How do Korea's national park reservations actually work—Hallasan summit & Jirisan shelters?

Question

I'm planning some serious hikes and trying to sort out the permit/reservation logistics in advance. For the Hallasan Baengnokdam summit Seongpanak/Gwaneumsa and Jirisan shelters like Jangteomok, which official sites do locals actually use? And realistically, how far ahead do popular dates sell out—especially weekends and autumn foliage season? Any insider tips for actually landing a spot would be hugely appreciated!

JoyStoria · Answer

(1/2) Two different systems—part 1, Hallasan. ① Hallasan Baengnokdam — Seongpanak & Gwaneumsa trails These two summit trails require advance reservation; without one, you can be turned away at the QR check at the trailhead. No reservation? Use a trail that doesn't need one—Yeongsil, Eorimok, Eoseungsaeng-ak, Donnaeko, or Seokgulam. Book through the Hallasan Reservation System (visithalla.jeju.go.kr), run by Jeju Province—separate from the Korea National Park Service. The entire next month opens at once at 9 AM on the first business day of each month, and you can book up to 4 people per reservation. An entry/exit QR code is then texted to your registered number. Weekends, autumn foliage (Oct), and snow season (Jan–Feb) have fixed daily quotas, so grab a spot right at 9 AM on opening day. Note: reserve, don't cancel, and don't show up, and you're blocked for 3 months (1st) or 1 year (2nd). Can't make it? Cancel before your entry-end time—cancelled slots can reopen. (Jirisan in 2/2)

JoyStoria · Answer

(2/2) ② Jirisan shelters — Jangteomok, Seseok, Byeoksomyeong, etc. Shelters are booked via the Korea National Park Service system (reservation.knps.or.kr). Jangteomok, for example, holds 120 reservations + 12 waitlist; rates are ₩20,000 weekdays / ₩30,000 weekends & peak. Day categories matter: weekdays are Sun–Thu excluding the day before a public holiday (so Sunday is a weekday rate); the weekend rate covers Fri, Sat, and the day before a holiday. In peak periods (Jul 1–Aug 31, Oct 1–Nov 15), the peak rate applies regardless of day. Booking varies by season—not always first-come. In peak periods a lottery runs first, then slots freed by non-applications, non-payments, or cancellations open first-come on separate dates. So don't just spam-click at opening—check the official lottery guidance and notices first, and watch the page since cancellations reopen often. Gear: don't count on renting/buying blankets or sleeping bags—bring your own. Other shelters' capacities differ, and some may