⛰️ A Guide to Korea's National Parks

⏱️ 30-Second Summary — Must-Remember

🏔️ Hallasan summit (Baengnokdam) → reservation required (most important!)
🏠 Want to sleep in a shelter → book via the National Park reservation system
⏰ Entry-time rules → set out too late and you'll be turned back
🚫 Restricted areas/periods → may close due to wildfire, rockfall, or season
📱 Reserve on the official site → English/Japanese supported (Hallasan)

1. 🏔️ Hallasan Summit Reservation (Most Important!)

On Jeju's Hallasan, a reservation is required to reach the summit (Baengnokdam). This is what foreigners ask about most.

Courses that need a reservation: Currently, to reach the Baengnokdam summit via the Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa course, you need a reservation, and your reservation is checked at a control point before the summit section.
Sections without a reservation: You can go as far as the Jindallaebat (Seongpanak) and Samgakbong (Gwaneumsa) shelters without a reservation. But only those with a reservation may pass beyond them to the summit.
How it works: Reservation holders receive and wear a "band" (ttiji) at the entrance, which is checked at the mid-point control posts (Jindallaebat, Samgakbong) before ascending to the summit.
Where to reserve: Via the Hallasan Reservation System (visithalla.jeju.go.kr). It supports Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese, and foreigners can use email verification on the foreign-language pages.
Daily limit: Summit hiking has a daily and time-slot limit, so popular dates fill up fast. Reserve early.
Summit certificate: Register a photo taken on the same day of your summit, and you can print a paid certificate at the kiosk at the trail entrance.

💡 Courses like Yeongsil and Eorimok don't go to the summit, so you can enjoy them without a reservation. (Toward Witse Oreum)

2. 🏠 Shelter & Campsite Reservations (Jirisan, Seoraksan, etc.)

Big mountains like Jirisan and Seoraksan are hard to traverse in one day, so people sometimes stay a night at a mountain shelter. Shelters require advance reservations.

Where to reserve: Book shelters and campsites via the Korea National Park Service reservation system (res.knps.or.kr).
No entry without a reservation: You can't use a shelter without a reservation, and if your ID doesn't match the reservation, you can't stay.
Popular shelters: Jirisan's Jangteomok, Seseok, and Nogodan shelters fill up very quickly on weekends and in peak season.
Preparation note: Shelters often don't provide bedding or meals. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag, simple meals, and water.
Caution: If you don't pay by the deadline after reserving, it's auto-canceled. Check the status under "My Reservations."

3. 🎫 Trail Reservation System (Certain Sections)

Beyond the Hallasan summit, some trails may require reservations.

Examples: Besides Hallasan, some trails like Bukhansan's Uiryeong-gil and Jirisan's Nogodan may be under a reservation system, so it's worth checking.
Where to reserve: The National Park Service reservation system (res.knps.or.kr) has a trail reservation section.
Tip: Check before you set out whether your course needs a reservation, to avoid a wasted trip.

4. ⏰ Entry-Time Rules & Restrictions

For safety, national parks set entry times by season and course.

Entry-time rules: Set out too late and you'll be stopped at a mid-point control post (especially on summit/traverse courses).
Descend before sunset: Plan to be down before dark. Night hiking is restricted on many sections.
Seasonal restrictions: Some trails close during spring/autumn wildfire-watch periods and winter ice/heavy snow.
Where to check: Check restriction info before you leave on each park's website or the Korea National Park Service site/app.

5. 🥾 Safe-Hiking Gear & Manners

Gear: Hiking boots, water/snacks, waterproof/warm clothing (mountains are colder than the city), a hat, map/app, power bank, headlamp.
Weather: Mountain weather is fickle. Always check weather and restriction info before setting out.
Stay on the trail: Use only the designated trails; entering side paths or off-limits areas is prohibited.
Leave no trace: Carry out your trash; cook and smoke only in designated spots. (Cooking/camping is banned on most mountains.)
Don't overdo it: Pick a course suited to your fitness, and go with companions.

6. 🏞️ Popular National Parks for Foreigners

Seoraksan: Famous for autumn foliage and rocky scenery (near Sokcho/Yangyang). You can also reach Gwongeumseong easily by cable car.
Bukhansan: A national park close to central Seoul! Easy to reach by public transit, so it's popular with foreigners.
Jirisan: Korea's largest mountain national park. Famous for traverse and overnight-shelter courses.
Hallasan: Jeju's highest peak, the Baengnokdam summit. The summit requires a reservation.
Gyeongju (Tohamsan)·Naejangsan: Famous for autumn foliage.

💡 For something light, Bukhansan (near Seoul) or the Seoraksan cable car are easygoing. For serious hiking, it's Jirisan or Hallasan.

7. 💳 Admission & Costs

Admission: Most national parks have no admission fee.
Separate costs: However, cable cars, parking, shelters, campsites, and some facility fees are separate.

8. Common Questions from Foreigners ❓

Can I hike without a reservation? → For most mountains, yes. But the Hallasan summit (Baengnokdam), shelter stays, and some reservation-system trails require one.
Where do I reserve? → For the Hallasan summit, visithalla.jeju.go.kr (multilingual); for shelters, campsites, and trails, res.knps.or.kr.
Is there an admission fee? → Most national parks have none. (Parking, facility fees, and cable cars are separate.)
Can I go alone? → You can, but for big mountains and winter hikes, going with companions is recommended for safety.
Is there English guidance? → The Hallasan reservation supports multiple languages, and major parks have English signage and guidance.
When is best? → Spring (fresh greenery) and autumn (foliage) are popular. For winter mountains, be sure to check gear and restrictions.

9. 📞 Official Channels to Check

Park reservations · shelters · campsites · trails: res.knps.or.kr
Hallasan summit reservation: visithalla.jeju.go.kr
Entry restrictions · entry times: each park's official website, or the Korea National Park Service app

✅ Quick Checklist

Planning the Hallasan summit? Reserve in advance (visithalla.jeju.go.kr)
Staying a night in a shelter? Book via the National Park reservation system (res.knps.or.kr)
Check whether your course is a reservation-only trail
For shelters, bring your own sleeping bag, meals, and water
Check entry times and restricted sections before setting out
Plan to descend before sunset
Prepare hiking boots, warm clothing, water, and a headlamp
Stay on designated trails; carry out your trash

🟦 A guide put together by the CultureHub team.
📅 As of 2026 · ⚠️ Reservation rules, entry times, restricted sections, and daily limits vary by park and season and change often. Always check each park's official site before visiting.