to run only on weekends and holidays, but since 2017, it operates on weekdays too. Riders need to get off and switch buses at the entrance of Jeju University. The nearest bus stop to Jeju city or Seogwipo is Jeju medical center on 5.16 road, about 40 to 50 minutes walk. The bus runs until 20:20.

Eorimok Trail

To drive to Eorimok Trail, use road number 1139 (or 1100), connecting Jeju City and Seogwipo City Jungmun-dong. It’s about 35 minutes from Jeju city hall and 50 minutes from Jungmun-dong. By public transport, take bus number 240, which comes roughly every hour.

Seongpanak Trail

For Seongpanak Trail, drive on road number 1131 (or 516) linking Jeju city and Seogwipo city. From Jeju city hall, it’s about 30 minutes to the Seongpanak Information Center, and from Seogwipo city hall, it’s about 40 minutes. Buses on road 516, numbers 181, 182, and 281, run every 10 to 15 minutes, making this the easiest route.

Yeongsil Trail

The Yeongsil Trail connects to the Gwaneumsa Trail via road number 1100, so travel details are quite similar. However, travel times differ because the trails are about 30 minutes apart by car. From Jeju city hall to the Yeongsil Information Center, it’s about 50 minutes, while from Jungmun to Yeongsil Information Center, it’s about 30 minutes. Public transport options are the same as for Gwaneumsa Trail.

Donnaeko Trail

To reach Donnaeko Trail by car, use road number 1115, which links Jeju city Araun mountain river, Tamra education center, and Chunwangsa temple. From Jeju city hall, it’s about 60 minutes to the Donnaeko Information Center, and from Seogwipo city hall, it’s about 25 minutes. By public transport, take Seogwipo city bus 610-1, which stops at the mourning gallery entrance only six times a day. It’s about 40 to 50 minutes walk from there.