Replete with natural beauty, historic sights, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Korea’s national parks are waiting for you to discover their charms. Whether visiting for spring splendour, summer shade, autumn foliage sights, or snowy winter fun, there’s a national park in Korea you’re sure to fall in love with.

Find out which are the best national parks in Korea to visit (there are 22 to choose from), what to see and do in each one, and why you simply must visit these areas of outstanding beauty. Be prepared to discover ancient temples where you can join a temple stay, stunning natural wonders such as waterfalls and rock formations, sweeping vistas from lofty peaks, and delicious traditional Korean dishes.

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Why Visit Korea’s National Parks?

Korea is a nature-lover’s paradise, with dozens of stunning national parks combining forests, mountains, streams, waterfalls, Buddhist temples and sometimes even coastal scenery. From the otherworldly lava tubes of Hallasan National Park to the iconic Mt. Seoraksan with its autumn foliage, Korea’s national parks offer incredible hiking, photo ops, and serene natural escapes.

Whether you’re looking for challenging all-day treks or easygoing trails the whole family can enjoy a day out at a Korean national park. Some of Korea’s national parks even have cable cars to whisk you straight up to the best views around. And the best part? Several of these wilderness gems are just a short distance from Seoul, making them easy weekend getaway destinations.

Here are 10 of the top national parks in Korea that should be on any nature-enthusiast’s bucket list. I’ve covered the highlights and main attractions of each as well as travel tips like the best times to visit and top activities. Read on for your definitive guide to seeing the best national parks in Korea.

Here are 5 great reasons you should visit a Korean national park:

Which National Park Should You Visit In Korea?

If you are looking for a certain experience when you visit a Korean national park, such as autumn foliage, hiking, snowy peaks, or traditional food, then check out the table below. It shows you some of the best options for various activities and sights and which park best suits those needs. Of course, most parks will offer seasonal views like cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and snow.

The 10 Best National Parks In Korea

Here are the top 10 best national parks in Korea, based on my own travels around Korea, reports from other hikers, and national parks that are really popular with locals and tourists alike. I hope you visit at least one, if not all of them. They each have something unique to offer and I’ve enjoyed visiting each.

1: Jirisan National Park

Why visit Jirisan: Jirisan is Korea’s largest national park and home to the mainland’s highest peak, as well as some of Korea’s last Asiatic black bears. This national park offers something for everyone, with multi-day hiking trails through the mountains or gentle day-treks around the foothills and through green valleys. Wander through old villages where people live a simpler life than in Seoul.

This national park is one of the only places that offers mountain lodges where you can stay overnight to watch the sunrise over the sprawling mountains below. Jirisan has many farms and maple trees, making it one of the best places to see harvest goods and autumn foliage in September and October. There’s never a bad time to visit Jirisan as there’s something to see and do in each season.

You should visit this national park if you want to see the Korean countryside, walk past rice fields and farms, and witness Korea’s natural beauty.

Best hiking trail: The best hiking route in Jirisan National Park is the Jungsanri to Cheonwangbong Loop, which will take you to the highest peak in the park. This route can be done in a day, but it’s very tough and I recommend booking a lodge to stay overnight. Staying overnight allows you to see the sunrise from the peak, which is absolutely incredible.

How to get to Jirisan: Jirisan National Park isn’t close to Seoul. If you want to visit, it would be best to travel by bus or car from Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, or one of the other cities in southern Korea. Nearby towns to stay in with access to the park include Namwon, Gurye, and Hadong.

2: Seoraksan National Park

Why visit Seoraksan: Located near Korea’s east coast, Seoraksan National Park hosts towering mountain peaks and sweeping valleys smothered in foliage views each autumn. As one of Korea’s most beloved natural escapes with peak panoramas, it attracts over 5 million visitors annually. Even if you don’t climb to the peaks, you can spend hours exploring the temples and valleys of Seoraksan.

Popular with both hikers and day travellers, Seoraksan caters to all thanks to attractions like Sinheungsa Temple and the Seoraksan cable car, which will take you to the peak without the need to hike. If you do want to hike, there are many suitable courses, including the short trip to Ulsanbawi Peak and overnight hiking options with shelters to stay in. There are also many waterfalls to see.

You should visit this national park if you want to see what Korea’s national parks have to offer all in one place, including Buddhist temples, seasonal views, and rocky peaks. A day trip from Seoul will allow you to see the sights of Seoraksan without any hiking gear or travel troubles.

Best hiking trail: One of the most popular trails is the short route up to Ulsanbawi Peak, which starts at the eastern entrance and passes by Sinheungsa Temple. It’s not the highest peak, but offers views over the valleys and peaks of Seoraksan with a rocky area to discover at the top. Alternatively, the Biseondae Rock trail is perfect for beginner level hikers and follows the valley paths.

How to get to Seoraksan: Seoraksan is 2.5 hours away from Seoul by car or bus. Tours from Seoul will take you to the main entrance of the park and guide you around the top spots, too. The nearest city to Seoraksan is Sokcho and this is a nice place to stay for a weekend of hiking and beach fun.

Find out how to get to Seoraksan, what there is to see and do, where to stay, and lots more essential info in my detailed guide to visiting Seoraksan National Park.

3: Hallasan National Park

Why visit Hallasan: Dominating the centre of Jeju Island, Hallasan National Park is famous for offering the only place to hike to the top of a (technically) active volcano in Korea. Although the crater is filled in at the top, leaving a dome that fills with water during summer, the views from the almost 2km high peak allow you to see the whole of Jeju and the rugged coastline stretching out all around.

If you visit Jeju Island during winter, you can see the snow-capped peak while you’re sitting on a sandy beach and, even if it’s clear and calm on the shore, there can be knee-deep snow covering the whole of the national park. This national park only has one peak, but it’s one of the most impressive. You can also see many ‘oreums’ – hardened hills of lava deposits leftover from previous eruptions.

You should visit this national park if you want to stand on the highest point in South Korea and gaze out at the shore in all directions from a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park offers easier hiking trails that lead up slowly and steadily, making them more accessible.

Best hiking trail: The Seongpanak Trail that leads to the peak of Hallasan is definitely the best hiking trail to follow if you want a full-day hike that’s not too steep. The long, slow trek to the top rewards you with views across the whole island. Alternatively, take the Yeongsil Trail for an easier, shorter hike that will show you Jeju’s west coast.

How to get to Hallasan: For the Seongpanak Trail start point, take bus #281 or #181 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Seogwipo) for 40 minutes. For the Yeongsil Trail start point, take bus #240 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Jungmun) for 50 minutes. Get off at the Yeongsil Ticket Office and follow the path to the trail entrance for 2.5km.

Find out how to hike Hallasan during winter, including how to make a reservation, how to get to the park, and lots of other travel tips for surviving this snowy hike in my detailed guide to hiking Hallasan in winter.

4: Bukhansan National Park

Why visit Bukhansan: Bukhansan may be relatively small, but its close proximity to Seoul makes it one of the most visited national parks in Korea (per unit area), according to the Guinness Book of Records. The reason for its popularity is evident when you consider that it offers the chance to escape the bustling city and find peace and harmony in nature with lots of scenic beauty all around.

Bukhansan National Park offers a range of hiking trails, including the breathtaking Baegundae Peak, which can be completed in a few hours, or combined for a full day out in nature. Besides hiking trails, there are traditional restaurants near the park’s entrances, Buddhist temples, and the Bukhansan fortress walls to see. This is one of my favourite places to see autumn foliage near Seoul.

You should visit this national park if you want to hike in a Korean national park while visiting Seoul and see the city from a new perspective. Bukhansan offers the best chance to experience temples and traditional food with mountain views close to the capital.

Best hiking trail: If you want to see just how big Seoul is, take the hike to Baegundae Peak, the park’s highest peak. Although it’s relatively small compared to the peaks of other national parks, you’ll be left speechless (and breathless) when you scale the rocky slabs to gaze out in all directions.

