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.
First time visiting South Korea? Make sure to read my essential South Korea travel tips, as well as Jeju Island Travel Guide.
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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
- 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.
- Narrow path up with not a lot of benches for breaks.
- 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.
- Solo travelers.
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
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.
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.
- Inform someone of your plans.
- Charge electronic devices and consider bringing a portable charger.
- Listen to your body and take breaks as needed!
Emergency number on trail:
How to get to the Eoseungsaengak Trail
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) bus stop (right before it stops at another trail entrance called Yeongsil, do not get off there).
3. Cross the street and enter the paved forest path.
4. Keep walking for about 20 minutes (1.2 km) until you reach the Visitor Center. Pass the ticket booths, which are only if you’re using the parking lot. There will be bathrooms here that you can use.
5. Follow the signs to the Eoseungsaengak trail (not the ones for the Eorimok trail).
6. The entrance to the Eoseungsaengak trail will be near the Visitor’s Center and will look like this:
From Seogwipo City:
- Take bus #240 from the Jeju International Convention Center bound for Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal.
- The bus ride will take about 50 minutes.
- Get off at the Eorimok Entrance (어리목입구) bus stop.
- 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
- 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:
- If you are renting a car in Jeju Island, drive to the Eorimok Visitor Center where there is a parking lot with fee:
- Name in Korean: 어리목탐방지원센터
- Use Naver Map for accurate driving directions.
- Join a Hallasan Mountain group tour that will take you to Eoseungsaengak Trail + other destinations in Jeju Island.
- Hire a private driver or take a taxi to the start of the trail.
View from Top of Eoseungsaengak Trail
My Hiking Experience
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.
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.
- Seongpanak Trail (성파낙 등산로)
- Length: Approximately 9.6 kilometers (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Gwaneumsa Trail (관음사 등산로)
- Length: Approximately 8.7 kilometers (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Yeongsil Trail (영실 등산로)
- Length: Approximately 3.7 kilometers (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Eorimok Trail (어리목 등산로)
- Length: Approximately 1.6 kilometers (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoy your hike and take care!
More Jeju Island Posts
Essential Tips to Getting Around Jeju Without a Car
The Perfect Jeju Island Itinerary for 2-5 Days
22 Things to Do in Jeju (+ Top 5 You MUST Visit)
5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit (2024)
7 Best Beaches in Jeju to Visit (with Photos & Reviews)
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