Fjallraven Classic Korea 2024 Guide by a 2023 Participant

 
 
 Fjallraven Classic Korea has been giving enthusiastic backpackers joyful experience since 2019. Mt. Halla is the highest mountain in South Korea and famous for its tranquil and unique atmosphere created by volcanic rocks. If you are considering to start Fjallraven Classic adventures, the Classic Korea is probably the best place due to comparatively shorter distance-56.4km and safer environment. As a participant of 2023 and 2024, I would like to share some tips.
 
 

Day 1 Witse Oreum

 
 

Date

Group 1
October 16th-18th
 
Group 2
October 17th-19th
 
Check-in should be done prior to the event. Here's the schedule:

 

	Group 1	Group 2	Pop-up Store & Booth
October 15th	15:00-22:00		15:00-20:00
October 16th	05:30-06:00	15:00-22:00	15:00-20:00
October 17th		05:30-06:00

 
The Pop-up store is open on the last day as well.
 
 

Day 2 Somewhere on the way

 
 

Place

Villa de Aewol
You can check the address and the contact below: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1N4rPktJdJCwXiG2A

빌라 드 애월 · 제주특별자치도 제주시 특별자치도, 애월읍 애월해안로 516-7

 
 Villa de Aewol is the final destination on the last day as well as the check-in spot. A shuttle bus is available here on the start day departing at 6:20 am. The last bus leaves at 7 am.
 
 

Transportation - How to Get There

(1) Flight
 Airlines of South Korea are reliable and punctual, however, flights might be delayed or cancelled due to changeable weather in Jeju Island. It is highly recommended to arrive Jeju Island at least a day before. 
 
(2) Shuttle Bus
A shuttle from the airport to the check-in point is NOT available this year. Only the shuttle from the check-point to the Start Line on the first day is available.
 
(3) Taxi
 Cabs in Korea are safe and reliable. A lot of Koreans use an app called Kakao T-Kakao Taxi for English speakers-to call a taxi. It allows you to choose a start location, a destination, a taxi type, and a payment method like Uber but with cheaper price. From the airport to Villa de Aewol, it costs 15,000-16,000 won and takes 30-40 minutes.
 

Day 3 Aewolhaean-ro

 
 

Accommodation

 Participants can stay at Villa de Aewol, the dormitory, before or after the event, but since it is not included in the ticket, you have to pay for it. A webpage where you can purchase a discounted room will be sent through the Fjallraven Classic Korea newsletter in June.

Booking a room from a hotel or Airbnb near the Jeju Airport could be a better option if you prefer to spend your time alone. You can find a number of taxis even in the earliest morning in Kakao Taxi app. Last year, I enjoyed shopping, exploring around the town, going swimming, and staying at hotels of my taste in Jeju-Si. I took a taxi at 5:30 in the morning to Villa de Aewol without any hassle.
 
 

What is provided

 
These are the items that you get before the trekking:
 
1. Handkerchief
 
2. Trash Bag (Where you can store your food, gas, etc.) 
- It is recommended to bring your own trash bag if you want to keep this as a souvenir. Your trash will be measured on the last day and a Lucky Draw Ticket will be given if it exceeds 1kg.
 
3. Jelly
 
4. Sunblock
 
5. Chocolate Protein Bars (Energy Bars)
 
6. Primus Vaccuum Bottle 750ml 
 
7. Safety Tag
 
8. Stickers
 
9. Map & Trekking Pass
 
 Gas, breakfast, and dinner are provided at the campsites. Since the use of gas is strictly prohibited while trekking, it should be returned before departure. 
 
 

Weather

 The average temperature in Jeju-do is 17°C (63°F) to 23°C (73°F), but at night in Mt. Halla, it could harshly go down especially when raining. Many of participants prepare instant hot packs and I was one of them. They were very useful during the cold nights. No worries even if you don't have any hot packs. You can buy them at a store in the second campsite.
 
 Jeju-do is also notorious for strong wind. It is necessary to pack a windproof jacket-a gore tex jacket is much better-and set your tent up firmly each night. The average probability of precipitation is 30%-40%. 
 
 

Emergency

 There are neither rescue nor search teams in Fjallraven Classic Korea. If you are slightly injured, you have to make it to the nearest check-point or campsite and get help from a medical team. Otherwise, you need to call 119-Korean Emergency Service.
 
Good luck!