How to get to Bukhansan: For the hike to Baegundae Peak, take the subway to Gupabal Station (구파발역) on Line 3, go out Exit 1 and take bus 34, 704, or 8774 to the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance stop.

Find out how to hike Baegundae Peak, including how to get there, which courses to follow, and lots of other hiking tips for Bukhansan in my detailed guide about how to hike Baegundae Peak.

5: Gyeryongsan National Park

Why visit Gyeryongsan: This small national park close to Daejeon doesn’t have the tall peaks you’ll find in Seoraksan or Jirisan, but it has many other charms that make it worth visiting. The main hiking courses take you to one of two peaks (or both in a loop), passing by unique sights like twin pagodas, a long waterfall, and a rest spot half way up that looks out over the green valleys below.

This national park has a good selection of cafes to visit, where you can grab a cake and coffee and stare out at the small mountains surrounding you. I spend many weekends in Gyeryongsan – hiking in the morning and taking in the views from a cafe in the afternoon – especially in spring as this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms near Daejeon, although I hike here year round.

You should visit this national park if you want to see streets lined with cherry blossom trees in early April and pretty hiking trails all year round. Not the most impressive park, but a peaceful one that has something for everyone and plenty of places to try traditional Korean dishes, including haemul pajeon.

Best hiking trail: If you want a short hike, take the slow path to Sambulbong Peak, which passes by the Nammaetap twin pagodas. You can reach the peak in a couple of hours and then turn around or continue on to Gwaneumbong Peak by following the ridge. This extension will lead you round to Donghaksa Temple and takes about 5-6 hours to complete. Bring some lunch with you.

How to get to Gyeryongsan: From Seoul, travel to Daejeon on the KTX, then take bus #107 from Daejeon Station all the way to the Donghaksa Temple stop, which is the main entrance of the park and the final stop for the bus.

6: Naejangsan National Park

Why visit Naejangsan: Famed as one of the best spots to see autumn leaves in Korea, Naejangsan is a splendid place to immerse yourself in Korea’s natural beauty. At the entrance of the park is the colourful Maple Tree Tunnel, which leads you to a wide central area with a cable car and traditional restaurants and the historic Naejangsa Temple. The park is easy to explore for all visitors.

Naejangsan has been listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful places in Korea and is home to many famous sights, including the Yeonjabong Peak Observatory (accessed by cable car), Naejangsa Temple area, and the Uhwajeong Pavilion. The Uhwajeong Pavilion, which reflects beautifully in the surrounding lake, is considered an iconic sight to see in Korea, especially in autumn.

You should visit this national park if you want to see some of the most beautiful autumn foliage sights in Korea in early November. This park is worth visiting in other seasons and has many attractions to see and isn’t as crowded as parks like Bukhansan or Seoraksan.

Best hiking trail: One of the most popular routes is the Naejangsan outer loop, which follows the peaks around the central area of the park. If you want a shorter hike, head to Sinseonbong Peak, the park’s highest peak. The trail starts near Naejangsa Temple, but you can take a shortcut by taking the cable car. This route isn’t too long, but it’s quite tough in places, especially near the peak.

How to get to Naejangsan: Take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Jeong-eup Station, then take a local bus to Naejangsan National Park. Naejangsan is quite far south, so it might be better to include it if you visit Gwangju, Jeonju, or Daejeon. There should be tours that will take you directly there from Seoul during autumn.

Find out all there is to see and do in Naejangsan National Park in fall, including how to get there, what to eat, and what to see, in my guide to visiting Naejangsan for autumn foliage.

7: Deogyusan National Park

Why visit Deogyusan: This is one of my favourite national parks in Korea for winter hiking because the main trail to Hyangjeokbong Peak has so many beautiful sights. It starts following the river along a valley, before climbing to a hidden temple in the mountains, then a steep ascent into the heavens with open views at the peak. But the wonders continue with a beautiful pagoda just past the peak.

The big advantage of Deogyusan National Park over other national parks, especially in winter, is that it connects to Muju Ski Resort. You can hike up in the morning and ride down to the ski resort for a late lunch of ramyeon and hot coffee. The 1,614 metre high peak is accessible even to those who don’t want to hike, so you can embrace the long vistas with or without a morning of hiking behind you.

You should visit this national park if you want to see incredible snow scenes in winter or picturesque foliage in other seasons. The cable car from Muju ski resorts allows you to experience the heights without the hassle of hiking. Autumn is another incredible time to visit this national park.

Best Hiking Trails: The Gucheondong Valley trail going to Hyangjeokbong Peak, is one of the best hiking trails in this park. This course is actually quite gentle for the first 6km, walking along the valley on the way to Baekyeonsa Temple. After that there’s 1.5km of tough but rewarding hiking to the peak, followed by a cable car ride to Muju Ski Resort where you can get a bus home.

How to get to Deogyusan: I wouldn’t recommend travelling to Deogyusan from Seoul. You can access Deogyusan from Daejeon, Muju, and other nearby cities. Buses run from Daejeon to Gucheondong Valley from Daejeon Bokhap Terminal. There’s a free shuttle bus from the Muju Ski Resort to the town of Muju. From Muju, you can take buses to Daejeon, Seoul, and other cities in Korea.

8: Chiaksan National Park

Why visit Chiaksan: This national park near Seoul has some medium-sized mountains that don’t compare in size to the lofty peaks of Jirisan or Seoraksan, but offer a serious challenge to hikers eager to explore its forested paths. Chiaksan is blessed with many steep valleys and thick forests, offering some truly stunning views, including some interesting granite rock formations and waterfalls.

This national park caters more to hiking enthusiasts than day-trippers looking to see some sights, however, there is still plenty to see if you’re willing to put in the effort. Brave hikers will be rewarded with sights such as Taejongdae Rock, Guryongsa Temple, and the lovely Seryeom Waterfall. You don’t need to be super fit to hike here, but definitely be prepared to sweat a bit.

Fun fact: Chiaksan is one of the toughest national parks to hike in Korea. Korean peaks with ‘ak’ in them (including Wor-ak-san & Seor-ak-san) indicate they are difficult, although the mountains use different Hanja (Chinese characters), so it’s hard to tell just how true that is. Another translation of the ‘ak’ Hanja in Chi-ak-san (岳) is ‘parents-in-law’, something people might also describe as tough!

You should visit this national park if you want a tough, challenging hike in a forested national park and enjoy seeing unique geology and peaks. If you’re prepared to sweat a bit, you’ll definitely love the hikes here, although there are shorter trails available, too.

Best hiking trail: The path to Birobong Peak, the highest point in the park, is one of the most popular trails, offering challenging terrain and rewarding views. This path starts at the Guryong Information Centre and after a gentle start gets up to ‘expert level’. For a less strenuous hike, the Guryongsa Temple trail provides a scenic walk through the park’s forests, leading to one of its cultural landmarks.

How to get to Chiaksan: Take bus #21, #41, or #82 bound from Guryongsa Temple / Chiaksan National Park from Wonju Bus Terminal. If you’re travelling from Seoul, take an intercity bus to Wonju Bus Terminal, or the train from Cheongnyangni Station to Wonju Station.

9: Mudeungsan National Park

Why visit Mudeungsan: Located close to Gwangju City in southern Korea, this is one of the newest and smallest national parks in Korea, but is still full of charm. Fans of geology will love the hexagonal rock formations near Seoseokdae Peak, formed from ancient volcanic activity, as well as the sheer rock faces that spring up out of the ground and look like they’ve been dropped by giants.

This park has lots of natural and cultural wonders to explore, including the spectacular Jeungsimsa Temple, home to picturesque autumn scenes with giant ginkgo trees covering the temple grounds in a blanket of yellow leaves. Just past this temple is the Dangsan Namu Guardian Tree – a giant tree that protects the local area. At the peak, there’s a nature reserve (Jangbuljae) and more to see.

