Pyeonggwe Shelter
An unstaffed shelter 5.3 km from the starting point. Do not expect a shop or drinking-water supply.
Hallasan and the uplands · Hallasan
Hallasan Donnaeko Trail
This guide covers the mountain trail above Donnaeko Recreation Area to Hallasan's Nambyeok Junction. It is different from a recreation-area walk to Wonang Falls. Prepare for a long hike and return transport to explore changing vegetation in the southern forest and views of the crater wall.
Travel planning at a glance
From Donnaeko Visitor Information Center, Nambyeok Junction is 7 km one way and 14 km returning by the same trail. The route does not reach the Baengnokdam summit, and standard hikes do not require reservations. There are no shops or springs, so bring enough drinking water and check the early entry deadline and trailhead approach.
Hallasan Donnaeko Trail
This guide covers the Donnaeko Trail to Hallasan's Nambyeok Junction. Distinguish it from an outing to Donnaeko Recreation Area or Wonang Falls, and locate Hallasan Donnaeko Visitor Information Center on the map.
Hallasan Donnaeko Trail at a glance
- Starting point
- Hallasan Donnaeko Visitor Information Center
- Planned section
- Pyeonggwe Shelter and Nambyeok Junction
- Distance
- 7 km one way to Nambyeok Junction; 14 km returning by the same trail
- Summit connection
- No access to the Baengnokdam summit
- Planning reference
- 7–9 hours (editorial estimate; varies with breaks and the sections chosen)
Operating and access information is based on the official sources below. Recommended routes and visit durations are editorial suggestions. Check each place's description to see whether waiting, meals and similar time are included, and allow separate time for travel between places.
Hallasan Donnaeko Trail · Official information ↗ · Checked
Hallasan access restrictions and reservation information ↗ · Checked
From Donnaeko's forest to Pyeonggwe Shelter and Hallasan's south wall
From Donnaeko Visitor Information Center, the route passes Sseogeunmultong, Salchaegido and Pyeonggwe Shelter on the way to Nambyeok Junction. The long forest trail changes from low-altitude evergreen broadleaf woodland to deciduous forest and high-altitude vegetation. The sustained ascent requires more effort than a short recreation-forest walk, even while the route remains wooded.
Beyond Pyeonggwe Shelter, sections offer views of Hallasan's crater wall. Viewing the south wall is different from reaching Baengnokdam's summit and seeing the lake. If continuing from Nambyeok Junction toward Witse Oreum, check that day's access and checkpoint deadlines separately, and account for the longer distance and your descent destination.
Nambyeok Junction
A point for crater-wall views and considering connections to other trails. It is not a route to the summit.
Donnaeko return distance and early entry deadline
Official guidance gives about 3 hours 30 minutes and 7 km one way to Nambyeok Junction. Allowing 7–9 hours for the 14 km return hike plus breaks is an editorial planning estimate. Once the entry deadline has passed, you cannot start a new hike, even for a short section.
Donnaeko is separate from the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa summit-reservation routes, but seasonal entry restrictions apply. Its entry deadline is earlier than other routes, so check the official restrictions for your date and arrive well in advance. Connections toward the south wall and Witse Oreum vary with weather and on-site conditions.
Hallasan Donnaeko Trail · Official information ↗ · Checked
Hallasan access restrictions and reservation information ↗ · Checked
Prepare drinking water for Donnaeko's long forest hike
Official information states that Donnaeko has neither springs nor shops. Bring enough water and food for the entire route; do not pack less on the assumption that shelters provide supplies. Higher elevations can be colder than the coast, so windproof and warm clothing are needed too.
Agree on turnaround criteria with your companions rather than planning to finish quickly on your own. Stay on the forest trail, and do not push farther near the south wall in thick fog or strong winds. Travelers seeking the Hallasan Donnaeko hike and those wanting water activities at Wonang Falls must choose their destinations separately.
Hallasan Donnaeko Trail · Official information ↗ · Checked
Hallasan access restrictions and reservation information ↗ · Checked
Distinguish Donnaeko Visitor Information Center from Wonang Falls
Use Hallasan Donnaeko Visitor Information Center as the trailhead in searches and navigation. Entering Donnaeko Recreation Area or Wonang Falls as your destination may lead somewhere different from the hiking start. The approach from a roadside bus stop to the information center can add considerable travel, so check it first.
Returning by the same trail brings you back to your parking place, but continuing through Witse Oreum to Eorimok or Yeongsil finishes at another trailhead. Do not assume simple vehicle retrieval within the park; arrange a booked vehicle or public-transport transfers separately. We suggest allowing recovery and travel time after descent rather than adding more attractions.
Choose your next stop according to your direction of travel
Hallasan National Park Yeongsil Trail
An option for comparing south-wall and Witse Oreum scenery from another trailhead or planning a connecting descent.
Visitor guide →
Seogwipo Forest of Healing
Consider booked walks and programs in Seogwipo's cypress forest instead of a long hike.
Visitor guide →Frequently asked travel questions
Is the Donnaeko Trail the route to Wonang Falls?
This guide covers the trail climbing to Hallasan's Nambyeok Junction. It has a different destination and starting point from walks in Donnaeko Recreation Area or to Wonang Falls.
Can I reach the Baengnokdam summit from Donnaeko?
No. You view the crater wall from Nambyeok Junction; when connecting sections are open, you can continue toward Witse Oreum and other descent routes.
Is Donnaeko's 7 km distance a return trip?
It is 7 km one way to Nambyeok Junction. Returning by the same trail makes 14 km; add breaks and the approach to the trailhead separately.
Can I enter the Donnaeko Trail without a reservation?
Standard hikes do not require a reservation, but check the early entry deadline and weather restrictions for the day. Bring enough drinking water for the entire route.