A new reporter recounts applying to Monthly Mountain (월간산) and enduring an unusual interview: a real hiking task. After passing the paperwork by listing past hikes and climbing experience, candidates were told to hike and submit a field report. On the interview day the writer prepared—visited the likely peak, trimmed hair to look natural in the wind, and packed lightly. At the office the panel checked backpacks, then assigned the challenge: find and interview reporter Yoon Sung-joong somewhere on Maebongsan and write a piece in 30 minutes. After searching, the author located him, conducted a personal interview about music to bring out the subject’s character, and even gave him a pocket hand warmer (손난로) as a small kindness. Back at the office the writer drafted the article and faced an honest, energetic interview panel. A few days later she got the job. Now a month in, she notes Monthly Mountain is very different from a typical workplace and likely a paradise for people who love mountains and writing.
