As the film “The King’s Warden” draws record-breaking crowds to theaters, Yeongwol in Gangwon Province is also seeing a surge in visitors eager to learn more about the place where the ill-fated king spent his final days.
The film surpassed 11 million admissions on Sunday, a little over a month after its Feb. 4 release.
The historical film follows Joseon’s sixth king, Danjong (1441-57), who ascended the throne at age 12 and was later killed at 17 while in exile in the remote town of Yeongwol.
According to local authorities, an average of 2,000 people — and up to 6,000 on weekends — have visited the county of about 36,000 residents since the film’s release. Blogs and social media have been filled with photos and reviews from visitors.
For those planning a trip to Yeongwol, The Korea Times has compiled four destinations featured in the film that are worth visiting.
Visitors walk around Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, Sunday. Yonhap
Cheongnyeongpo, where Danjong was first exiled, is one of Yeongwol’s most historically significant sites. The young king stayed there only briefly before moving to nearby Gwanpungheon after flooding made the area unsafe. It’s currently classified as a Scenic Site by the Korea Heritage Service.
As depicted in the film, the site is surrounded by a meandering stream that gives it the appearance of an island. The only way to reach Cheongnyeongpo is by boat — a natural barrier that likely made it an ideal place for royal exile. A steep cliff on the opposite side blocks access by foot.
After arriving at the dock, visitors can see the king’s modest residence and buildings once used by the servants who accompanied him to Yeongwol. Nearby stands a small stone tower believed to have been built by Danjong as he longed for home. There is also an observation point where the king is said to have spent time looking toward Hanyang, currently Seoul, where his wife and family remained.
Jangneung Royal Tomb / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Source: Korea Times News
