Introduction
Located in Halla-san National Park on the island province of Jeju, South Korea, the dormant shield volcano Mount Halla dominates the small 74km long island at its heart. Often topped with cloud coverage on the summit, it is the highest point in the country at 1950m/6400ft.
View from the summit
It's an easy hike over all (from any starting point) and only steep in a few spots, however if you venture off trail or onto the closed trails near the summit it's not hard to lose your footing especially with low visibility when socked in by clouds.
Open field with volcanic boulders
For a full list of trails and a trail map visit here: http://www.thesouthkoreatravelguide.com/hiking/hallasan_national_park.html
View East from the edge of the caldera/summit
Getting There
You can fly to the Island from any major city in Korea for about $50 one way. There is also the option of taking a ferry from Busan, Wando or Mokpo on the southern coasts.The Island itself has fairly good public transportation, although not extensive, but the buses don't run as frequently on holidays. If you are in need of a ride you'll likely be offered one by the locals as I was several times, including the police who dropped me off at a sculpture park because the bus wasn't running there at the time.
View of the summit bathed in cloud cover
Red Tape
There is no red tape to speak of although certain trails and areas are periodically closed for months or even years to allow the flora and fauna to recover from the massive onslaught of tourists that frequent this any other popular mountains in the country.This trail was closed for obvious reasons.
CLOSED!
Camping
Gwaneumsa Camp ground is roughly 10 km east of Jeju City near Slope Road (Hwy. 1117), about 1 km west of Gwaneumsa Temple.Fees
As in all Korean Parks fees are cheap or non-existant:
Campsite Fees
Small (for 3 people and less): 3,000 won
Medium (for 4-9 people): 4,500 won
Large (for 10 people and more): 6,000 won
Shower Prices
Adults 600won / Youth 400 won/ Children 300 won
For more info visit here:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264172
There are also rest shelters in a few locations, some have snacks and drinks for sale.
Hut at Witsae Oreum 1714m
External Links
Other sites:http://koreaclimbs.blogspot.ca/2007/08/hallasan-national-park-basics.html
http://www.hallasan.go.kr/english/
Images
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