Yeongsil Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Yoengsil Trail is the southwestern trail on Hallasan, as well as the shortest (about five miles). You cannot reach the summit from this trail, but it still features breathtaking views of the jagged beauty of Hallasan.

To park your own vehicle, there is a 1,8000 W fee; the fee is a little less for compact cars and more for vans. Take route 1115 to 1139 to the Yeongsil entrance area. A bus to this entrance will cost about 3,000 W from Seongwipo (Bus 740). A taxi will cost approximately 13,000 W from Seongwipo city.

The trail technically begins from the rest area by the Upper Parking Area; if there is room, drive on up to the Upper Parking Area and begin your trek there. Otherwise, you can park in the Lower Parking Area and hike alongside the road to the first 1.5 miles to the rest area to join the trail.

Where the trail begins, you are immediately greeted with views of beautiful evergreens and if you are lucky, Roe deer and ravens. This trail has fairly high traffic during peek season, so expect many families and elderly folks out enjoying trail as well. There are a lot of rocky and wooden steps, which makes it a fairly smooth and easy hike up or down. The steps climb a gradually steepening grade to before leveling off at about mile three.

When the evergreens fade from view, there is a lovely view of dwarf firs. At this point, all the incredible rock formations of the mountain come into view. The views are incredible and there are plenty of resting spots to take pictures. Wild berries and pink flowers are scattered along the trail which make for a beautiful splash of colors.

Eventually, you come across a large resting area known as the Witsae-Oreum (Wise) Shelter. Here you can purchase ramen and other snacks, but keep in mind there are no public trash cans, so you must pack out what you consume. This area has large steps and areas for sitting and resting.

The Wise Shelter also serves as a trail junction between the Yeongsil Trail, Donnaeko Trail, and the Eorimok Trail. If you choose to continue the Yeongsil Trail to the east, it transitions to the Donnaeko Trail; there is a look-out point a few hundred meters from the summit. Heading north will take you to the Eorimok Trail.

Unfortunately, none of these trails reach the summit at this time due to environmental closures.

Regardless, it is a tiring, but technically easy trail with incredible views. A perfect hike to do with family and elderly.

Hallasan was isolated from the mainland for a long time, and its species were able to become unique and different from mainland species. The elevation of the mountain causes various plant species to live there. The mountain became a habitat for plants that thrive in low elevations and plants that thrive at high elevations. Fifty or more unique species live in Jeju Island, especially in high elevation area in Hallasan. There are a total of 160 bird species that use Hallasan as a habitat. Nineteen species are considered a natural monument and are protected by the government. Ravens are commonly seen on the trail.