For this second semester, CBT planned a special program for readers to introduce the areas around Cheongju and throughout the country. I hope that reading this newly-planned feature of Experience will help readers indirectly experience places that they have not been to. Furthermore, CBT hopes that students will go on an actual trip with a backpack instead of just experiencing it here. For this first edition of Experience, we would like to inform the students about the Sangdang Fortress, one of the tourist destinations near Cheongju. I hope our readers will take great interest. -Ed.


  On August 15th, several CBT reporters were supposed to go there on Independence Day, but I decided to personally visit Sangdang Fortress to save the other reporters from the unusually hot weather. I went on a picnic there once when I was young, but now I want to find out more about it.

  The Sangdang Fortress of Cheongju, one of the most popular outdoor activities for families, friends, and lovers, is surrounded by valleys and a basin. It is a representative fortress of the middle and late Joseon Period. Currently, the fortress has three main gates, a water outlet and secret doors. There are secret doors at the northeastern and southwestern sides of the castle that were used for emergency purposes in the past. Also, the walls surrounding the fortress protrude outward for efficient attacking of enemies, and at that time, there were approximately 3,500 soldiers and monks guarding the fortress. Moreover, the names and titles of those talented patriots are inscribed on stone blocks of the wall in several places, so it is interesting to look around for them while climbing.

  I took bus number 862-1 from downtown Cheongju and got off at Sangdang Fortress. There are lots of restaurants in that area. The next day was Malbok, the last hot day of summer based on the lunar calendar. I entered a restaurant called Silla Jang and ordered boiled duck with rice and medicinal herbs to strengthen my body. There were 13 side dishes before the main dish came out. Among them, the acorn pancake was delicious, so I ordered one more.
  Before having the meal, I was worried that the medicinal herbs might be too strong, but they were not. The duck was bigger than a chicken and soft, and duck meat has a higher protein and iron content than chicken. After I finished eating the duck, I put rice into soup to make porridge and I packed up the leftovers for later.



  After filling my stomach, I saw a reservoir in front of the restaurant. As I was walking along this reservoir to climb the mountain, I picked up my camera to capture the scenery because the reservoir was filled with the reflection of the blue skies. As I turned around, I saw the view of the open mountain, and it was really cool. As I went forward again, I climbed upward with the breeze, enduring the desire to turn around and felt the cool wind again. As I went up a little more, I saw the Gongnammoon, the southern gate of the Sangdang Fortress. Its door was painted with goblin patterns, and when I looked up at the ceiling, I saw the pattern of a phoenix protecting the southern side of Sangdang Fortress. Outside the gate, there was a vast field. The good weather provided a very clear view. Passing through the field, I saw the southern gate parking lot. In front of this parking lot, there is a board with information about the fortress, and it is written in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English, which is convenient for any foreigners who visit.
  After passing through the southern gate, I took a step toward the western area of Sangdang Fortress. When I arrived at the western gate, the mountain was right under me and I had a bird’s-eye view of the whole city of downtown Cheongju. I felt close to nature. However, I was unable to overcome the heat as the temperature was approaching 39˚C, so I hurried to finish my hike. I walked down the middle of the road and went to a cafe called The B to cool off. I kept looking over the pictures of the scenery and pondering their significance. This experience was really tough, but it was a worthwhile adventure.

  “The right thing to do is to make the gift of nature yours.” This is what Gracian, a Spanish writer, said. I couldn’t fully understand the author’s words until now, but not I see what it means after looking at the beautiful scenery.
  Above all, I was excited to see the Cheongju that I lived in. While walking around the mountain, I felt my head clearing up because the air was clear. Despite the hot weather, there were senior citizens, family members and lovers who were climbing the mountain. I recommend for all students to stop by here in mid-October, rather than in summer, to avoid getting sweaty.

  There are many other tourist destinations in other regions, but it would be nice for people who live in Cheongju to go to Sangdang Fortress once and have a healthy dinner. For me, it was a great time learning why Sangdang Fortress is loved by the residents of Cheongju.

  Starting with this journey, I hope this article will provide useful information for many readers. The next trip is to go to Itaewon in Seoul. It had undergone new developments since 1945 when U.S. troops were stationed there. By embracing various foreign cultures, this place has created a variety of food items and things to enjoy. CBT is planning to visit Itaewon and try out restaurants that reflect various cultures and recommend some places to readers.

By Kim Min-jeong l mj38@cbnu.ac.kr
By Nam Min-woo l mw38@cbnu.ac.kr