‘The King’s Warden’ nears 10 million viewers as filming sites overflow with tourists
A notice regarding early closing times at Cheongnyeongpo, Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province, due to surging visitor numbers from the popularity of the film "The King's Warden." Captured from Yeongwol County's social media
South Korea’s historical film “The King’s Warden” has surpassed 8 million viewers and is driving a tourism surge at real-world locations tied to the story of the exiled king Danjong.
Authorities in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province announced early closing measures at Cheongnyeongpo, the riverside exile site depicted in the film, after visitor numbers surged dramatically. Officials warned that entry may be restricted for arrivals after 4 p.m. due to crowding and advised tourists to consider nearby attractions.
Cheongnyeongpo, historically known as the remote place where the 15th century king Danjong was banished, is surrounded by river on three sides and mountains on the fourth, accessible only by boat. The isolated geography is symbolic of the young monarch’s tragic fate.
Yeongwol mayor Choi Myeong-seo said during a recent radio interview that visitors to Cheongnyeongpo increased more than fivefold year-on-year during the Lunar New Year holiday, with noticeable growth among young travelers and families. Participation in cultural interpretation programs and average stay times also rose.
Official data showed 10,641 visitors during the 2026 holiday period compared with 2,006 in 2025. Weekend train tickets to Yeongwol sold out by Feb. 27, while tourists faced one- to three-hour waits for the only ferry route to the site. Traffic congestion also occurred around the area.
Online, fans echoed emotional lines from the film — including the viral phrase “Danjong oppa, are you watching?” — reflecting how the movie’s narrative has turned the historic site into a pilgrimage destination for younger audiences.
As “The King’s Warden” approaches the 10-million-viewer milestone, interest in Danjong-related heritage sites in Yeongwol, such as Cheongnyeongpo and Jangneung Royal Tomb, is expected to continue.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.