You should visit this national park if you want to see unique volcanic rocks and a lovely Korean temple surrounded by tall trees. This park’s convenient location next to Gwangju City makes it ideal for anyone travelling to this part of Korea looking for a trip into nature.

Best hiking trail: The path to Seoseokdae Peak from Jeungsimsa Buddhist Temple is one of the best ways to see the main highlights in this compact Korean national park. The route isn’t that tough, slowly winding up roads and rocky paths before coming out to open plains. Follow the signposts all the way to the peak and return the way you came or head north over the peaks (Wonhyo Valley) for more views.

How to get to Mudeungsan: As this park is close to Gwangju, it’s best to travel to Gwangju Station and take a bus from there to the park entrance near Jeungsimsa Temple. There are cafes, restaurants and shops in this area and it’s the best place to start exploring the park from.

10: Songnisan National Park

Why visit Songnisan: This guide to national parks in Korea wouldn’t be complete without this hidden gem. Songnisan is an enchanting national park right in the heart of Korea that is packed with traditional Korean delights. I might be biased as I live near this park and have done a temple stay experience at Beopjusa Temple more than once, but if you visit, I think you’ll agree it’s lovely.

The main entrance to the park is packed with traditional Korean restaurants and local markets selling locally sourced foods, such as daechu (dates), wild mushrooms, and ginseng. Then it opens out into one of the most impressive Buddhist temples found in a national park – Beopjusa Temple. There’s a long walking path through the valley which leads out to various hiking paths in the park.

Giant cherry blossoms: If you want to see some truly impressive cherry blossom sights, then visit Beopjusa Temple near the end of April to see the King cherry blossoms on display. These large, fluffy blossoms (pictured below) are so soft and much larger than usual cherry blossoms. Partnered with the colourful temple buildings, they create some really spectacular scenes.

You should visit this national park if you want to see one of the best Korean Buddhist temples in Korea, a serene lake with turtles sunbathing on logs, Korean restaurants tucked away in the forest with waterfall views, and lots of leafy trees. You don’t need to hike to enjoy all that Songnisan has to offer.

Best hiking trail: The path to Cheonhwangbong Peak that starts from Beopjusa Temple is very rewarding. There are a few ways to get to this peak, which start after a couple of miles trekking along the valley floor following the river. Once you reach a pajeon restaurant by a waterfall, you’ve found the start of the hiking area.

How to get to Songnisan: You can reach Songnisan by bus from Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, and other nearby cities. If you’re in Seoul, take an intercity bus from Seoul’s Nambu or Dong-Seoul bus terminals to Songnisan National Park.

Korean National Parks Near Seoul

There are several national parks near Seoul that you can access for a day hiking in the mountains or relaxing in the valleys. The nearest park is Bukhansan National Park, which is actually part of Seoul and can be accessed by subway and bus in a short time. There are several others that can be reached by bus, train, or car from Seoul in less than a few hours, as detailed below.

Chiaksan National Park – the next closest national park to Seoul is Chiaksan. This park can be accessed by travelling to Wonju City and then taking a local bus to the parks’ entrance.

Seoraksan National Park – this park is easy to access from Seoul with a day tour, or by taking a bus from Seoul to Sokcho City and then changing to a local bus to the park’s entrance.

Odaesan National Park – technically closer to Seoul than Seoraksan, this park isn’t as accessible as Seoraksan but you can drive there or take the KTX train to Jinbu Station and change to a bus or taxi.

There are a few other national parks that are accessible if you have a car, including Woraksan National Park, Taebaeksan National Park, and Sobaeksan National Park, but they’re not convenient if you plan to use public transportation. Another national park near Seoul is Taean Seaside National Park, which is a coastal park rather than a mountain park.

My Favourite National Parks In Korea

I started hiking in Korea’s many national parks since I arrived in 2015, starting in Gyeryongsan National Park, which is close to my home in Daejeon. I’ve visited almost every national park across the country in the years since then, checking out spring blossoms, seeking shade in summer, seeing autumn foliage, and wading through deep snow in winter.

These are the my favourite national parks in Korea (based on my hiking experience in each):

1: Jirisan National Park – This is my favourite national park in Korea because it’s so big and offers so many options. Day treks in the foothills, overnight stays with sunrise hikes, and so much more.

2: Hallasan National Park – The tallest peak in South Korea and an incredible park to see the sights of Jeju Island. I’ve hiked to the peak twice during winter, both times ending up knee-deep in thick snow.

3: Songnisan National Park – One of my favourite parks to show friends and family the true beauty of Korea’s countryside. Impressive valley trails, Buddhist temple (Beopjusa), and local foods.

4: Deogyusan National Park – This park offers a great hike in any season and never fails to impress with its views. At the top of the main peak is a ski resort and a mountaintop pagoda with wide views.

5: Naejangsan National Park – I’ve only visited this park during autumn and it’s on my list solely for the amazing foliage views and attractions in the park, including the iconic Uhwajeong Pavilion.

Popular Mountains To Hike In Korea

With so many awesome national parks to visit in Korea, you’re really spoilt for choice for places to hike, explore, relax in, and photograph. Korea is rich with mountains which are worth visiting when you’re in various parts of the country. Below is a list of 10 of my favourite mountains to hike that aren’t in the national parks I’ve mentioned in this article and mostly aren’t in national parks at all.

Guide To Hiking In Korea’s National Parks

I’ve been hiking regularly in Korea since 2015 and it’s become one of my favourite hobbies. I can’t imagine a month going by without reaching a peak somewhere in Korea! After exploring almost every national park, here are a few essential insights to help you get the most out of your trip. For more tips and trips about hiking Korea’s national parks, check out my essential guide to hiking in Korea.

Here are 10 of my top insights about hiking in Korea’s national parks:

Entrance fees: Access to Korea’s national parks is now free. There used to be a fee payable to temples in the parks, but these have been waived since May 2023

Tough mountains: If you see a national park with ‘ak‘ in the name (e.g. Chi-ak-san, Seor-ak-san), it means the main peak is tough and quite steep. There are still easier courses available though.

Valley trails: Most national parks start with long walking trails before the hiking begins. These are great for all visitors and some valley trails can be as long as 10km with no hiking involved.

Stick to the paths: Korea’s national parks aren’t open for exploration and it is necessary to stick to the paths. There can be wild animals (deer, boar, bears!, snakes, etc.) in the parks and guide fences are there for everyone’s safety.

Signposts: National Parks in Korea are designed for Koreans, but also have many signs in English. There are resources available for non-Korean (English) speaking hikers in the national parks, too.

Toilets: Toilets in Korea are clean and well maintained, even in national parks, but they aren’t available in all locations throughout the parks. You will mostly find toilets at the entrance and towards the end of the walking area in the valley, but further up the mountains, toilets are rare.

Supplies: If you plan to hike in Korea’s national parks, you should bring some supplies with you, such as water (at least 1l), snacks, and tissues. If you start hiking at the main entrance to a national park, you will find shops selling supplies, but if you start in a more remote area, there may not be shops.

Trash: There are no bins on the mountains and people are expected to take everything home with them. Koreans hike with a small plastic bag to store their waste until they get home. Public bins aren’t that common in Korea.

Busy times: Hiking in Korea’s national parks is one of the most popular pastimes in Korea and the hiking trails can get especially busy on weekends, holidays, and during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. This can affect public transport availability, too.

Souvenirs: You can buy souvenir towels in each national park. These have maps of the hiking routes and are convenient as a map / sweat towel / souvenir. I love to collect one from each park I visit.

When To Hike In Korea’s National Parks

The best time to hike in Korea’s national parks is definitely during autumn, which is from late September to early November. During this time you can see Korea’s incredible autumn foliage spreading out over the mountains and along the valleys. Spring is also very popular as you can see cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and other spring blooms. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest times.

