4 'The King's Warden' Filming Locations to Visit in Yeongwol

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The South Korean historical drama The King's Warden has captivated over 11 million viewers, transforming the quiet county of Yeongwol into a sudden tourism hotspot. While these locations previously hosted a modest 2,000 visitors during peak seasons, weekend crowds now exceed 6,000 as travelers rush to see the real-world settings of King Danjong’s tragic exile.

Visiting The King's Warden's filming locations offers more than just a movie set tour; it provides a direct connection to the preserved Joseon-era landscapes seen on screen. These sites have transitioned from overlooked relics to essential cultural landmarks. This guide explores the four key destinations in Yeongwol that define the film’s visual and emotional core.

**4 Iconic Locations from The King's Warden in Yeongwol to Visit**

According to The Korea Times, here are four filming locations of The King's Warden in Yeongwol.

1. Cheongnyeongpo

Currently classified as a Scenic Site by the Korean Heritage Service, Cheongnyeongpo is the historically significant location where King Danjong was first exiled. This naturally isolated area is surrounded on three sides by the river and bordered to the west by the craggy rock walls of Yungnyukbong Peak. This unique geography gives the site the appearance of an island, meaning the only way to reach the dock is by boat.

This area features the king’s modest residence alongside a stone pile named Manghyangtap, or the "Pagoda of Homesickness," where the deposed monarch spent lonely hours looking toward the capital, Hanyang. Additionally, visitors can approach the observation point where the king looked toward Hanyang to remember his wife and family.

2. Jangneung Royal Tomb

Located less than five minutes from Cheongnyeongpo, Jangneung is the burial site of King Danjong and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While most royal tombs are scattered near the capital, this location is unique because the king died in exile in Yeongwol. The site follows the traditional "pungsu" principles of the Joseon Dynasty, where the burial mound is protected by a hill at the back and faces toward water.

The complex includes an entrance, a ceremonial area, and a burial zone adorned with stone figures of people and animals. Key structures at the tomb include a red-spiked gate and a T-shaped wooden shrine where state ancestral rites have been performed for centuries. Additionally, the site contains memorial altars honoring the six court officials and the local chief, Eom Heung-do, who risked his life to secretly bury the king.

3. Seondol Rock Pillar

Located at a 70-meter-high section of a rocky cliff beside the Seogang River, Seondol is officially designated as a Scenic Site by the Korea Heritage Service. The formation is often described as appearing as though someone "cut the cliff with a sword," creating an enchanting view that rises dramatically from the landscape.

According to local legend, the site is also known as Sinseonam Rock and was named by King Danjong, who thought the pillar resembled a mountain deity while resting there on his route to exile.

4. Miniature Shape of the Korean Peninsula

The PyeongChanggang River ends at a unique landscape that the Korea Heritage Service officially classifies as a Scenic Site. The winding river bends and surrounding terrain have created a natural landform that mirrors the silhouette of the Korean Peninsula, featuring seasonal variations that attract domestic travelers.

Although it has been a popular spot for years among domestic travelers, the site has gained renewed attention for its historical association with the young king’s travels.