Gyeongcheondae Terrace
Just east of downtown Sangju City (상주시; map) along the Nakdong River hangs Gyeongcheondae Terrace (경천대; map). It once held the name “Jacheondae,” or “scenery created by the heavens.”
Crowned by a rock-faced cliff with an unparalleled high-angle view of the Nakdong, this famous park offers hiking trails through thick pine forests and by pavilions, a suspension bridge, and camping grounds.
Since Joseon Dynasty times, scholars, poets, and generals have visited this natural cliffside. Here, they relaxed, contemplated, and stumbled upon dragon horses.
What?
Legend has it, legendary General Jeong Gi-ryong spotted a dragon horse living beneath Gyeongcheondae’s cliffs. So he dressed as a scarecrow and waited near the Nakdong River, where the beast often drank. Curious, the horse drew close. Brave, the General hopped on.
It’s said that General Jeong rode this ferocious animal into battle against the invading Japanese during the Imjin Wars (1592~1598).
Find a statue of General Jeong riding the ferocious horse near the artificial waterfalls.
