Hallasan & Sangumburi Crater

After the initial 2 days of bad weather in Jeju, we were lucky enough to have really beautiful weather for the rest of our stay. One must-go places in Jeju is the Hallasan National Park (한라산국립공원/汉拿山国立公园) which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Jeju Island. I'm not so much of a hiker myself, and we were not prepared for a long hike, hence, we chose the shortest route up the mountain! There's no entrance fee to the park, just parking fees.
Eoseungsaengak Trail - 1.3km, 30 minutes each way

The hike up was relatively easy, steps up the 1st 3/4 of the hike, followed by slopes, and then more steps. We didn't see any small animals along the way, except for the centipedes that are plenty!

Overlooking the foot of the hill where we parked

Paranomic view of the mountain ranges 

We were really fortunate to have beautiful blue skies with white clouds, and it was really breezy at the top of the trail. Soon after we reached, a huge group of middle-school students joined us at the peak. They were chitty chatty, and some really mischievous. It reminded me of my fun schooling days when we had fieldtrips! How I miss those days!

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Along the way to Sangumburi Crater

Along the way to Sangumburi Crater
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Sangumburi Crater (산굼부리/山君不离) (064-783-9900)
Address: 제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 교래리 산38

州市朝天邑桥来里 山38号一带

Operating Hours
Summer Season 08:30 - 18:30
Winter Season 08:30 - 17:30
Parking Facilities
228 spaces (Free)
Admission Fees
* Individual - Adult 6,000 won / Youth, Children 1,500 won
* Group (more than 30) - Adults 2,500 won / Youth, Children 1,200 won

Sangumburi (산굼부리) is a crater with a circumference of over 2 km, and has been designated as a Natural Monument. It is located on the southeast side of Jeju-si, and is a flat crater, about 650 meters wide, 100 meters deep, and 2,070 meters in circumference.  (source: visitkorea.or.kr) Another location recommended by the hostel owner. The area is a huge park, which seems like a popular picnic area for the locals. Along the way to the crater, we saw families under the trees playing catch, having snacks and relaxing away. I wonder how they can tolerate the hot weather. o.O The crater was huge, but not as spectacular as I imagined. I enjoyed the stroll around the area though, with the views of the mountain ranges. I would imagine that the place will look more beautiful in autumn with the Eulalia flowers covering the slopes of the crater.