I love winter hiking for snowy scenes and sunny skies (winter in Korea is very sunny), but it’s not for everyone and you really need to be prepared for the cold weather. If you want to see snow in Korea, visiting a national park is one of the best options as the snow falls more often there than in the city. Summer hiking is tough as it’s very hot, but the shaded valleys with rivers can bring cool relief.

For a more detailed breakdown about the best time to hike and see Korea’s national parks, check out my Korean hiking season guide. It includes details about the best mountains to hike in each season, what to expect and look for, and what each season is like.

What Clothes Do You Need For Hiking?

Once you’ve figured out what time of year you want to visit a Korean national park, you should pack the right clothes for the season. Of course, the weather in Korea can change day to day, so also bring appropriate clothes for the weather that day (i.e. a raincoat if it’s raining).

Here’s a rough guide to what to pack for hiking in each season:

Headwear: a hat is also useful if you plan to hike in Korea’s national parks as you’re exposed to the sun a lot. A light cap is fine from spring to autumn, but a wooly hat is better in winter.

What Equipment Do You Need For Hiking?

Even though you’ll want a light pack when you hike in a national park, there are some essential items that you should bring whenever you hike, such as hiking poles, tissues, a sweat towel, and gloves. These items can change depending on the season, but most are essential for the longer trails.

If you only plan to explore the lower areas of the park, you can skip some of these items (hiking poles, first aid kit, hiking boots), but I would still recommend you bring some supplies with you. The Wowpass is a good Korean debit card that’s designed for tourists that you can use across Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about national parks in Korea. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.

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This guide to hiking Hallasan in winter will help you with all you need to get ready for the tough, but rewarding hike to the peak. Featuring tips on what to wear, what to pack, how to prepare, and loads of other essential tips, you’ll be ready to go out and reach the peak after you read this.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, or ready for your first summit, there’s a lot to know and prepare to hike Hallasan in winter. Have you made a reservation? Do you know which bus to take there and back? What will you eat after the hike? Find out all that and more below.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why Should You Hike Hallasan In Winter?

Winter in Korea is a great time to go hiking. Standing knee-deep in snow, catching your breath as the snow dazzles all around, sunbeams bouncing off the crystalline seas that surround Jeju – it’s a view not to be missed.

Hallasan Mountain is South Korea’s highest peak and offers breathtaking views that you won’t see from any other mountain in Korea. You get the chance to look out over the egg-white of Jeju Island’s lowlands as you stand atop its volcanic egg-yolk peak.

There are so many reasons why you should hike Hallasan in winter. Snowy landscapes, the chance to escape the city, a great workout, reconnecting with nature, or to see the whole of Jeju Island from atop South Korea’s highest mountain. Take your pick.

For me, the number 1 reason to hike Hallasan Mountain in winter is the fresh white snow. I’m a big kid at heart and there’s something uplifting and energising about pushing my feet along snowy pathways, having snowball fights, and seeing snow cover everything.

Whatever reason you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the end of it. The feeling from accomplishing a challenging hike like this is matched only by the contentment you get from devouring a delicious meal afterwards.

I would recommend trying out Jeju’s black pork samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) and a bottle of the island’s own soju, aptly called Hallasan. It’s the perfect end to the day and guaranteed to help you into a long sleep that night.

Hiking Hallasan in winter is one of those South Korea bucket list activities that you should definitely attempt if you’re visiting Korea in winter. Whether you’re an accomplished hiker or novice, there’s a hiking route that will be right for you and allow you to see amazing sights.

In this guide I’ll tell you all you need to know to hike Hallasan in winter, including how to prepare for the hike (very important), what to expect, and tips for Jeju Island and hiking in Korea.

What To Prepare Before Hiking Hallasan

Hallasan is one of Korea’s most popular mountains for hiking, with winter being an especially busy time as everyone wants to go out and see the snow. To avoid disappointment on the day of your hike, there are a few simple things you can do to prepare.

The following 5 steps will help you plan and prepare your winter Hallasan hike. I’d recommend doing these things at least 1 week in advance, further ahead if you need to make a reservation for a hiking course.

1: Choose Your Hiking Trail

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose your trail. Do you want a short or long trail? Do you want to go up and down the same trail, or hike different trails?

There are technically 7 hiking trails on Hallasan Mountain, but I’ll only cover the 4 trails that go near the peak, broken down into pairs. These trails offer the best sights and the best snow hiking experience.

Gwaneumsa & Seongpanak
These trails take you to the highest point of Hallasan Mountain. They offer a longer, steeper, and more difficult hike. Recommended for intermediate-advanced hikers, but can be done by beginners with preparation.

Eorimok & Yeongsil
These trails take you to the back-side of the peak. They are shorter trails that are easier to hike. Recommended for beginner-intermediate hikers.

I’d recommend ascending one trail and then descending the opposite trail. This way you’ll get to see more of Hallasan and Jeju Island from different angles.

Here’s a brief overview of each course:

Gwaneumsa Trail

One of the most scenic courses, but also steep and difficult to climb. Starts in the north and easy to get to from Jeju City. I’d recommend descending this route after ascending the Seongpanak Trail.

Length: 8.7km (one way)
Time: 8-10 hours (return)
Difficulty: 4/5

How To Get To Gwaneumsa Trail

Take bus #281 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Seogwipo) for 25 mins and get off at Jeju University. Then, take the bus #475 for 15 minutes. Get off at the entrance of the Gwaneumsa Trail.

Seongpanak Trail

A long and lovely course that rises gradually from the east. As you’re hiking east to west, the sun will be behind or above you most of the time, which is helpful. There’s a shelter half-way up where you can get ramyeon and rest.

Length: 9.6km (one way)
Time: 7-9 hours (return)
Difficulty: 4/5

How To Get To Seongpanak Trail

Take bus #281 or #181 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Seogwipo) for 40 minutes. Get off at the entrance to the Seongpanak Trail.

Eorimok Trail

This trail offers a good trek that, although hard at first, isn’t that tough overall. After ascending quite quickly, the course levels out, revealing lovely views over the west coast and lots of oreums (volcanic cones). There’s a rest area at the top with toilets.

Length: 4.7km (one way)
Time: 3-4 hours (return)
Difficulty: 3/5

How To Get To Eorimok Trail

Take bus #240 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Jungmun) for 40 minutes. Get off at the entrance of the Eorimok Trail.

Yeongsil Trail

Although this course looks quite short, there’s a 2.5km walk from the bus stop to the course start. After that, this is a beautiful hike through snowy forests that turn into dramatic cliff-edges with scary-looking drops into the valley below. Don’t worry, the edge is fenced to protect hikers from falling down.

Length: 3.7km (one way)
Time: 2-3 hours (return)
Difficulty: 3/5

How To Get To Yeongsil Trail

Take bus #240 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Jungmun) for 50 minutes. Get off at the Yeongsil Ticket Office and walk to the trail entrance for 2.5km.

Which Course Should I Hike?

They’re all great courses, but I would recommend the following routes based on what you’ll see, the length of the course, and ease of public transport in either direction.

Long Hike – Start on the Seongpanak Trail, hike to the peak, then descend the Gwaneumsa Trail. It’s easier to get to the start point at Seongpanak and the Gwaneumsa Trail is closer to Jeju City, reducing travel time at the end. The Gwaneumsa Trail is steeper, so it’s best to go down this route.

Easier Hike – Start on the Eorimok Trail, hike to the back-side peak, then descend the Yeongsil Trail. It’s easier to get to the start point at Eorimok as it’s closer to Jeju City, meaning you can get a taxi if you miss the bus. The bus back to Jeju City passes Yeongsil before it gets to the Eorimok entrance, so you’ll have a much higher chance of getting on the bus back to Jeju City.

