Famous Mountains of South Korea: Hallasan, Jirisan, Seoraksan, and More

Peaks of the Peninsula

South Korea is **70% mountainous**. Its iconic peaks are national parks, spiritual centers, and hiking meccas.

1. Hallasan (한라산) — The Volcanic Monarch

• Height: **1,950 m (6,398 ft)** — **highest in South Korea**.
• Location: **Jeju Island** (volcanic shield).
• Status: **UNESCO World Heritage Site (2007)** — Hallasan National Park.
• Features: Crater lake (Baengnokdam), 360+ parasitic cones (oreum), unique alpine flora (Jeju fir, azalea), Jeju horse. 5 main trails (Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa most popular).

2. Jirisan (지리산) — The Mainland Giant

• Height: **1,915 m (6,283 ft)** — **highest on mainland**.
• Location: Border of **Jeolla & Gyeongsang** provinces.
• Park: **Jirisan National Park** (1967, Korea's 1st). Vast ridges (Jungbong, Cheonwangbong).
• Wildlife: Asiatic black bear (reintroduced), Siberian musk deer, golden cat. 100+ temples (Hwaeomsa, Ssanggyesa).
• Trails: 100+ km ridge traverse (3–5 days).

3. Seoraksan (설악산) — The Scenic Masterpiece

• Height: **1,708 m (5,604 ft)** (Daocheongbong).
• Location: **Gangwon Province** (east coast).
• Fame: **Spectacular autumn foliage** (late Oct). Jagged granite peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls.
• Icon: **Ulsanbawi Rock** — 6 massive peaks; 888 steps to summit. Cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress.
• Temples: Sinheungsa (bronze Buddha), Baekdamsa.

4. Taebaek Mountains (태백산맥) — The Spine

• Range: 500 km along **east coast** (Gangwon → Gyeongbuk).
• Highest: **Seolmasan (1,567 m)**.
• Winter Sports: PyeongChang (2018 Olympics), Yongpyong, Alpensia, High1.
• Cultural: Taebaek Coal Museum, Sunrise Festival (Jan 1).

5. Chiaksan (치악산) — The Hiker's Favorite

• Height: **1,288 m (4,226 ft)** (Birobong).
• Location: Gangwon / N. Gyeongsang border.
• Park: **Chiaksan National Park** — steep, rocky, rewarding views. Popular day hike from Wonju/Seoul.
• Temples: Guryongsa, Seryeomsa.

Other Notables

• Bukhansan (836 m) — Seoul's backyard; most visited NP.
• Gyeryongsan (845 m) — geomantic center.
• Deogyusan (1,614 m) — winter wonderland.