🥾 Seongpanak Trail | The Scenic Climb to the Summit of Hallasan via Forests, Craters & Clouds 🌲⛰️☁️

📝 1. Overview
The Seongpanak Trail (성판악 탐방로) is the longest yet most popular trail leading to the summit of Hallasan (한라산), South Korea’s highest mountain (1,947m). Stretching 9.6 km one-way, it takes you from dense cedar and birch forests through alpine terrain, volcanic ridgelines, and finally to the stunning Baengnokdam Crater Lake (백록담) at the top.
This trail offers gradual incline, rest stops, and the best shot at a successful summit — making it perfect for first-timers and confident hikers alike.

🌟 2. Highlights
🌳 Cedar Forest Zone (삼나무숲) – Peaceful early section with flat boardwalks and mossy trees
⛰️ Sara Oreum Shelter (사라오름 대피소) – Rest area at 7.3km point with emergency facilities
🌿 Alpine Transition Zone – Shrubs, volcanic gravel, stone stairs — you’ll feel the altitude shift
🏞️ Baengnokdam Crater (백록담) – Stunning summit lake often surrounded by clouds
🦌 Jeju Legends – “White Deer” myths + panoramic views of the entire island from the top

💡 3. Tips
🕐 Best time to start:

• Start before 6:30 AM to reach summit before cutoff (usually 12:30 PM)
• Trail gate closes in afternoon — check official Hike Info Portal (탐방예약시스템)

📸 Photo tips:

• Sunrise light filters beautifully through the cedar forest
• Cloud inversion often appears near summit in early morning
  👟 Bring trekking shoes, layers, gloves — weather can shift rapidly
  🥪 Pack lunch/snacks — no shops on trail (except rest shelter toilet)
  📲 Use “산행이” app or Naver Map for trail tracking

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Before or After Your Hike

1. Seongpanak Kimbap House (성판악김밥)
   🍙 Early-morning rice rolls & coffee for hikers
   📍 Trailhead entrance area
   🕒 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2. Hallasan Makguksu (한라산막국수)
   🍜 Cold buckwheat noodles, perfect post-hike refreshment
   📍 ~10 min drive from trailhead
   🕒 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
3. Yongjin Garden (용진가든)
   🥩 Jeju black pork BBQ for your post-summit celebration
   📍 Road toward Jeju City
   🕒 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🚗 5. Access
📍 From Jeju City (제주시):
🚗 Taxi/car: ~30–40 min
🚌 Bus 281 or 181 → Get off at Seongpanak (성판악) stop
🅿️ Paid parking available at the trailhead

📍 From Seogwipo:
🚗 ~45 min by car
🚌 Limited direct routes → best to taxi or rent a car for early access

📍 Trail Info:
🧭 Distance: 9.6 km (one-way)
🕒 Time: ~4.5–5 hrs up / ~3.5–4 hrs down
🚻 Toilets at trailhead & 7.3km shelter
🔒 Summit gate closes early — check weather + time cutoff