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Guide to Hiking Eoseungsaengak Trail in Jeju (+ How to Get There)

A main bucket-list item when visiting Jeju Island is to hike Hallasan Mountain.

I did one of the easiest and shortest trails called Eoseungsaengak trail.

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Eoseungsaengak trail, including how to get there, what to expect, and general tips for this trail.

I also include information about the other Hallasan trails at the end if you’re up for more hiking challenges.

If you don’t want to hike alone, you can also join a Hallasan group tour that includes other popular destinations.

Jeju Checklist: have you booked these yet?

Hire a private car for a Jeju Island day tour

Book discounted hotels in Jeju (what I use)

Add a popular Jeju tour to your trip

If you want to drive, rent a car in Jeju Island. Check rates here

Basic Information

Name: Eoseungsaengak Trail 어승생악 탐방로

Length of hike: .8 miles / 1.3 km each way

Hike duration: 20-30 minutes each way

Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate (short but lots of stairs)

Entrance: Free / No reservations required

Hours: Varies by season, but in general closes around 6pm.

Starting point: Eorimok Visitor Center 어리목 탐방지원센터

What to Expect on the Hike

Stairs leading up through a lush forest on the Eoseungsaengak Trail in Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island
  • A 15-20 minute leisurely walk from the bus stop to start of trail.
  • A toilet and rest stop at the start of the entrance.
  • Lots of stairs at the start and end of trail.
  • Panoramic viewing deck at the top of the trail.
  • More flat paths during the middle of the hike.
  • Mostly covered trail.
  • No pets allowed & no drone use.
  • Strong mobile signal throughout trail.

Eoseungsaengak Trail is for:

  • Travelers with limited time but still want to hike Hallasan Mountain.
  • People who are able to walk up lots of stairs.

Cons of Eoseungsaengak Trail

  • The bus comes once an hour so you may have to time it and factor in the 15-20 minute walk back to the bus stop.
  • This hike will not take you to the top of the popular Hallasan Mountain summit.

Best Time to Hike Eoseungsaengak Trail

Breathtaking view from the Eoseungsaengak Trail, showcasing the diverse landscape of Hallasan Mountain with a panoramic view of Jeju Island

The best months to hike Hallasan Mountain are:

  • Spring (March & April)
  • Autumn (September & October)

I hiked in May, when the heat was still bearable.

I have visited Jeju Island during July and while hot, the weather in Jeju is still cooler than the weather during summer in Seoul.

If you are visiting after it just rained or snowed, be extra mindful of your steps.

Best time to hike Eoseungsaengak Trail:

  • Morning time while the sun is not too strong. The trail gets a little crowded around lunch time and the afternoon.
A breathtaking view from the top of Eoseungsaengak Trail in Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island, South Korea. The scene overlooks lush, green valleys surrounded by towering, forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky. A small cluster of buildings can be seen nestled in the valley far below, almost hidden by the dense greenery. A rope fence in the foreground marks the edge of the viewing area, emphasizing the steep drop and expansive natural landscape.

Preparing for the Hike

  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Load up your T-money card. A bus ride one way is 1,200 won.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and a hat.
  • Bring water and wear sunscreen.
  • Charge electronic devices and consider bringing a portable charger.
  • Listen to your body and take breaks as needed!
Emergency number on trail:
An emergency sign with contact information on the Eoseungsaengak Trail, Hallasan Mountain, ensuring safety for hikers in Jeju Island

How to get to the Eoseungsaengak Trail

Beige, red, and white buses stationed at Jeju City Bus Terminal with passengers waiting on benches. Important terminal is traveling Jeju without a car

From Jeju City:

1. Take bus #240 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal bound for the Jeju International Convention Center.

Check the bus #240 schedule or on Naver Map (input 어승생악 탐방로).

The bus leaves once an hour so plan accordingly.

2. The bus ride will take about 50 minutes.

3. Get off at the Eorimok Entrance 어리목입구 stop (*right before this it stops at another trail entrance called Yeongsil, do not get off there).

