Hallasan, standing 1,950m above sea level as the highest mountain in South Korea, is a dormant volcano with a lake crater at its summit. The entire area has been designated as a nature preservation zone in an effort to protect the rare plants and animals that inhabit the mountain park. Every season at Hallasan presents a different and spectacular view, but it is most renown for its springtime beauty, when the azaleas are in full bloom.
Hallasan is located in the southernmost part of Korea, on Jeju Island. Clouds ring the summit, and snow covers its peaks during winter, bringing to mind a snowy kingdom. The first glimpse of a beautiful scarlet sun rising in the east can be caught from here, and the blazing sunsets are likewise spectacular. Folklore had it that a benevolent wizards existed on the mountain, and that they entertained themselves at the lake crater while riding on white deer. That is why the lake is called “Baekrokdam” (Hundred Deer Lake).
Hallasan is one of the 3 main mountains of Korea. The wide variety of plants and animals prompted its naming as Natural Monument No. 182-1 in October 1966, due to the high academic value of the various species, and it is now protected by law. It was designated a National Park in March 1970.
The whole area of Hallsan Mountain including the peak is called Hallsan National Park, which was designated as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
There are a total of six courses that you can climb but only two (Gwaneumsa Trail and Seongpanak Trail) go up to the peak where Baengnokdam Lake Baekrokdam is situated.
The shortest way is Youngsil course that is called the most beautiful course.
Youngsil means house of gods.
In autumn, Hallasan is very beautiful. The leaves of the tress turn into magnificent red and yellow color. If you go to Hallasan in early and mid November, you can see the red and yellow leaves covered by snow near the top of the mountain. Its snowy scenery is particularly even more beautiful.
0 Comment