Mt. Halla

Mt.Halla which poured out smoke and molten lava in the ancient times is the mother-source of all the island's unusual beautiful features. This mountain which rises in the center of Cheju Island to 6500 feet is the highest mountain in South Korea. On its sides grow botanical specimen's characteristic of subtropical, temperature, arctic zones determined by the vertical height above sea level. If you climb the mountain you can see 1800 varities of plants from subtropical ones such as Samphire to alpine plants like Dipensia.

In spring Mt. Halla is like sea of azalia blossoms; In summer thich green forest are strikingly masses; In autumn scarlet-tinged leaves cover the mountain like a flame; and in winter it appears like some portion from the North Pole area transplanted here. Mt. Halla, the spiritual of Cheju Island people, where Cheju Island winds originate truly offers the visitors a most varied and happy experience.

Paeknokdam (white deer lake)
At the top center of Mt. Halla, there is a crater lake of still, clear water called Paeknoktam. Paeknokdam is the major crater of more than 300 craters in this extinct volcanic mountain. The reason the lake is called Paeknoktam is that in ancient times, enlightened sages riding white deer came to enjoy the beauty of this crater lake. Around the lake rare alpine and ornamental plants flourish abundantly; also around the lake are many grotesquely shaped rocks and cliffs that protect this sacred area.

Youngsilgiam
About 2 miles from the summit of Mt. Halla on the southwest side, there are mass of gigantic rocks. These rocks which rise loftly toward the sky are different from each other, so that people call them 500 disciples of Buddha or 500 generals. Also this area resembles Youngshwi mountain where Buddha taught the truth to his disciples; that's why people call it Yongsil.

The designated climbing path of Mt. Halla

• The first designated climbing path (requires 5 hours and 20 minutes)
  Cheju City -> the entrance to Songpanak -> Sokbat -> Saraak -> Chindallae -> Patsirombiat -> Summit (Paeknoktam)
  
  
• The second designated climbing path (requires 4 hours and a half)
  Cheju City -> the entrance to Songpanak -> Sokbat -> Saraak -> Chindallae -> Patsirombiat -> Summit (Paeknoktam)
  
  
• The third designated climbing path (requires 4 hours)
  Chungmunni -> Hawonni -> Ipsongjung -> Obaeknahan -> Yongsil -> Witseorum -> Summit (Paeknoktam)
  
  
• The fourth designated climbing path (requires 5 hours)
  Sogwipo -> Miaksan -> Namsongdae -> Pangaorum - Summit (Paeknoktam)