Jeju Island Travel Guide: Volcanoes, Hallasan and Black Pork

Jeju is a volcanic island whose three main natural sites, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Hallasan and the Geomunoreum lava tubes, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. The Seongsan Ilchulbong summit trail costs ₩5,000 for adults; the coastal walking area is free. Reaching the top of Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain, takes a reservation, ID that matches it and an early start: summit-route checkpoints close at 11:30 (October–March) or 12:30 (April–September). Adult fares by transit card are ₩1,150 on regular buses, including tourist circular buses, while express buses start at ₩2,000 and cost up to ₩3,000 depending on distance.

Below: each sight in a table, Hallasan rules, buses, food and a two-day plan.

Source: UNESCO, Korea Tourism Organization, Hallasan National Park and Jeju Bus Information System; checked Oct 23, 2026.

The short version

Source: UNESCO, Korea Tourism Organization, Hallasan National Park, Jeju Bus Information System and Visit Jeju; checked Oct 23, 2026.

Why Jeju matters

In 2007, UNESCO listed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes as a World Heritage Site. It has three parts:

Jeju is also known for its haenyeo, women divers who gather shellfish such as abalone and sea urchins without oxygen masks. UNESCO added the Culture of Jeju Haenyeo to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.

Source: UNESCO — Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes and Culture of Jeju Haenyeo; checked Oct 23, 2026.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong rose 180 meters out of the sea more than 5,000 years ago and was once a separate island. The crater at the top is about 600 meters across and 90 meters deep. From the summit you can see Udo Island and watch the sunrise.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization — Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and Visit Jeju — Seongsan Ilchulbong; checked Oct 23, 2026.

Hiking Hallasan

The two trails that reach the summit, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, run on a reservation system, and you can only enter at your booked time.

Don't treat the cutoff as a starting time. The checkpoints are well up the trail, so book an early entry slot and give yourself enough time to reach them.

Rules that can cost you a booking:

• If you don't cancel and don't show up, you can't book for 3 months (1 year for a second no-show).
• If your ID doesn't match your QR details, you can be refused entry and banned from booking for 1 year. Reselling QR codes is not allowed.

Source: Hallasan National Park — reservation system, reservation guide, entry and descent time limits and ID check notice; checked Oct 23, 2026.

Getting around by bus

Jeju's buses reach most of the island, and Visit Jeju recommends a transportation card such as T-money (see our T-money guide).

On express buses, tap your card again when you get off: the rest of the fare for the distance you rode is charged then. Plan each route in Naver Map.

Source: Jeju Bus Information System — fares and Visit Jeju — Public Transportation in Jeju; checked Oct 23, 2026.

What to eat

Source: Visit Jeju — Heukdwaeji (Black Pork); checked Oct 23, 2026.

A two-day plan

Before you go

1. Book your flight to Jeju International Airport.
2. Hiking to the top of Hallasan? Reserve at visithalla.jeju.go.kr as soon as bookings open, and pack ID that matches your booking.
3. Bring a transit card such as T-money for the buses.
4. Install Naver Map to plan bus routes.
5. Check Seongsan Ilchulbong's closing day for your month (first Monday, or the next day after a Monday holiday).
6. Save the emergency numbers: 119 and 112.

Source: Hallasan National Park, Korea Tourism Organization and Visit Jeju; checked Oct 23, 2026.

FAQ

Do I need a reservation to hike Hallasan?

To reach the summit, yes. The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails run on reservations at visithalla.jeju.go.kr. You can only enter at your booked time, and you need ID that matches your booking.

What time do I have to start the Hallasan summit hike?

Entry opens at 05:00. Hikers heading for the summit must pass the trail entrance and the summit-route checkpoint (Jindallaebat or Samgakbong) by 11:30 from October to March, or 12:30 from April to September, so start well before that.

How much is Seongsan Ilchulbong?

₩5,000 for adults and ₩2,500 for teenagers and children for the summit trail. There's also a free coastal trail. It's closed on the first Monday of each month, or the next day if that Monday is a holiday.

How much is the bus in Jeju?

₩1,150 on regular buses with a transit card. Express buses start at ₩2,000 and go up to ₩3,000 depending on distance.

What food is Jeju famous for?

Heukdwaeji, Jeju black pork, usually grilled and dipped in meljeot anchovy sauce.