2: Make A Reservation

If you plan to hike the Gwaneumsa Trail or Seongpanak Trail, you need to make an online reservation, otherwise you will not be allowed access to the hiking trail. This is the same if you hike Hallasan in winter or any other season.

Online reservations can be made by the end of next month after opening on the 1st of every month. Here are some examples to show how that works.

February 1st:
Reservations can be made from February 1st to March 31st.

February 28th:
Reservations can be made between February 28th and March 31st

I’d recommend making a reservation as soon as possible. There are only 1,000 spots available each day and the available spots can go quickly, especially on weekends.

The button below will take you to the official Hallasan online reservation site.

You don’t need a reservation to hike the Eorimok Trail or Yeongsil Trail, so if you can’t make a reservation for the other courses, these will always be available. However, this also means that these courses have become more popular and therefore busier.

3: Check The Weather Forecast

Jeju Island is a semi-tropical island and subject to sudden weather changes. The first time I hiked Hallasan in winter, the weather changed from partially cloudy to a strong blizzard that forced me to abandon my hike.

Check the weather a few days before and on the day of your hike, considering these things:

1: Is it snowing on your hiking day? If so, be prepared to hike with snow blowing in your face and possibly low visibility.

2: Has it snowed in the 2 days before you plan to hike? If so, you should have lots of fresh snow to walk through – which is good.

3: How strong is the wind on Hallasan? Even if the temperature isn’t that low, the wind can make it feel a lot colder and really hurt.

4: What’s the temperature on Hallasan? As you ascend to the peak, it will get several degrees colder. Be prepared and bring heat packs.

If in doubt, go to Google and type in ‘Hallasan weather’. You’ll see the weather for Hallasan for the next week, including wind speed, temperature, and expected snowfall.

4: Plan Your Transportation

Whilst there are a lot of options for getting to and from Hallasan, the number of people hiking in winter means that you may have some unexpected transportation issues.

Here are some things to think about when working out transportation to avoid hassles on the day of your hike.

1: Buses are infrequent and busy. Buses to Hallasan run about once an hour. Which one will you take and when will you arrive / depart from the mountain?

2: Roads can be congested. If you’re driving, expect there to be traffic jams around the car parks as everyone tries to park there. The same goes for buses.

3: Take a taxi if you have to. The last time I hiked Hallasan, there wasn’t enough space on the bus, so I asked others at the bus station if they wanted to share a taxi. The taxi fee was about 20,000 won and well worth it!

4: The return buses will be busy. Work out when you will finish the hike and what buses will be available. Be prepared to queue for a long time before getting on a bus.

These are all especially true during the weekends, but might not be so bad during the week. Definitely hike mid-week if you can, it’ll make getting to and from Hallasan a lot easier.

5: Set Your Alarm Early

The biggest tip I can give if you plan to hike Hallasan in winter is to get up early. The hiking courses open around 6:00 am and that’s a good time to start your winter Hallasan hike.

Here are some reasons why you should try to rise with the sun:

1: There are time limits on when you can hike. You will be turned away from the hiking courses after a certain time as it’s too dangerous to start hiking then. You can see these times in the picture below.

2: The roads get busier and busier. After 8:00 am, there are many people travelling to Hallasan or on the roads around Hallasan. Also, buses will be full of people and you might not be able to get on one (this happened to me last time).

3: You’ll have more time to enjoy the hike. You can pack a picnic and spend an extra hour or two taking in the incredible views.

4: Getting back will be easier. Return buses from Hallasan are also very busy. The sooner you finish the hike, the better your chance of getting on a bus back to the city.

You certainly don’t have to start hiking at the crack of dawn, but it will make it a lot easier. Try to aim to start the hike at 8:00 am if possible.

What To Wear To Hike Hallasan In Winter

Wearing the right clothes is essential when hiking in the snow during winter. However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on the latest hiking gear.

Here are some essentials that you should definitely wear:

Hiking Boots
A sturdy pair of hiking boots are a must for this hike. You will be crossing rocky, snowy, and icy terrain and you can sprain your ankle or slip over easily if you wear the wrong shoes. Also, hiking boots are usually waterproof and will keep your feet safe.

Here’s some Example Hiking Boots.

Thick Socks
Woollen hiking socks are good, but a couple of pairs of regular socks will do, too. These will stop your boots slipping and also stop your toes from getting too cold.

Here’s some Example Hiking Socks.

Thermal Inner Wear
If it’s windy, the cold will seep into your legs and arms very easily. Thermal inner wear (t-shirt and leggings) will keep your body warm and protected. Not essential, but very useful.

Here’s some Example Thermal Inner Wear.

Wind-resistant Hiking Jacket
You can wear as many fleeces, t-shirts, or jumpers as you need, but a good jacket is the key to staying warm and safe. Ideally water and wind-resistant, a hiking jacket should keep you warm without being too heavy. Try to avoid overly large puffer jackets as they’ll weigh you down and make your life harder.

Here’s an Example Hiking Jacket.

Hat, Gloves, and Neck-warmer
I wouldn’t travel in winter without these anyway, but they’re essential while hiking Hallasan in winter. The temperature will be below zero and you should cover up as much as possible.

As for other clothes such as trousers, jumpers, etc., I’d recommend warm and comfortable clothing. Wearing too many layers isn’t a good idea as you’ll get hot as you hike up and you’ll take them off anyway. A lightweight padded inner-jacket is a good alternative.

Personally, I wear the items I mentioned above with my hiking trousers, one t-shirt, and a fleece. The thermal inner wear and jacket keep me warm enough.

If you’re in Korea, I would recommend visiting Uniqlo for cheap and effective thermal clothes. For other items such as shoes and socks, visit a specialist hiking store.

What To Pack To Hike Hallasan In Winter 2024

Staying warm and safe is more than just dressing correctly, there are also some other items you’ll need to pack. Here’s a quick rundown of some essential items to put in your backpack.

Hiking Poles
These adjustable hiking sticks will give you extra balance and help you get up and down rocky paths more easily. They’re also really useful for checking how deep the snow is. Not essential (I don’t use them), but definitely useful.

Here’s some Example Hiking Poles.

Crampons (Ice Cleats)
Crampons are metal spikes that go on the bottom of your shoes and stop you falling over on ice or snow. You basically can’t hike Hallasan in winter without them and you’ll have a hard time without a pair of these. These are called aijen (아이젠) in Korean.

Here’s some Example Crampons.

Heat Packs
These come in two forms – ones you stick to your body/in your shoes, or ones you put in your pocket to keep your hands warm. If you’re not used to the cold weather, I’d recommend both.

Here’s some Example Heat Packs.

Snow Gaiters
These will stop snow getting into your shoes and stop your toes from getting wet and frosty. They’re very useful in thick snow.

Here’s some Example Snow Gaiters.

Tissues
In the cold weather, your nose is likely to run a lot. A pack of tissues is really handy and you’ll need them for a whole load of things.

Food & Water
You probably won’t have a chance to buy food or water on the way, so make sure you stock up before leaving the city. Bring food for lunch, snacks, and at least 1 litre of water. I’d also recommend packing a bottle of Powerade, it really helps when hiking.

Although there is a rest station on the Seongpanak Trail that sells food and drinks, as well as a convenience store at the start of the Gwaneumsa Trail, don’t rely on them in case they’re closed.

I wouldn’t bring much else with you as any extra weight will make the hike more difficult. If you want to bring more, think about whether or not you really need it.

Winter Weather On Jeju Island 2024

Whilst mainland Korea has generally dry and sunny weather during winter, Jeju Island has much less predictable weather that can change suddenly. Here’s some details about winter weather on Jeju Island.

Temperature
Average daily temperatures are between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius, but can go below zero degrees. Hallasan is high above the sea-level, so will be considerably colder than the coast.

