Nakdonggang Gyeongcheondae (Gyeongcheondae Observatory)

About this place

A place of outstanding scenery formed of sheer cliffs and old pines, it is also called Jacheondae, meaning it was bestowed by heaven itself. However, after Master Chae Deuk-gi engraved the words 'Daemyeong Cheonji (the great bright heaven and earth), Sungjeong Ilwol (the sun and moon of Chongzhen),' it came to be called Gyeongcheondae instead. Muujeong, a pavilion built by Master Udam Chae Deuk-gi, a scholar from this region in the early Joseon period, sits atop the cliff. Gyeongcheondae was also used as a place to perform rain-praying rituals, and a legend is handed down that Jeong Gi-ryong, a general of the Joseon period, obtained here a dragon-horse that had descended from heaven. A relic remains that Jeong Gi-ryong carved out of the rock and used as a feeding trough for his horse. In Sangju it was famous as a gathering place for scholars, and literary guests such as Kim Sang-heon, Yi Sik, and Yi Man-ryeo are said to have visited often. From the observatory on Okjubong Peak, one can take in at a glance the distant Juheulsan (1,106 m), Hakgasan, the Nakdong River, and Baekhwasan. Within Gyeongcheondae there are an observatory, an artificial waterfall, Gyeongcheondae Children's Land, and a campground, and when you reach the observatory by way of the old pine forest, you can enjoy at a glance the refreshing course of the Nakdong River and the surrounding scenery. The dense pine forest one climbs up to reach the observatory makes the walk enjoyable. It is a place with a truly magnificent view of the river seen from atop the cliff, where between the bending pines one can see the Nakdong River winding along in curves and the strange rocks along its banks. The hiking trail leading up to the observatory is lined with a pine forest, making it well suited as a forest bathing ground. Nearby there are many cultural properties designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do monuments, such as the reputed tomb of King Sabeol, the reputed tomb of the King of Goryeong Gaya, and Chunguisa. And in the autumn of 2001, an MBC drama's marketplace set was built on the riverbank south of Gyeongcheondae, providing yet another attraction.