Yeongwol Highlights & Experiences from “The King’s Warden”

If you’re looking for places to visit in Yeongwol, a journey tracing the footsteps of King Danjong is a great choice. Yeongwol in Gangwon State was where Danjong, the sixth king of the Joseon dynasty, was exiled, and it brings together historic sites such as Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream, Jangneung Royal Tomb, and Gwanpungheon Hall with beautiful natural scenery. With many of the locations featured in the recently popular film “The King’s Warden (2026),” it’s also a great way to follow the king’s final days.

📖 A bit of historical background

King Danjong (1441–1457) was one of the most tragic young rulers in Joseon history. He ascended the throne at the age of 12, but was later demoted by his uncle, Grand Prince Suyang—who would later become King Sejo—driven by his ambition for power. Exiled to Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream in Yeongwol, he died there at 16, just four months later. In the film “The King’s Warden,” Danjong is portrayed as taking his own life. However, the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty state that he was given poisoned medicine, and the prevailing view is that he was killed for political reasons. Two hundred forty-one years later, in 1698, King Sukjong reinstated Danjong as king as part of an effort to restore the Confucian order built on loyalty and righteousness. His grave was also elevated to the status of a royal tomb, the title reserved for the burial sites of kings and queens.

Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream was where King Danjong was sent into exile. With a river on three sides and steep cliffs at its back, it is often called “an island on land.” After crossing the river by boat, visitors reach Danjong’s temporary residence, secluded in a thick pine forest and cut off from the outside world. Nearby stand the 600-year-old Gwaneumsong Pine Tree and Manghyangtap Pagoda, which Danjong is said to have built while longing for Hanyang, present-day Seoul. Together, they offer a poignant glimpse into the young king’s isolation and profound loneliness. Even today, visitors honor his memory by building small stone towers throughout Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream.

Yeongwol Jangneung Royal Tomb is the resting place of King Danjong and one of the Joseon royal tombs designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the grounds are Commemorative Pavilion of Eom Heung-do, a commemorative pavilion built in honor of Eom Heung-do, who courageously recovered Danjong’s body when no one else dared for fear of King Sejo’s retaliation; Jangpanok Shrine, which houses the memorial tablets of the loyal subjects who gave their lives for Danjong; and altar, where memorial rites are held in their honor. What sets Jangneung apart is that it commemorates not only the king, but also the loyal subjects who tried to protect him—something rarely seen at other royal tombs. At the entrance, the Danjong History Museum offers a glimpse into Danjong’s life and royal culture through exhibits including his portrait and court attire.

Gwanpungheon Hall was a government guesthouse used by officials and visiting envoys during the Joseon period. After flooding hit Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream, where he had been exiled, King Danjong moved here and spent his final days. Nearby stands Jagyuru Pavilion, where he is said to have lamented his fate in verse. Although the current building is a reconstruction, it remains a meaningful place that preserves the memory of Danjong’s final days. Located close to downtown Yeongwol, it is also well worth a stop if you want to take a short break and admire the vibrant decorative colors of traditional Korean architecture.

The Danjong Culture Festival is Yeongwol’s annual local festival honoring King Danjong and the loyal subjects who gave their lives for him. Now in its 59th year, it offers a lively way to experience the king’s story. Every April, Yeongwol fills with things to see, from parades reenacting the royal funeral procession and wedding ceremony to musical performances and other festive events. This year’s festival will be even more special, with a talk featuring director Jang Hang-jun of “The King’s Warden” and a nighttime drone show.

Bakgane is a local restaurant in Yeongwol known for dishes made with eosuri, a regional specialty. Eosuri is a wild edible green whose name is said to mean “worthy of being served to the king,” and its fresh aroma and pleasantly bitter flavor make it especially appetizing. According to local tradition, Danjong was fond of it because its fragrance reminded him of Queen Jeongsun. One of the restaurant’s signature set menus, Danjong’s Table, features eosuri rice, grilled deodeok, spicy stir-fried pork, and a spread of eleven side dishes, offering a rich taste of Yeongwol’s local flavors.

Yeongwol Tourism Center provides information on the area’s main attractions and a variety of visitor services. It is also a convenient stop for shopping local food and souvenirs, and its exhibition and hands-on programs will make your trip to Yeongwol even more enjoyable.

• Original article by JungWon Park, Translated by KTO
• Photos by JungWon Park, Gangwon State, Yeongwol Culture & Tourism Foundation