Conquering Hallasan: A Sister's Journey to the Summit
Hello, I'm Ddugi, walking every day!
Back in November of last year,
Our three sisters excitedly planned to climb Hallasan Mountain before visiting Jeju Island.
However, that day a typhoon struck.
We started on the Gwaneumsa Trail, but drenched in the rain, we barely made it to Samgakbong Peak. The path to the summit was closed off.
Me: "That's too bad... We came all this way."
Sister: "It's okay, let's come back again next time."
Younger Sister: "Yeah, let's definitely take a photo at the summit someday."
That disappointment and promise became the starting point for this new challenge.
Looking at the records makes our journey feel so real.
Total distance: 19.97 km
Almost the same as a half marathon (21km)! It was much tougher than running on flat ground because it was a mountain trail.
Time spent: 7 hours and 44 minutes
We departed early in the morning and came down in the afternoon. We spent practically half a day on the mountain.
Average speed: 2.5km/h
Slow and steady wins the race. We learned firsthand that 'even if you're slow, you'll eventually reach the top if you don't stop.'
Calories burned: 2,456kcal
Almost like burning three servings of pork belly + rice + soup! No wonder I didn't feel guilty at all indulging in a platter of sliced raw fish after descending!
Highest altitude: 1,968m
Proof that we finally climbed to the highest point in South Korea, the summit of Baekrokdam Crater Lake.
Every step is reflected in this number.
The photos are deeply moving, but seeing the numbers like this makes me realize just how amazing our accomplishment was.
Hiking is felt with the body,
Photos are remembered with the eyes,
And records are proven with numbers.
This is the starting point of the Gwaneumsa Trail.
Taking the first step into the forest filled with morning air, I felt the tension of the long journey that was about to begin.
Second Attempt – June 7, 2025
Finally, the promised day arrived.
Joined by a friend from Jeju Island, the four of us took on the:
Gwaneumsa → Seongpanak Traverse (Total 18km)
Climbing from Gwaneumsa and descending to Seongpanak is a long journey.
It takes 8-9 hours in total.
I thought, 'We're going to spend the whole day on the mountain today.'
Me: "We're going to the summit no matter what this time!"
Sister: "Let's put an end to last year's disappointment."
Younger Sister: "I don't have the stamina, but I'll endure with my spirit!"
Forest paths and stairs.
The Gwaneumsa Trail has stairs from the very beginning, which is physically demanding, but the lush forest provides coolness.
Me: "Huff... it's so hard from the start?"
Sister: "But the air is so fresh. The scent of the forest seems to be cheering us on."
Younger Sister: "Let's go slowly. Just keep going without stopping."
That sharp peak, doesn't it seem like the majesty of Hallasan?
The challenging yet magnificent scenery inexplicably filled my heart with grandeur.
See it?
The open ridge finally unfolded before our eyes.
The closer we got to the summit, the more excited we became.
Wow, look at the clouds.
As if we walked all the way to the sky, light pours down beyond the clouds.
This scene alone feels like a reward for the difficult journey.
⛰️ Reached 1700m above sea level
After more than 3 hours, we finally reached 1700m above sea level!
The numbers on my smartwatch proved the hard work we've put in so far.
Me: "Wow, we've come all the way to 1700m.
Looking at the record, we've already gone over 5km."
Younger Sister: "Seeing it in numbers makes me feel even more proud."
Sister: "There's still more to go, but
It's amazing that we've come this far."
High-altitude dead trees and sky
Another beauty of dead trees created by harsh winds and time.
A small comfort on the road.
A small flower we encountered in the middle of a difficult road.
Me: "I feel like this flower is telling me to 'cheer up a little more'."
Sister: "That's right,
We can endure because of these small scenes."
The excitement that the open ridge gives as you approach the summit.
The magnificent scenery of the crater that cannot be expressed in words.
A silence that seemed to touch the sky enveloped my whole body.
Finally, Baekrokdam Crater Lake Summit
Finally, we stood in front of Baekrokdam, the summit of Hallasan Mountain.
Me: "We finally made it, we're at the top!"
Sister: "I wanted to cry when we failed last year,
But this year, it's a joy that brings tears."
Younger Sister: "We did it, we really did it."
Now let's eat ramen!! Hehe
I took a commemorative photo when I arrived at the summit…
Gasp! There were so many people next to me,
It was hard to get a good photo of just the three of us.
Then suddenly someone blurted out
'You have to find a good spot to take photos~
That's why you need a sense for taking proof shots!'
Everyone burst into laughter at the unsolicited advice haha
But how good is the world these days?
With AI technology, I completely erased the people around me,
And transformed it into a perfect completion certification shot with just the three of us sisters left!
I realized once again how much a single photo can make memories special.
I plan to keep this as 'our own Hallasan' photo forever.”
Before climbing to the summit,
A time when everyone takes a breath and waits.
The cute mascot on the backpack made even the difficult road enjoyable.
Descent to Seongpanak.
On the way down the Seongpanak Trail,
The scenery of Sara Oreum was another gift.
I was exhausted, but the peace of the forest path calmed my mind.
Sara Oreum is located on the Seongpanak Trail and takes about 40 minutes round trip.
We highly recommend visiting, especially if it rained a lot the day before the climb.
Happiness after the descent.
Younger Sister: "Let's go eat sliced raw fish now!"
Me: "I burned 2,456kcal, so I can eat as much as I want."
Sister: "Tonight's dinner is going to be a feast~"
That day, we shared the same gold ring.
Our own promise to remember the special experience of 'Completing the climb to Hallasan' forever.
✈️ Epilogue – Leaving it as a record.
On the way back,
Looking at the photos (memories), I thought again in my heart.
"We did it."
And
I am grateful that they are by my side ♥︎
June 7, 2025,
I finally received the Hallasan summit completion certificate.
The regret of being blocked by a typhoon last year
This year, it was filled with a record of emotion.
Thank you for being with me today.
Have a happy day ♥︎
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