Rainfall
Winter is the driest season for Jeju Island and Korea and there is an average of 9-10 days of rain per month. However, as it’s so cold, this can fall as snow.

Wind
There can be strong winds on Jeju Island during winter that will make you very cold. Wrap up when walking along the coast and certainly if you hike Hallasan in winter.

Clouds
The weather on Jeju Island changes quickly and there can be cloudy skies one minute and then clear skies the next. You’ll often see clouds forming around the peak of Hallasan and I’ve noticed they tend to hang around the west coast more than the east coast.

Overall, the weather during winter on Jeju Island is generally cold, but not as cold as the rest of Korea. It’s also mostly dry with a few showers or snow. There are plenty of sunny days, but it’s not guaranteed and you’ll see big changes in the weather on some days.

Tips For Hiking In Korea In 2024

Whatever time of year you go hiking, here are some crucial tips that will make your hiking experience much more enjoyable, safer, and comfortable.

1: Pack light, pack right, and pack bright. Remove unnecessary items from your backpack and only bring the essentials (water, snacks, raincoat, sunglasses, suncream, etc.). And to fit in with the other hikers, and for safety, get a bright backpack and hiking clothes.

2: Plan your hike. Check your transportation options, check for route closures, and figure out when you will start and finish your hike. Be prepared for the time and energy you’re going to invest in your hike.

3: Prepare for the weather. Mountains have a climate of their own, and clouds, wind, rain, and snow can all appear from nowhere and change the conditions of your hike severely. Depending on the season you are hiking in, be prepared for the worst (but hope for the best).

4: Look after your body. Hiking can be tough and work a lot of muscles you’re not used to using. Stretch before and after the hike (and a bit at the peak, too). Go slow and steady if you need to. And make use of the toilets when you see them as you might not see another one for hours.

5: Have fun on the way. Hiking is a fun experience and the goal is to enjoy the journey, not the destination. Stop, look around your surroundings, and take in the unique sights, sounds, and smells on the way. It’s not a race.

For a full list of my best hiking tips, check out my article with 21 Top Korean Hiking Tips.

What To Do On Jeju Island

Jeju Island is one of my favourite places to travel in Korea and has so many unique things to offer. There’s always something to do.

You can ride a horse, trek around the island, experience a range of unique Jeju Island dishes, explore hundreds of cafes and bars, stroll through flowery fields, see inside a lava tube, learn in dozens of museums, shop till you drop, journey under the sea in a submarine, scuba dive, visit a traditional village, and so much more on Jeju Island!

Here’s a great Jeju Island Winter Itinerary to help you plan what to do for the rest of your time in winter. Although it could also be used any other time of year, too.

As there’s so much to do on Jeju Island, it features several times on my South Korea Bucket List, which has 50 of the most unmissable activities to do when you’re in Korea.

How To Hike Hallasan In Winter FAQs

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about hiking Hallasan in winter, in case you need more help planning.

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There’s many good reasons to visit Jeju Island in winter, and for me there was a bucket item list that I’ve been waiting more than 5 years to do that I finally achieved. I wanted to hike the snowy slopes of Hallasan Mountain in winter and see the island below while knee-deep in snow up above.

I got to do that, and a lot more, including visiting Udo Island, eating loads of delicious Korean dishes, shopping at the traditional markets, playing in the snow, seeing Jeju’s winter flowers, eating winter fruits, and lots more.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Tips For 1 Week On Jeju Island In Winter

Please feel free to use this Jeju Island winter itinerary as a guide to planning your own 1 week on Jeju Island in winter. This itinerary shows what I did each day, and I’ve also included extra activities that you can do on Jeju Island in winter. There’s loads of extra tips for getting the most out of Jeju Island in winter. I hope you can get lots of inspiration for future travels.

For those of you looking to spend 1 week on Jeju Island in winter, here’s some important info that will help you plan your trip.

Weather On Jeju Island In Winter

Jeju Island is far south of Seoul and closer to the equator, meaning that it’s warmer than the capital. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t cold. You can see snow on Jeju Island in winter and the weather can be quite random.

Temperatures can fall below zero, or be above 15 degrees. When I visited Jeju in winter, the lowest temperature was -5 and the highest was 18 degrees. I saw snow, rain, clouds, and sun. Generally winter is quite dry and clear, but be prepared for anything.

Transportation On Jeju Island

Jeju Island is definitely a lot easier to visit if you Rent A Car as many attractions are spread out across the island. However, it’s not impossible to get around by public transport and on foot, especially if you stay in the two main cities.

I didn’t use a car when I visited Jeju Island in winter, but that didn’t stop me doing what I wanted to. With planning and a little Korean to read the bus timetables, you can get just about anywhere.

Booking day tours is also a good option for getting around Jeju Island in winter, as these tours can take you to several places more conveniently than a public bus would do.

Layout Of Jeju Island

Jeju Island is a tale of two cities. Quite literally, with the island being split horizontally into Jeju City area in the north and Seogwipo City area in the south. These two cities are great places to base yourself to get around the island more easily.

In the centre of Jeju Island is Hallasan – a volcano that dominates (and created) the island. On the lower slopes of Hallasan are a lot of forests, oreums (small hills), and lots of the non-coastal attractions (museums, theme parks, etc.).

Around the edge of Jeju Island there are loads of beautiful beaches to visit, as well as other sea-front attractions, nearby islands, and cosy cafes to sit in and watch the sunrise / sunset.

During my 1 week on Jeju Island in winter I was able to visit all these different areas. Read on to find out what I did and what to expect in each place.

Day 1: Jeju City Sights, Traditional Market, & Local Beers

Flying into Jeju Island on a sunny day is an incredible experience – passing islands & fishing boats, and seeing Jeju ‘the fried egg’ Island from above. If you’re arriving on Jeju Island in winter, you might even see snowy slopes on South Korea’s tallest mountain – Hallasan.

I’d planned to spend a busy 1 week on Jeju Island, so I didn’t want a tough first day. I flew in early, dropped my bags at the hotel, and walked to the sprawling Dongmun Traditional Market. This market is packed with Delicious Korean Street Foods to try, including local specialities such as abalone-wrapped gimbap and dol hareubang bread (shaped like the island’s famous statues).

The traditional markets are best explored at night, so after a quick snack I hopped on a bus to the Magpie Brewery & Taproom. Here you can experience Korean-inspired beers, such as the Kimchi Ghost, and indulge in pizza & fried chicken (a perfect combo). After this, I visited the nearby beach in Samyang – but it wasn’t very active during winter so I took the bus back to Jeju City.

Night was approaching, the perfect time to explore Korean cities. It gets dark early on Jeju Island in winter. Jeju City has a lot of pretty areas to explore in the evening in the Ildoil-dong area, such as the Black Pork Street, Arario museums, Dongmun Traditional Market, streets painted with murals, and plenty of seafood restaurants.

After exploring the night markets and getting my fill of Korean street food, I decided to have an early night. Tomorrow was going to be the toughest day during my 1 week on Jeju Island!

Day 2: Hiking Hallasan’s Snowy Slopes & Korean BBQ

Today was the day I achieved one of my top Korean bucket list items – Hiking Hallasan Mountain In The Snow. I’ve hiked it in September, and been rewarded with sunny views over the whole island, but now I really wanted to scale the slopes whilst draped in deep, fluffy snow.

After a quick breakfast I headed to the Jeju City Bus Terminal to take the bus to the start of the Yeongsil Course. My plan was to start on the south-western side of Hallasan, hike up to Witse-Oreum Shelter near the peak, and head back down the Eorimok Course on the northern slope. Two courses in one day and some incredibly snowy sights on the way.

The snow started to show whilst riding the bus to the start, and was ankle-deep even at the start of the course, rising to knee-deep as I made my way up the snowy slopes. I stopped to play in the snow a lot, taking loads of pictures, and enjoying the breathtaking sights. They truly were awesome and I’m so happy that I got to see these sights at last.

