1950m of Sweat, Clouds, and Total Wow

#summervacay Okay, so hiking up to Baengnokdam (the crater lake at the top of Hallasan) is no joke, like, it’s 1950m above sea level, and you feel every single one. But also? Totally worth every step. The trail starts out pretty chill, then slowly turns into a full-on stair party. Legs = burning. But the scenery? Insane. You go from forest to rocky mountain vibes to above-the-clouds realness. It’s like leveling up through nature. The final stretch is brutal (I’m not gonna lie), but once you reach the top and see Baengnokdam… whoa. The crater lake is just sitting there like it’s guarding the sky. Peaceful, dramatic, kind of mystical. I sat down, sweaty and proud, and just stared for a while. Took some deep breaths, ate a protein bar like it was a victory meal, and soaked in the silence. Hallasan doesn’t mess around, but if you’re up for the challenge, Baengnokdam is pure magic. 10/10 unforgettable.