🌿 Donnaeko & Yeongsil Trails | Misty Forests, Volcanic Ridges & the Hidden Faces of Hallasan 🍄🌫️🌲

📝 1. Overview
If Seongpanak is Hallasan’s “main highway”, then Donnaeko (돈내코) and Yeongsil (영실) are the secret scenic routes. Both located on the southern slopes of Hallasan, they’re famous for lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and mystical atmosphere, especially in the fog or light rain.
While Yeongsil Trail offers jaw-dropping ridge views, Donnaeko is known for peaceful, lesser-trodden paths — perfect for hikers seeking solitude + nature immersion.

🌫️ Yeongsil Trail (영실 탐방로) – Cliffside Clouds & Sky Path

🌟 Highlights

• 🏞️ Yeongsilgiam Cliffs (영실기암) – Massive volcanic cliff walls towering like a fortress
• 🌁 Cloud Forest Ambience – Often shrouded in mist = dreamlike hikes
• 🪜 Well-Maintained Wooden Steps – Scenic and easier on the knees
• 🍁 Best Trail for Autumn Colors – Vivid gold & crimson from late Oct
• 🧭 6.1 km (round trip to Witse Oreum / 윗세오름) → Moderate challenge

📸 Photo Tips

• The “Sky Path” near the cliff ridgeline
• Fog rolling over Yeongsilgiam rock walls
• Panoramic shots from Witse Oreum rest area

💡 Trail Tip

• Often closes in winter or rainy days for safety
• One of the best half-day hikes on Hallasan

🍃 Donnaeko Trail (돈내코 탐방로) – Jeju’s Quietest Forest Trail

🌟 Highlights

• 🌳 Deep forest trail with moss, ferns, and creeks
• 🌬️ Fewer hikers = serene nature walk, ideal for introverts
• 🧭 7 km to Witse Oreum (linked with Yeongsil)
• 💦 Natural spring & water sounds all along the path
• 🌿 Wildlife sightings possible — birds, bugs, mushrooms galore

📸 Photo Tips

• Stream-crossing bridges under the canopy
• Dense forest with volcanic rocks & overgrown beauty
• Sunbeams slicing through morning mist

💡 Trail Tip

• Less maintained = more natural, but also more rugged
• Great in spring & summer for full green effect
• No summit access from here, but amazing forest immersion

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Post-Hike Picks (Yeongsil/Donnaeko Area)

1. Jeju Mountain Pork Soup (한라산돼지국밥)
   🍲 Rich pork broth with rice — comfort food after cold hikes
   📍 Near Yeongsil Park Entrance
   🕒 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2. Oreum Café (오름카페)
   ☕ Minimalist mountain café with views toward Hallasan
   📍 10 min from Yeongsil lot
   🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
3. Donnaeko House (돈내코가든)
   🍖 Korean BBQ + local side dishes in forest setting
   📍 Near Donnaeko parking
   🕒 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🚗 5. Access & Trail Info

📍 From Seogwipo City Center (서귀포):
🚗 Donnaeko Trailhead: ~20–25 min
🚗 Yeongsil Trailhead: ~35–40 min
🚌 Buses are limited — best to rent car or take taxi early morning

📍 Trail Details:

🚻 Restrooms available at both trailheads
💡 Trails meet at Witse Oreum Shelter (윗세오름 대피소) — can combine routes for a loop