Unfortunately, due to a blizzard at the top (not meant to be there according to my weather app), I had to turn back just before the Witse-Oreum Shelter. It would have taken too long to make it to the end of the course before it got dark. Fortunately, I was able to lie back and slide some of the way to the bottom as the thick snow, trodden down, makes for a great human bobsleigh track!

Even if you don’t plan to hike far, you can still enjoy playing in the snow at the start of the hiking courses. There are ropes and flags to keep you on course and plenty of pristine snow to play in if it’s been snowing recently.

Exhausted, but really happy with all I’d seen, it was time to take the bus back to Jeju City, warm up with a hot shower, and spend the night indulging in one of my favourite Korean dishes – Korean BBQ. No trip to Jeju Island in winter would be complete without trying out Korean BBQ and washing it all down with some of the local soju, aptly named Hallasan Soju.

Day 3: Udo Island, Seongsan Ilchulbong, & Jeju Gogi-Guksu

The sun was shining brightly, blue skies met bluer seas, and today was the perfect time to jump on a ferry and head over to Udo Island on Jeju’s north-eastern coast. The ferry departs from Seongsan, home to another of Jeju’s incredible sights which I’ll return to later.

I arrived mid-morning and headed for a walk from the ferry terminal (Haumok-dong) to the other side of the island. Udo is only 1km wide and mostly made up of farms, beaches, small buildings, and one hill on the southern tip topped with a famous lighthouse (Udo-deungdae), which makes it quite easy to walk around.

After 30 minutes of gentle walking past short walls made from volcanic rocks, green fields, and even a few haenyeo (diving women), I made it to peaceful Hagosudong Beach. There are a few really nice cafes here, so I stayed (at Cafe U.D.O.1) to read, watch the waves, and indulge in coffee and a brownie. After some seafood pasta in a nearby restaurant (Seom Sonai), it was off to explore the coast and make my way along the eastern shore towards the lighthouse.

The sun was up and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was cold, but in a good way. Exploring Jeju Island in winter is actually much nicer than in summer, when it gets really hot. The shore holds many delights and if you don’t want to walk it, you can rent a small electric scooter-car (most people were) to drive around and stop where you want to.

Udo Island is famous for several things, including peanut ice cream, beautiful beaches, and being shaped like a cow (the name U-do literally means ‘cow-island’). Once I’d finished walking to the lighthouse (not difficult), I made my way to Sanho Beach on the western coast to try out the famous peanut ice cream. It was ok, but nothing amazing.

Finally it was time to head back to Seongsan to see the Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. This is the best place in Korea to watch the New Year sunrise. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely a must see during any 1 week on Jeju Island trip. Unfortunately, I arrived a too late to climb up. It was still awesome to see Seongsan Ilchulbong though.

After watching the sun go down, I headed back to Jeju City to explore another famous food street – Guksu Geori (Noodle Street). This is home to several places serving Jeju’s famous gogi-guksu, which is basically a big bowl of noodles and sliced pork in a salty broth. Perfect after a long day walking. Once that was finished off, I walked it all off exploring more of central Jeju City at night.

Day 4: Hamdeok Beach, Manjanggul Lava Tube, & Fresh Seafood

I’ve visited Jeju a few times before, and couldn’t imagine 1 week on Jeju Island without visiting Hamdeok Beach. It’s one of the best beaches on Jeju Island and seeing it in winter is just as good as seeing it in any other season. The sand is golden, which contrasts perfectly with the black volcanic rocks that seem to have been thrown along the coast, while the sea is almost turquoise.

There are plenty of amazing cafes, restaurants (including gourmet burger places), and places to sit down and absorb the beautiful coastal views. My favourite place is Cafe Del Mundo, situated closest to the water’s edge and with yummy freshly baked goods inside. A morning spent chilling here definitely is a morning well spent. If I didn’t have other plans, I would have stayed all day.

The desire to see more pushed me on, and after filling up on a second chocolate croissant, I headed to the bus stop to visit the Manjanggul Lava Tube. This is one of the world’s longest lava tubes and gives you an interesting insight into the history of Jeju Island, which was borne from the ocean by the wild eruptions of Hallasan – an active volcano. You can walk about 1km along the lava tube and see the world’s highest lava column.

The Manjanggul Lava Tube was nice, but only took about an hour, so I decided to get a bus to another beach – Gimnyeong Beach. It was a nice place to walk around, but the weather had started to get bad after an hour so I packed up and headed back to Jeju City.

My time in Jeju City was at an end, but I wasn’t going to leave without checking out a really good sushi place I’d heard about (there are many) – Sushi Tomodachi. 10+ plates of sushi later, I was full and ready to take the bus to Seogwipo City to start part 2 of my fun 1 week on Jeju Island in winter.

Day 5: Jeju Folk Village, Cosy Cafes, & Black Pork BBQ

I awoke early grabbed a quick coffee and egg tart at a Hong Kong-style cafe (Blue Haus) and went off to the Jeju Folk Village in Pyoseon. It had started raining a bit, which isn’t common on Jeju Island in winter (or other parts of Korea). The Jeju Folk Village is a sprawling collection of traditional buildings showing how people used to live before modernity came to Jeju.

There are lots of different houses to explore, games to play, and Korean culture to learn about. You can see scenes from some famous Korean dramas there were filmed here, see a real traditional market, feed some local animals, and lots more. One of the highlights was seeing the camellias in bloom. These are one of the famous sights of Jeu Island in winter and I was planning to go to Camellia Hill to see them, but I didn’t need to after seeing them here.

I was actually quite surprised with how much there was to see and do. Walking around the Jeju Folk Village took about 3-4 hours and, despite the rain, I enjoyed my time here. I learnt some interesting facts, including about the old-style toilets that fed into the pig’s feeding troughs! The place was family friendly and ideal for anyone interested in Korea’s history.

Once I’d seen all there was to see, I headed out to the coast for lunch and a rest in a beachside cafe (Cafe Cocotiere), looking out over Pyoseon’s very wide beach. When the rain finished, I headed back to Seogwipo to clean up and prepare for the meal I’d most been looking forward to – a Korean BBQ with Jeju’s legendary black pork.

Jeju’s black pigs are said to produce the best meat for Korean BBQ and the best place to try them is obviously on Jeju Island. On a cold night on Jeju Island in winter, I couldn’t really think of anything better to eat. The meal was great, and left me stuffed. I needed to walk it off, so I explored some of the streets around central Seogwipo, including the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, Myeongdong Street, Arang Joeul Food Street, and Lee Jung-Seop Art Street.

I finished the night with a couple of beers from the Jeju Beer Fountain – home to beers from the best Jeju craft beer brewers (including Magpie & Jeju Beer). I’d really recommend this place as they let you sample three beers before trying them and they’re all really good. I grabbed a couple of bottles and some snacks and had a peaceful night back at the hotel.

Day 6: Yakcheonsa Temple, Olle Trail 8, & Jungmun Saekdal Beach

I had an early night at the end of day 4 so that I could wake up and enjoy the early morning sunrise. I wasn’t disappointed. I sat and watched it from my hotel window whilst munching a few oranges. The sun was out after yesterday’s rain and it felt divine to be basking in the light, so I decided to visit one of the most intriguing Korean Buddhist temples I’ve been to – and I’ve been to many.

Yakcheonsa Temple, bedecked with palm trees, tiny elephant statues, and looking out over the southern shore below, felt like it should be in Bali or Thailand, not on Jeju Island. Visiting this place during my 1 week on Jeju Island in winter felt surreal. I was transported to SE Asia, with fresh fruit hanging on the trees, palm trees everywhere, and the sun, sky, and sea all dazzling. The weather was also around 15 degrees (up from -5 a week ago!), which added to the illusion.

