Airing on the 4th, the 'Starry Travel Hometown Tour' segment of '6 O'Clock My Hometown' will head to Yeongwol, Gangwon, a region currently capturing the nation's attention. As the film 'The King and the Clown', which depicts the exile life of Joseon's 6th king, Danjong, surpasses 9 million viewers, the number of visitors to Yeongwol, the film's shooting location and Danjong's actual place of exile, has significantly increased.
Before the main filming, reporter Jung Jae-hyung connects with director Jang Hang-jun via a surprise video call. Director Jang shares his thoughts on the film's success and recommends must-visit spots in Yeongwol for '6 O'Clock My Hometown' viewers. With the film nearing 10 million viewers, what stories will director Jang share? Tune in to the broadcast to find out.
The first journey takes us to Cheongnyeongpo, a must-visit travel course recommended by director Jang. Surrounded by a river on three sides, this 'island within the land' is where Danjong actually lived in exile. Known as the backdrop for the film, visitor numbers have increased more than fivefold compared to the previous year during the Lunar New Year holiday. Once a tragic place of exile, it now stands as a prominent site in Yeongwol, where visitors can trace Danjong's footsteps.
Nearby, Jangneung and the Chungui-gong Memorial Hall remain symbols of loyalty. Jangneung is Danjong's tomb, where Yeongwol's local official Eom Heung-do secretly buried Danjong's body. The memorial hall features a statue of Eom Heung-do retrieving Danjong's body from the water, which inspired director Jang and actor Yoo Hae-jin, who played Eom Heung-do in the film.
At a local Yeongwol cuisine restaurant frequently visited by the cast and crew of 'The King and the Clown', visitors can taste dishes made with wild greens that Danjong enjoyed during his exile. The restaurant owner personally prepared the food used in the film's dining scenes, adding an authentic touch to the travel experience.
Director Jang's favorite spot during his stay in Yeongwol was a river tributary. The towering Seondol rock, where a temporary film set was built, stands about 70 meters high, resembling a giant rock split by a sword. It's said that Danjong rested here on his way to exile, and its breathtaking scenery continues to captivate visitors.
Yeongwol offers not only a cinematic pilgrimage but also a historical exploration and unique experiences, all of which will be revealed on '6 O'Clock My Hometown' airing at 6 PM.
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr