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Smack dab in the middle of Jeju-do is Hallasan National Park. It's a massive 153 square kilometer park, taking up about 8% of the island's total landmass. This massive volcano that formed the island rises to just shy of 2,000m. The park is known for some of the best mountain hiking in Korea. The visitor center is the perfect place to start your day, as they have great information about the trails open year round. The strenuous trails to the summit can take up to 5 hours to reach the top. But not everyone has that kind of time when visiting Jeju, so we opted to hike the Eoseungsaengak Trail. Only 1.3km, it takes visitors through an amazing forest canopy and is suitable for all fitness levels.
When we started up the trail, I was surprised to see how well developed it was. Usually Korean trails are nothing more than paths cut into the mountain, well worn by countless hikers. However, given how easy this trail was rated, it made sense to install steps and other features for those not in peak physical condition. It made the trail feel welcoming and was probably the reason I lingered along the way.
Park officials tell you it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. I'm here to tell you it takes far longer than that, if you're like me and love nature. Living in the urban jungle of Seoul, I was captivated by being completed surrounded by trees. It seemed every few steps there was something special to see. Plants, dancing in the strong winds cast whimsical shadows on the ground, while insects traversed the steps looking for their next meal.
It seemed that around every turn there was something new I needed to stop and see, some tiny details I wanted to examine, and I think that's what I enjoyed most about this trail. While it's certainly possible to enjoy the sights when hiking a long, strenuous trail, relaxing on this easy climb made it easier to do so.
Unfortunately, the climb to the finally came to a close. We broke free of the canopy and arrived at the top of the Eoseungsaengak. The 1,169m oreum, or volcanic cone, provided great views of Hallasan in the distance and the visitor center and parking lot below. While not able to visit the crater's center, we could see where the eruption took place so long ago. Peering off the northern face of Eoseungsaengak you can see the Jeju city slowly encroaching on the park's boundaries.
Hiking any of the trails in Hallasan National Park is well worth one's time and is something I'd recommend. Getting around Jeju is best by car, but those preferring to travel by bus can easily make to the park as well.
For directions and an pictures: http://www.qiranger.com/2013/10/22/hiking-jejus-hallasan-national-park-s...
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TAGS: Jeju Province (South Korean Province),Hallasan,Hallasan (Mountain),Hallasan National Park,hiking,Eoseungsaengak,travel,video,canon eos c100,canon,eos,c100,Camera,ttot,jeju |
From:
Steve Miller
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| Time: 04:06 | More in Travel & Events |
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