Exploring Korea: Yeongwol highlights & experiences from “The King’s Warden”

Overhead shot of Cheongnyeongpo Meadering Stream.

Cheongnyeongpo Meadering Stream (ⓒ Gangwon State/Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

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.

1. Must-Visit Places in Yeongwol: Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream, Jangneung Royal Tomb, and Gwanpungheon Hall

Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream: The Place of King Danjong’s Exile

Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

The exterior of Danjong’s temporary residence.

Danjong’s temporary residence (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

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.

Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream

Address: 133 Cheongnyeongpo-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 영월군 영월읍 청령포로 133)
Operating hours: 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:00) / Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 2,500 won / Children 2,000 won / Senior citizens 1,000 won
Estimated visit duration: Approx.1 hr – 1 hr 30 min
Inquiries: +82-33-372-1240

Jangneung Royal Tomb: King Danjong’s Final Resting Place

Forests are visible behind Danjong’s burial mound.

Danjong’s burial mound (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Commemorative Pavilion of Eom Heung-do is visible in front of the forest.

Commemorative Pavilion of Eom Heung-do (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

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.

Yeongwol Jangneung Royal Tomb

Address: 190 Danjong-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 영월군 영월읍 단종로 190)
Operating hours: 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30) / Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won

* Free admission for senior citizens

Estimated visit duration: Approx.1 hr – 1 hr 30 min
Inquiries: +82-33-374-4215

Gwanpungheon Hall: Where King Danjong Spent His Final Days

A full close-up of dancheong patterns of Gwanpungheon Hall.

Traditional dancheong patterns of Gwanpungheon Hall (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Gwanpungheon Hall and a tree are visible.

View of Gwanpungheon Hall (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

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.

Gwanpungheon Hall

Address: 61 Jungang-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 영월군 영월읍 중앙로 61)
Operating hours: 09:00-17:00
Admission: Free
Estimated visit duration: Approx. 15-30 min

2. Experiences in Yeongwol: Danjong Culture Festival and Bakgane

Danjong Culture Festival: A Celebration Honoring King Danjong

Participants parade for a celebration honoring King Danjong.

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.

Danjong Culture Festival

Event period: April 24-26, 2026
Venues: Donggang Riverside Area (main festival venue), Yeongwol Jangneung Royal Tomb, Gwanpungheon Hall, Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream, and more
Main programs: Royal Funeral Procession for King Danjong, Danjong Memorial Rite, Queen Jeongsun Pageant, Arrowroot Vine Tug-of-War, Royal Cuisine Cooking Competition, and more
Inquiries: +82-33-375-6353
Website (Korean only)

Bakgane: A Go-To Spot for Local Cuisine

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.

Bakgane

Address: 2F, 149 Jungang-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 영월군 영월읍 중앙로 149 2층)
Operating hours: 10:30-19:00 (Break time 15:00-17:00) / While supplies last
Menus: Danjong’s Table 18,000 won / Eosuri Bulgogi Set Menu 25,000 won
Inquiries: +82-33-375-6900

✅ TIP. Your guide to Yeongwol travel: Yeongwol Tourism Center

The statues of the two mascots are located in Yeongwol Tourism Center.

Yeongwol Tourism Center (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

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.

Yeongwol Tourism Center

Address: 126-3 Cheongnyeongpo-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 영월군 영월읍 청령포로 126-3)
Operating hours: Food Court Zone, Local Food Market, Media Exhibition Hall & Experience Zone 09:00-18:00 / Café 10:30-19:00 / Closed Mondays
Inquiries: +82-33-375-8986
Website (Korean only)

10% off meals with a Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream admission ticket

* This column was last updated in April 2026, and therefore the information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.

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