Hikers line up in front of the stone marker at the summit of Mount Halla for a commemorative photo. Captured from Hallasan National Park website

Visitors to the summit of Mount Halla on Jeju Island are expressing frustration over the long wait times to take a commemorative photo in front of the iconic summit marker, with some waiting more than an hour.

They are requesting the installation of additional summit markers, but park officials have indicated that this is not feasible.

Recently, a complaint was posted on the Hallasan National Park website, highlighting the need for additional markers.

The complainant mentioned waiting for about an hour in a line that stretched 60 to 70 meters to take a photo at the Baengnokdam crater lake marker.

This marker, located on the eastern ridge of Mount Halla's summit, was inscribed with "Hallasan Natural Reserve Baengnokdam" by calligrapher Kim Young-mi in 2011 and has since become a must-visit spot for hikers.

Long queues, limited alternatives

Photos attached to the complaint show a long line of people waiting on the summit stairs. The complainant lamented the difficulty of enduring an additional hour in the hot sun after a strenuous 4 to 5-hour-long hike.

Another hiker expressed concern about safety issues arising from the delays caused by the long wait for photos and also requested additional markers.

Park officials have been trying to disperse the crowd by informing visitors that there are other markers, such as the "Hallasan East Ridge Summit" and "Scenic Site No. 90 Hallasan Baengnokdam" wooden markers, where photos can be taken for summit certification.

However, hikers are reluctant to give up the iconic stone marker photo, which has become the most popular spot for summit documentation.

The stone marker at Baengnokdam at Mount Halla / Yonhap

Cultural heritage constraints

While the park management sympathizes with the complaints, it said installing additional markers is not an option due to cultural heritage regulations.

The Baengnokdam crater lake is designated as a national cultural heritage site, and any changes, including new markers, would require a separate review and approval process.

In response to the complaints, park officials have reiterated through announcements that summit certification photos can be taken at any location around Baengnokdam, not just at the stone marker.

However, given the significance and popularity of the current marker, visitors continue to favor it despite the long wait times.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.