Baengnokdam, Crater lake on Hallasan mountain, South Korea
Baengnokdam is a small crater lake at the summit of Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea. It sits inside a volcanic crater rimmed by exposed rock and sparse alpine vegetation.
Hallasan is an extinct volcano whose eruptions shaped Jeju Island over millions of years. The crater lake formed as a direct result of that volcanic activity, and the surrounding rock layers still show the evidence of it.
The hike to Baengnokdam takes several hours each way, so starting early in the morning gives you more time at the top before crowds arrive. Wear sturdy shoes and carry enough water, as sections of the trail are steep and uneven.
The name Baengnokdam translates as White Deer Lake in Korean, referring to a legend that white deer came here to drink. The water level of the lake changes noticeably with the seasons, sometimes dropping so low in dry periods that the lakebed is partially exposed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
