4 places in Yeongwol to visit after watching ‘The King’s Warden’
Yeongwol, a quiet county of 36,000 people tucked into the mountains of Gangwon Province, was always there. Then the film "The King's Warden" hit 11 million admissions on Sunday, a little over a month after its Feb. 4 release, and suddenly everyone wants to see the place where a boy king spent his final days.
The historical film follows Joseon’s sixth monarch, King Danjong (1441-57), who ascended the throne at age 12 and was later killed at 17 while in exile in this remote mountain town.
Now the rest of Korea is paying attention. Local authorities report an average of 2,000 visitors a day since the film's release, rising to as many as 6,000 on weekends, with blogs and social media filling up with photos and reviews from those who made the trip.
For those planning to follow, 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
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
Jangneung Royal Tomb
Less than five minutes from Cheongnyeongpo by car lies Jangneung, the burial site of King Danjong.
The open-air complex includes the king’s burial mound and memorial altars honoring six court officials who remained loyal to him. Another altar commemorates Eom Heung-do (portrayed by Yoo Hae-jin in the film), the Yeongwol chief who became the young king’s confidant.
Eom is believed to have secretly recovered Danjong’s body after his death and buried it at the current site, risking his own life. The tomb was later restored and designated as a historic site by the government in 1970. In 2009, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site together with other royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.
Seondol Rock Pillar / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Seondol Rock Pillar
Located on a cliff overlooking the Seo River, Seondol offers sweeping views of an unusual rock formation rising dramatically from the landscape below.
Often described as resembling “a cliff split by a giant sword,” the massive rock stands about 70 meters high and is associated with local legends that immortals once rested there. The shimmering blue waters of the river add to the scenic view.
Seondol is believed to have been along Danjong’s route to Cheongnyeongpo and is said to be a place where the young king stopped to rest. The site also appears in the film and is designated a Scenic Site by the Korea Heritage Service.
Miniature Shape of the Korean Peninsula / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Miniature Shape of Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula landform is a distinctive landscape shaped by winding river bends over time. From above, the curve of the river and the surrounding terrain resemble the outline of the Korean Peninsula.
The scenic overlook, already popular among domestic travelers, is also featured in the film and is believed to have been visited by the young king. Since the film’s release, the site has drawn renewed attention from visitors exploring Yeongwol’s historical landmarks.