Information
Landmark: Hallasan CraterCity: Jeju Island
Country: South Korea
Continent: Asia
Hallasan Crater, Jeju Island, South Korea, Asia
Overview
Rising from the heart of Jeju Island, South Korea, Hallasan Crater stands out as one of its most breathtaking and important landmarks, its rim often dusted with snow in winter.Perched atop Hallasan, the island’s highest peak, the crater draws hikers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to trace Jeju’s volcanic past, where cool winds carry the scent of pine.Hallasan Crater isn’t only a striking geological marvel-it’s also a cultural and spiritual heart of the island, where locals and visitors pause to breathe in the cool mountain air.Hallasan Crater sits at the very top of Hallasan Mountain, which soars 1,947 meters (6,388 feet) above sea level-the highest spot in all of South Korea, where cool winds whip across the rim.The mountain is a shield volcano, part of a vast volcanic system that carved Jeju Island’s rugged cliffs and rolling lava fields.Hallasan, an active volcano born about two million years ago, still holds a wide, wind-swept crater - a lasting mark of the eruptions that forged the island.Over the years, wind and rain have worn down the mountain, yet the crater and its rugged volcanic slopes still reveal striking clues about the island’s geological past.Hallasan, rising from the heart of Jeju Volcanic Island and its winding lava tubes, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007.Hallasan’s volcanic system, along with its winding lava tubes, holds the key to understanding the eruptions that once carved this land.Hallasan’s summit crater, Baengnokdam-its name means “lake of a white deer”-is the mountain’s best-known landmark, a striking bowl often holding a pool of still, glassy water.At roughly 1,700 meters above sea level, a small crescent-shaped lake rests quietly in the middle of the crater.Baengnokdam’s still waters catch the sky like a mirror, and the place holds deep spiritual significance.Long ago, people treated it as sacred, and locals say the lake’s name comes from a legend about a white deer that once bent its neck to drink from its clear, still waters.Rugged volcanic rocks ring the lake, and in the cooler months, snow or drifting mist wraps the scene in a quiet, breathtaking beauty.Several trails wind their way up Hallasan to its summit and crater, ranging from quick, steep climbs to long, steady hikes where you can hear the crunch of volcanic gravel under your boots.Some trails welcome beginners with gentle, winding paths, while others push seasoned hikers up steep, rocky climbs.The Eorimok Trail is a shorter route that climbs to Witsaeoreum, 1,300 meters up, where hikers can take in sweeping views of the hills and forests below.The steeper Gwaneumsa Trail climbs all the way to the summit, drawing crowds of hikers eager to stand at the crater’s edge and feel the wind whip across the rocks.The trail stretches on for hours, winding past craggy slopes and black volcanic rock, but every turn rewards you with sweeping views of the mountain’s rugged beauty.Hikers also flock to the Seongpanak and Yeongsil trails, which wind past sweeping overlooks-like one where the wind smells faintly of pine-before leading up to the crater.Around Hallasan Crater, you’ll find a lively mix of plants and animals, from moss clinging to black lava rocks to birds darting through the crisp mountain air.Climb higher, and the lush subtropical palms at the base give way to tough alpine shrubs clinging to the windy summit.Down near the base of Hallasan, dense forests of bamboo, cedar, and bright wildflowers crowd the trails, while higher up, the air thins and the slopes open into quiet alpine meadows dotted with low shrubs.Hallasan teems with life, home to plants and animals found nowhere else, like the delicate pink Jeju azalea.High on the mountain, rare plants grow that you won’t see anywhere but Jeju Island, their leaves catching the morning mist.You might also catch sight of colorful birds like the Korean magpie, or glimpse mammals such as the sleek Jeju black rabbit and a rooting wild boar.The volcanic terrain around Hallasan Crater is breathtaking, with jagged lava rocks underfoot, a sweeping crater rim, and dark basalt formations catching the light.Volcanic forces have shaped the region into something striking, carving out dark lava tubes, sheer crater walls, and broad, rippled lava fields.Near the summit, the ground turns harsh and uneven, scattered with jagged volcanic ridges and sun-bleached rock outcrops-silent traces of the mountain’s fiery history.From the summit, you can see it all-rolling green hills, the curve of the southern coast, and, on a clear day, the faint outline of Hallim far in the distance.Hallasan isn’t just a breathtaking peak rising over Jeju Island; it’s woven into the islanders’ stories and prayers, as familiar to them as the scent of pine in the mountain air.In Jeju’s traditions, the mountain is held sacred, often linked to shamanistic rituals where drums echo in the cool night air.Hallasan has long stood at the heart of local myths and legends, often seen as the island’s spiritual core-like a silent guardian watching over the land.Jeju’s jagged cliffs and volcanic heart stand as a proud symbol of the island’s strength and resilience.Spring on Hallasan bursts with wildflowers and fresh greenery, and the lower trails glow with splashes of yellow and pink.The crater lake lies calm and still, while bright flowers ring the mountain like a soft, colorful quilt.In summer, the trails open up under warm skies, with ferns curling along the edges and greenery thick on every side.Up in the higher altitudes, the air stays cool, carrying that crisp bite that feels like a welcome break from the heat.In autumn, Hallasan draws crowds eager to see its slopes blaze with red, yellow, and orange leaves, the air crisp enough to carry the scent of pine.From the summit, the valley glows in rich golds and reds-this season makes the view unforgettable.In winter, snow often blankets Hallasan Crater, softening its edges and giving the whole scene a quiet, otherworldly glow.The area grows still, the crunch of ice underfoot marking each step, and while the trails turn tricky in the cold, the snow-draped landscape makes every moment breathtaking.Hallasan, along with Jeju’s dramatic volcanic cliffs and deep lava tubes, forms part of the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes-a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The region’s volcanic wonders-from the jagged crater rim to the island’s rare, echoing lava tubes-are safeguarded for their remarkable geological and natural value.The best time to see Hallasan Crater is in autumn, from September to November, when the slopes glow with red and gold leaves.Golden leaves blaze against the trees, and the cool, crisp air makes for perfect hiking weather.From the summit, you can see miles of golden hills and crisp blue sky-it’s breathtaking this time of year.Spring (April to June): It’s a lovely season to visit-mild days, soft breezes, and hills dotted with the first bursts of wildflowers.The trails stay quieter than they are in autumn, and the mountain glows with a crisp, clear beauty this time of year.Summer, from July to August, brings warmer days and a touch more humidity, especially down in the mountain’s lower valleys where the air can feel heavy.However, the hi cut through the noise like a quick tap on glass.
