Conquering Hallasan: A Sister's Journey to the Summit
2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
한라산
Hiking to the summit of Hallasan Mountain (한라산) is a bucket-list challenge for many, but for my two sisters and me, it was a quest for redemption. After a typhoon cut our first attempt short last year at Samgakbong Peak, we returned this June with a promise to finally see the Baekrokdam Crater Lake. This journey wasn't just about the physical climb; it was a testament to sisterly love and perseverance.
Covering nearly 20 kilometers over almost 8 hours, our trek took us through the demanding Gwaneumsa Trail and down the scenic Seongpanak path. In this post, I share the raw numbers behind our hike—the calories burned, the altitude reached—and the emotional highs of finally standing at the highest point in South Korea.
The Challenge in Numbers: Proving the Journey
Analyzing the 19.97 km trek to Baekrokdam
While hiking is a physical experience, seeing the data makes the achievement feel even more real. We covered a total distance of 19.97 km, which is nearly a half-marathon. However, navigating mountain trails is significantly tougher than flat ground. We spent 7 hours and 44 minutes on the mountain, maintaining a steady average speed of 2.5 km/h.
One of the most satisfying statistics was burning 2,456 kcal—roughly the equivalent of three servings of pork belly with rice and soup! Reaching the highest altitude of 1,968m at the summit of Baekrokdam Crater Lake served as the ultimate proof of our hard work. Numbers don't lie, and these records are a proud reminder of our spirit.
Ascending the Gwaneumsa Trail
Conquering stairs and lush forests
We chose the Gwaneumsa Trail for our ascent, which is known for its steep stairs and physical demands right from the start. Despite the exhaustion, the fresh scent of the forest and the morning air provided a natural cheer. We reminded each other to go slowly and just keep moving without stopping.
As we climbed higher, the scenery shifted from dense forest to majestic open ridges. The sight of light pouring through the clouds at 1,700m was a magnificent reward. The harsh winds at high altitudes have created a hauntingly beautiful landscape of dead trees, standing as silent witnesses to the mountain's power over time.
The Summit of Baekrokdam: A Joyful Redemption
Standing at the peak of South Korea
Finally standing in front of Baekrokdam Crater Lake brought tears of joy. Unlike last year’s disappointment, the summit was clear and breathtaking. The crater’s silence and grandeur enveloped us, creating a memory we will cherish forever. It was the perfect moment to celebrate with some well-deserved summit ramen!
Capturing the perfect commemorative photo was tricky due to the crowds, but thanks to modern AI technology, we were able to preserve a shot of just the three of us. This "perfect completion" photo represents our unique bond and the shared victory of reaching the top together.
Descending via Seongpanak and Sara Oreum
Exploring hidden gems on the way down
For our descent, we took the Seongpanak Trail, which offered a different perspective of the mountain. A highlight was the detour to Sara Oreum, which adds about 40 minutes to the trip but is highly recommended, especially after a rainy day. The peace of the forest path helped calm our minds even as our bodies were reaching their limit.
Returning to the base, the thought of a fresh platter of sliced raw fish kept us motivated. We ended our adventure by sharing matching gold rings—a small symbol of our promise to remember this special sisterhood experience forever. We did it, and we did it together.
Have you ever turned a past travel failure into a successful second attempt? Which trail would you choose for your climb: the steep but magnificent Gwaneumsa or the long but scenic Seongpanak? If you're planning to conquer Hallasan soon, don't forget to detouring to Sara Oreum for an extra bit of magic!
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