Let’s just cut right to the chase here.
Which trail should you take up Hallasan? I’d recommend going up Gwaneumsa Trail, then down Seongpanak.
If that’s all you needed, so long. Maybe check out my full guide to hiking Hallasan before you go.
But for most of you, I would assume you’d like to know why I’m recommending this.
I’m going to delve into the trails, talking about each in great detail; then, you’ll be able to decide for yourself which trail you’d like to take up Hallasan.
Seongpanak vs. Gwaneumsa Trail
There are several differences between the two trails.
However, there are only two main differences that you should base your choice of trail upon.
The first is pretty straightforward. Seongpanak is longer and flatter, while Gwaneumsa is shorter and steeper.
The second is that the scenery on Gwaneumsa is mostly above you, while on Seongpanak it is mainly below. We’ll get into why when I discuss each of the trails individually.
For me, both of these differences point to Gwaneumsa being the right trail to go up, and Seongpanak the way down. Better to work hard and fast to get to the top and then enjoy a nice stroll down without torturing your knees too much.
But at the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Seongpanak Trail
The Seongpanak Trail is definitely the more popular of the two.
Like I mentioned before, it’s longer and flatter than its counterpart. But as you can see in the trail map above, it’s not always so flat.
The first (or last) 5 km of the trail are definitely quite flat. But there’s a stretch that gets quite steep. Not quite as steep as Gwaneumsa does, perhaps- but steep nonetheless.
The majority of people use this trail to go up Hallasan- and a lot of people go right back down this way as well.
Which is a mistake. The scenery is completely different on the two trails, and if you skip Gwaneumsa you’ll be missing a lot.
The most scenic part is definitely near the top. There is no tree cover blocking your view, and assuming the skies are clear you’ll get an unobstructed view of the entire island of Jeju.
Or you might have it like I did, where the sky is full of clouds but you’re above them and can see them rolling beneath you. Which honestly might be even cooler. Check out the photo below.
In any event, it’s better to walk down Seongpanak so you can be walking towards the view instead of constantly craning around to see it.
Gwaneumsa Trail
Gwaneumsa is the shorter and faster of the two.
The trail can be split into two sections: pre and post-Samgakbong shelter, which you can see on the map where the line changes from red to yellow.
The first section is a 3 km stretch of fairly easy incline followed by another 3 km of steep incline. There’s not much to see here- you’re in the trees, and it’s just a battle.
Once you arrive at the shelter, the view opens up and you get incredible views of the peak of Hallasan above you and the island of Jeju below.
It truly changes that quickly and is really remarkable. This part alone- the sudden opening of the view- is reason enough for me to recommend going up Gwaneumsa instead of Seongpanak.
The rest is a battle, but it’s easier with the views and knowledge that the summit is within reach.
This last section is mainly stairs and the legs are gonna be feeling it by the end.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. There are pros and cons to going up either.
But remember that when you’re choosing which trail to take on Hallasan, Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak are not mutually exclusive.
Whichever trail you choose to go up, make sure you go down the other. Not many big mountains offer multiple options like Hallasan, and you should take full advantage.
