Hello! I am your Korea Travel Expert, dedicated to discovering hidden gems across the country.
Have you seen the recent box office hit that swept South Korea during the Lunar New Year?
“The King and the Man Living Together”, starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, has already surpassed 4 million viewers!
While the acting was phenomenal, the audience was equally captivated by the breathtaking natural scenery on the screen.
“Where on earth is that beautiful place?” you might ask. It is Yeongwol, a county in Gangwon Province, just one hour away from Seoul by KTX.
From the actual filming locations to must-visit landmarks for international tourists, here is your ultimate Yeongwol Travel guide.
1. The King’s Exile, The Serene ‘Cheongryeongpo’
The first stop on your Yeongwol Travel itinerary is Cheongryeongpo, the core setting of the movie and a real historical site.
This is where King Danjong, the tragic young king of the Joseon Dynasty, was exiled. Surrounded by a deep river on three sides and a steep cliff on the back, it is an “island within land” that can only be reached by boat.
Walking in the Footsteps of the King
Step off the boat and walk onto the pebble beach, and you will be greeted by a magnificent pine forest that is hundreds of years old.
This is the very forest where the King (played by Park Ji-hoon) walked in deep thought in the movie. Standing under the towering ‘Gwaneumsong’ (Pine Tree), the sound of the wind feels like a scene from the film.
Cheongryeongpo is the most dramatic and meaningful spot for your Yeongwol Travel, holding both beautiful nature and sad history.
Location: San 67-1, Gwangcheon-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeongwol-gun
Highlight: The short boat ride into the site becomes a special memory of your Yeongwol Travel.
2. A Miracle of Nature, ‘Korean Peninsula Cliffs’ (Hanbando Terrain)
After soaking in the movie’s atmosphere at Cheongryeongpo, head to the landmark of Yeongwol Travel: the Korean Peninsula Cliffs.
If you search for Yeongwol online, this is the first image you will see. The river and the land have naturally shaped the terrain to look exactly like the map of the Korean Peninsula.
A View Worth the Hike
After a pleasant 20-minute walk through the forest from the parking lot, you arrive at the observatory.
You will see a “Little Korea” floating on the winding Pyeongchang River. It is hard to believe this was formed naturally over thousands of years, not carved by humans.
It is beautiful in all four seasons, but the sunset view is particularly like a traditional oriental painting. Capture the photo of a lifetime here, the highlight of your Yeongwol Travel.
Location: 180, Ongjeong-ri, Hanbando-myeon, Yeongwol-gun
Pro Tip: If you plan your Yeongwol Travel in summer, try the traditional Raft experience to see the cliffs from the river.
3. A Romantic Night with Stars, ‘Byeolmaro Observatory’
No Yeongwol Travel is complete without a starry night. Byeolmaro Observatory, which means “a quiet summit to view stars,” is one of the best places in Korea for stargazing.
Located at the top of Mt. Bongraesan (799m), it offers a panoramic view of the city by day and a galaxy of stars by night.
The Galaxy You Can’t See in Seoul
Just like the scene where the movie characters looked up at the night sky, you can observe the craters on the Moon or the rings of Saturn through telescopes here.
The sparkling night view of Yeongwol town below adds to the romantic atmosphere. Leaving the busy city to meet the quiet universe is a healing experience unique to Yeongwol Travel.
Location: 397, Cheonmundae-gil, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun
Note: The observatory requires 100% advance reservation, so book early when planning your Yeongwol Travel!
📝 Editor’s Tips for Yeongwol Travel
Q: How do I get to Yeongwol from Seoul? A: Take the KTX-Eum from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul.
It only takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Yeongwol Station, making a day trip for Yeongwol perfectly feasible.
Q: Is it okay if I haven’t seen the movie? A: Absolutely! Even if you haven’t watched “The King and the Man Living Together”, Yeongwol offers stunning nature and relaxation on its own.
Cheongryeongpo and the Korean Peninsula Cliffs are top-rated destinations for international tourists regardless of the film.
Why not head to Yeongwol this weekend to experience the real Korean nature and the filming location of the hottest movie?