Hallasan is the dominant feature of Jeju Island, an extinct volcano rising to 1,950 metres — South Korea's highest peak. The UNESCO World Heritage designation covers Hallasan and its surrounding volcanic formations. Four main trails lead to the summit; the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa routes are the most dramatic and reach the summit crater lake (Baengnokdam), while the shorter Yeongsil and Eorimok trails offer impressive lava formations and views without the full summit climb.
The vegetation changes markedly as you climb: subtropical palms and deciduous forest at sea level give way to conifer, then montane shrub, then bare volcanic rock near the summit. The crater lake at the top is accessible only on the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa routes, and it sits in a caldera that feels genuinely remote. Summit trails close during bad weather and in winter; check current conditions with the national park office before heading up. Allow a full day for the summit routes.