My day on the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail was one of the most peaceful experiences during my Jeju travel. The trail begins at Cheona Reservoir and continues through quiet forests, gentle ridges, and the serene highland wetland called Soomeunmulbaengdi. After the hike, I visited a local Jeju restaurant called Jeju Halman Bapsang for a warm homemade-style meal, then ended the day at Haejigae Café, an ocean-view café right in front of Handam Beach. It became one of those itineraries that naturally melts into your memory.
1. What Is the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail? – A Gentle Forest Route Loved by Many
My first impression of the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail was the freshness of the mountain air. The moment I stepped out of the car, I could smell the soft scent of soil and forest. This trail is about 8.7 km long and is considered beginner-friendly, making it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy nature at a comfortable pace.
Because the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail has fewer crowds compared to other parts of Jeju, you can fully enjoy the gentle atmosphere of the forest. From the shimmering water of Cheona Reservoir to the soft wind that flows across Noro Oreum, every part of the trail gives you time to slow down and breathe.
It is a wonderful route for those wanting a calm and relaxing Hallasan travel experience.
2. How to Reach the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail – Bus, Car, and Easy Access Guide
Getting to the Trail Is Easier Than You Might Expect
By Public Transportation
Two bus routes stop at the Cheona Forest Trail Entrance:
- Bus 240 (Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal ↔ Jungmun)
This is the most stable and frequently used route for reaching the trail. - Bus 1100 (Yeongsil Visitor Center Direction)
Depending on the time of day, this bus also passes the “Cheona Forest Trail Entrance” stop.
Google Maps often recommends Bus 1100 because it may arrive sooner at certain hours.
After getting off at the stop, you will walk about 2.2 km to reach Cheona Reservoir,
which is the true starting point of the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail.
This approach section feels surprisingly pleasant—with gentle forest sounds and mountain air helping your body ease into “hiking mode.”
By Rental Car or Personal Vehicle
- Enter “Cheona Reservoir” on your navigation system.
- The access road is wide and calm, making it easy even for those not familiar with mountain driving.
- After finishing the hike, you will naturally exit toward
Boreum Farm Junction → Yeongsil Entrance, which connects smoothly to Aewol or Jeju City.
This route works very well if you plan to continue your itinerary with a Jeju restaurant or café afterward.
< Source, Naver Map >
✓ By car, the distance is approximately 23 km, and it takes about 42 minutes to reach the destination. A taxi ride typically costs around 21,500 KRW.
3. Walking the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail – Quiet Forests, Oreums, and a Hidden Wetland
The Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail changes slowly but beautifully as you walk.
Cheona Reservoir
A calm and reflective body of water that feels like the beginning of a peaceful story. In the morning, a thin veil of fog sometimes rests on its surface.
Imdo Samgori (Forest Road Junction)
The soft sound of the wind becomes clearer. The soil path feels gentle under your shoes, and the forest scent settles around you.
Noro Oreum
The forest begins to open slightly, and the air feels fresher. You can sense that you are gradually climbing toward the middle section of Hallasan.
Soomeunmulbaengdi (Highland Wetland)
This is the highlight of the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail. The wetland sits quietly between ridges, with grass and water moving gently in the breeze. I stayed here longer than expected because the atmosphere felt uniquely calming.
Boreum Farm Junction
The last part of the trail shifts into open fields, allowing your mind to slowly ease out of the hike.
4. Best Photo Spots on the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail – Nature That Changes Every Season
The Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail offers different expressions throughout the year, which is one of its biggest charms.
Spring
Fresh green leaves begin to open, and sunlight filters softly through the branches.
Summer
Thick layers of shade protect you from the heat. The cool sound of water flowing through nearby valleys creates a soothing rhythm as you walk.
Autumn
My personal favorite. The forest glows with gold, orange, and red tones, and Soomeunmulbaengdi becomes a warm brown meadow—perfect for photography.
Winter
The trail turns quiet under a blanket of snow. Each step makes a gentle crunch, creating a slow and peaceful winter mood.
The subtle changes of the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail make it worth visiting more than once.
5. After the Hike – A Satisfying Meal at Jeju Halman Bapsang
After finishing the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail, my body naturally craved a warm meal. I headed to Jeju Halman Bapsang, a beloved Aewol restaurant famous for its generous portions and comforting flavors.
The moment I walked in, the smell of freshly grilled fish filled the air. The warm interior felt like entering a traditional Korean home, offering comfort after a long walk.
The set meal came with 2–3 pieces of grilled fish, pork stir-fry, and around 10 side dishes. Everything tasted homemade, as if prepared with care rather than rushed in a busy kitchen. The best part was the unlimited refills of rice, soup, and nurungji (scorched rice), which revived my energy after the hike.
Menu & Prices
| Menu | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Halman Daily Set | 15,000 KRW | 2–3 grilled fish + pork stir-fry + 10 side dishes + unlimited rice & soup |
| Boneless Braised Cutlassfish (2+) | 15,000 KRW | Sweet tangerine sauce, tender and easy to eat |
| Tangerine Braised Tilefish (2+) | 15,000 KRW | Soft white fish cooked in special Jeju tangerine sauce |
| Seasonal Grilled Fish | Varies | Mackerel, cutlassfish, okdom, and more |
If you enjoy Jeju food, this restaurant is highly recommended.
6. Dessert Time – Haejigae Café, an Ocean-View Café in Front of Handam Beach
To finish the day, I visited Haejigae Café, just a short drive from Jeju Halman Bapsang. The café sits right in front of Handam Beach, and the moment I entered, I was greeted by the full ocean through wide glass windows.
The 2nd floor has a warm, Korean-style interior with wooden floors and low seating, giving a soft and relaxing atmosphere. I chose a window seat, where I could hear the waves gently breaking against the rocky coastline.
The café’s signature drink, the black sesame latte, had a deep and nutty flavor that paired wonderfully with the sea view. The bakery selection was also fresh and not overly sweet, making it ideal after a hearty meal.
Menu & Prices
| Menu | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Americano | 7,500 KRW | Light acidity, refreshing |
| Caramel Macchiato | 8,500 KRW | Sweet and balanced |
| Black Sesame Latte | 8,500 KRW | Café’s signature drink |
| Bakery | Varies | Croissants, salted bread, cakes |
If you appreciate Jeju café culture and ocean scenery, this place will feel like a warm ending to your day.
7. Recommended Daily Itinerary – Trail → Local Meal → Ocean Café
Here is the exact daily route I followed:
- Morning – Walk the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail.
- Early afternoon – Enjoy a hearty lunch at Jeju Halman Bapsang.
- Late afternoon / sunset – Stroll along Handam Beach and relax at Haejigae Café.
- Evening – Drive along the coastal road back to your accommodation.
Nature → Local food → Seaside café
A simple but deeply satisfying routine for first-time visitors or anyone seeking a warm and peaceful Jeju travel experience.
< Source, NAVER Maps >
✓ The distance from the Cheona Forest Trail Entrance to Jeju Halman Bapsang and then to Haejigae Cafe is approximately 26 km. Using a car is the most convenient option, taking around 50 minutes in total.
If you choose to take public transportation, you will need to ride Bus 240 first and then transfer to Bus 202 along the way.
8. Tips for Visiting the Hallasan Cheona Forest Trail
- Wear comfortable trekking or walking shoes.
- Bring water (500ml or more).
- Prepare windbreakers depending on the season.
- Sunscreen, hat, portable battery recommended.
- In summer, bring mosquito spray; in winter, gloves and ear warmers.
First-time hikers can also walk only from Cheona Reservoir to Noro Oreum and return—a shorter but beautiful half-day route.
“Check out other travel information”