This temple is a must-visit place on Jeju Island for 2 reasons. Firstly, it’s awesome – beautiful architecture, massive 3-layered roof, a hidden cave-temple, juicy oranges waiting to be picked, and you can even do a temple-stay here! Secondly, it’s the start of the Jeju Olle Trail Course 8, which is what I was about to start now.

The Jeju Olle Trail goes all the way around the island and is meant to be trekked over 3 or 4 weeks. It takes you to all the best sites and provides a ready-made course to follow, with lots of signposts and stamps that you can collect as you go. Course 8 is one of the best, leading you along the coast, past fishing villages, Jusangjeolli Cliffs (unique hexagonal rocks), all the way to the Jungmun Saekdal Beach area.

It was a really peaceful way to spend the day and with the perfect weather I was in heaven. It’s not difficult and only took a few hours to reach the Jungmun Saekdal Beach – a really popular place for locals and tourists who want to stay at the luxurious hotels, see one of Jeju’s other incredible beaches, and watch the sunset from the cliffside bar (my plan).

Whilst walking along the beach, I saw some local kids practicing ssireum (Korean wrestling – like sumo), loads of people surfing, and dropped onto the sand to read for a while. In the late afternoon, I headed to The Cliff – a cocktail bar / lounge with incredible views over the beach and the perfect place to watch the sunset.

A couple of beers and a sunset later, I headed back to Seogwipo to explore more of the city and grab some more craft beer from the Jeju Beer Fountain. Sadly the end of my 1 week on Jeju Island was coming to an end, so I walked until quite late, exploring the harbour and watching the squid-fishing boats head out to sea at night.

Day 7: Seogwipo Sights, Walks & Waterfalls, & Maeil Olle Market

I couldn’t believe 1 week on Jeju Island was nearly at an end. There was so much that I still wanted to see, but there’s never enough time to see it all. I decided to spend my last day exploring Seogwipo and the surrounding area. I’d only been here at night and many attractions had been closed then.

Seogwipo has a surprising number of attractions to enjoy for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, or shopping addicts. I started off visiting the Lee Jung-Seop Art Street, which includes the famous Korean artist’s house and a museum. This is a great place to pick up some cute Jeju souvenirs, and to check out the various art and murals along the street as you walk.

This led me down to Yudong Coffee, run by one of Korea’s most awarded baristas – Cho Yu Dong. If you like coffee, I’d highly recommend this place. For lunch I had some delicious black pork tacos from b.pork bistro – they were so good and I could have eaten half a dozen!

From here I walked east towards the sea and the mighty Jeongbang Waterfall. This 75 foot waterfall over black cliffs offers a fun spot to take waterfall selfies as you can walk down to the beach and get close to the falls. One waterfall wasn’t enough, though, so I walked back along the coast and headed to the Cheonjiyeon Falls – a smaller but still impressive scene hidden away in thick forests and a strangely large number of ducks.

The Cheonjiyeon Falls are on the way to Oedolgae Rock on the Olle Trail 7 course (another popular section of the Jeju Olle Trail). I followed the Olle Trail 7 from the falls to the viewing area around Oedolgae rock, which was only 30 minutes by foot. The Oedolgae rock stands alone like a tall sentinel in the rocky surf away from the cliff.

After walking back to the centre, via the Geolmae Eco Park, I decided to do some last minute shopping at the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market. This large traditional market is great for tourists to get some souvenirs, try the local delicacies (loved the black pork croquettes), and witness the many sides of traditional Korean markets. If you live in Korea, you can order food from the market sent to your house wherever you are in Korea.

I stocked up on a few sweet treats and bought another bag of oranges as they’re in season on Jeju Island in winter (and also really sweet). My flight home was at sunset, which seemed an appropriate end for my 1 week on Jeju Island in winter. I soared away from Jeju Airport (only an hour from Seogwipo) as the sun set on my winter adventures on Jeju.

I’ll definitely be back soon as there’s so much to do on Jeju Island in winter (and any season).

Where To Visit On Jeju Island In Winter

If you plan to spend 1 week on Jeju Island in winter, then hopefully my 7 day itinerary has given you some food for thought. However, not everyone wants to go hiking, or you might be travelling with children, or want to visit different attractions.

Here’s some of the other places I’d recommend to visit on Jeju Island in winter. There’s bound to be something to suit your own personal itinerary:

• Dodu-dong Rainbow Coast Road
• Saryeoni Forest Path
• Hyeopjae Beach
• Joeun Horse Riding
• O’sulloc Green Tea Plantation
• Jeju Haenyeo Museum
• Camellia Hill
• Jeju Love Land
• Jeju Light Garden
• Chocolate Museum
• Jeju Toy Park
• Aqua Planet Jeju (Aquarium)
• Marado Island
• Aewol Coastal Road

There are dozens of museums, scenic spots, coastal walks, and cosy cafes – too many for me to mention them all. If you want some extra ideas, I’d recommend visiting the Visit Jeju Website.

And here’s a list of 20 of the Best Things To Do On Jeju Island any time of year.

Where To Stay For 1 Week On Jeju Island

I split my 1 week on Jeju Island between Jeju City and Seogwipo City. These are great cities to explore and work perfectly as a base to travel out to other attractions on the island.

I stayed at The Jade Hotel in Jeju City. It’s a small but comfortable hotel in central Jeju City that is close to the traditional market, hiking routes, and coast. It features an open rooftop with bar, perfect for looking at the sunrise or sunset.

In Seogwipo I stayed at the Ocean Palace Hotel. This was a budget hotel and is an older building, but has been recently renovated to offer an apartment-like stay. The room was massive and included a kitchen and dining area, which was perfect for cooking and late night snacks.

These were both really nice hotels, with central locations and reasonable prices. I was close to the markets in both cities and the hotel in Seogwipo had incredible views of the coast.

Of course, these aren’t the only options available. If you prefer to be closer to nature and want to experience beach life, I’d recommend staying in Hamdeok on the north coast or at the hotels in the Jungmun Saekdal Beach area (but these are more expensive).

Advice For Visiting Jeju Island In Winter

For those who want to spend 1 week on Jeju Island in winter, here’s a few tips to help

1: Check the weather before and as you travel. Make sure you know what to expect, but be careful as the weather can change quickly.

2: Plan a flexible schedule. Sometimes rain will arrive when you’d planned to go to the beach. Try to include a few activities that are indoors and not weather-sensitive.

3: Learn how to read Korean city names. You don’t need to master Korean, but knowing the location you want to go to will help a lot on public transport.

4: Jeju Island in winter can be both cold and hot. The temperatures ranged from a freezing cold blizzard on Hallasan to warm, sunny weather where I didn’t need a jacket. Pack appropriately.

5: Take care of your skin. Winter in Korea is very dry and your skin needs care. Pack some hand cream and moisturiser.

6: Enjoy the seasonal delights. Jeju Island in winter is the best time to enjoy fresh citrus, especially red-hyang and hallabong.

7: Check the closing dates of attractions. Many places in Korea, such as museums and galleries, close on Mondays.

8: Use Naver or Kakao map apps to help you get around, but use Google Maps for restaurants and cafes. For some reason, Korean map apps only show me western food options, but Google covers them all.

If you’re travelling to Korea in winter, you should definitely check out my guide to the most delicious Korean winter dishes. You’ll find lots of inspiration for authentic, heart warming Korean meals and snacks you can try out across Jeju. Also, my article about the best places to see snow in Korea will give you lots more itinerary ideas for your winter travels in Korea.

Jeju Island has a visa-free entry system that isn’t available on the mainland, so even if you would normally have to apply for a tourist visa for Korea, you can still travel to Jeju Island. This is great for people who are unable to apply for a Korean travel visa or get denied a Korean visa for whatever reason. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow access to the mainland.

1 Week On Jeju Island In Winter FAQs

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about spending 1 week on Jeju Island in winter, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you.

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