Map showing the pathway to Eorimok Visitor Center and the Eoseungsaengak Trail in Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island

3. Cross the street and enter the paved forest path.

Pedestrian walkway beside a road, bordered by greenery and orange fencing, leading towards the Eoseungsaengak Trail entrance

4. Keep walking for about 20 minutes (1.2 km) until you reach the Ticket Booth (photo below).

Pass the ticket booths, which are only if you’re using the parking lot. There will be bathrooms here that you can use.

Parking entrance leading to Eorimok Visitor Center and the start of the Eoseungsaengak Trail on Hallasan Mountain in Jeju Island, showcasing a lined pathway amidst lush greenery.

5. Follow the signs to the Eoseungsaengak trail (not the ones for the Eorimok trail).

Directional sign pointing towards the Eoseungsaengak Trail at Hallasan Mountain, guiding visitors through Jeju Island's scenic routes

6. The entrance to the Eoseungsaengak trail will be near the Visitor’s Center and will look like this:

The entrance sign for the Eoseungsaengak Trail at Hallasan Mountain in Jeju Island, inviting hikers to explore the serene path

From Seogwipo City:

  1. Take bus #240 from the Jeju International Convention Center bound for Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal.
  2. The bus ride will take about 50 minutes.
  3. Get off at the Eorimok Entrance (어리목입구) bus stop.
  4. The bus will stop right at the start of the 20-minute walk path that will take you the Visitor Center and entrance to the trail. Follow steps 5-7 from above.

For more public transit tips, make sure to read my guide to getting around Jeju without a car.

Directions Back to Jeju City

A bus stop back to Jeju City at the Eoseungsaengak Trail, Hallasan Mountain, with visitors waiting and a clear sky above
  • To get back to Jeju City, walk back down the same path you took up to the entrance of the trail. This will take 15-20 minutes, so time it according to the bus schedule, which only comes once an hour.
  • Go to the bus stop on the first sidewalk. Do not cross the street to the other bus stop UNLESS you are going to the south, or Seogwipo City.
  • Take bus #240. The ride back will take 40 minutes.

Alternatives to Bus:

View from Top of Eoseungsaengak Trail

Rock sign reading 'Eoseungsaengak' with a backdrop of green mountains under a clear sky on the Eoseungsaengak Trai
Wooden pathway with rope handrails leading through grassy terrain with mountain views on the Eoseungsaengak Trail.

My Hiking Experience

A woman in a black sleeveless top and maroon cap takes a selfie at the Eoseungsaengak Trail summit with lush green Hallasan Mountain in the background on Jeju Island

I consider myself moderately in shape and this was a nice workout.

The start and end of the hike kicked my butt.

The trail starts with a lot of wooden stairs and I was tired less than 10 minutes in.

There’s more flat paths during the middle of the trail.

A flat stretch of the Eoseungsaengak Trail in Hallasan Mountain, with wooden walkways and lush greenery, perfect for a leisurely hike in Jeju Island

At the very end there’s a last set of stairs to reach the top.

At the top, there’s a wide viewing deck with panoramic views and a few benches. I’ve seen someone try to eat lunch there only to leave from crows creeping closer!

I spent maybe only 10 minutes at the top and (carefully) headed my way back down. Once down, I did rush to make the next bus, so again, time accordingly.

Overall, it was a nice hike that didn’t take too much planning, and I would do it again (plus try the other routes once I’m more prepared).

Other Hallasan Mountain Trails + Difficulty

Read more Hallasan Mountain hike experiences on All Trails.

1. Seongpanak Trail (성파낙 등산로)

  • Length: Approximately 9.6 kilometers (one way)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

2. Gwaneumsa Trail (관음사 등산로)

  • Length: Approximately 8.7 kilometers (one way)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

3. Yeongsil Trail (영실 등산로)

  • Length: Approximately 3.7 kilometers (one way)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

4. Eorimok Trail (어리목 등산로)

  • Length: Approximately 1.6 kilometers (one way)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy your hike and stay hydrated!