Sisawik | Yeongwol = Kwon Jeong-du The hit movie 'The Man Who Stands Next to the King' surpassed 10 million viewers on March 6, breathing new life into Yeongwol County, a small town of about 35,000 residents. Tourists have flocked to sites associated with King Danjong, particularly Cheongnyeongpo, a key location in the film. Even on March 8, the first weekend after the movie hit the 10-million mark, Cheongnyeongpo was bustling with a steady stream of visitors.
◇ 'The Man Who Stands Next to the King' sparks tourism boom in Yeongwol, King Danjong's place of exile
The film, which premiered on February 4, reached the coveted 10-million viewer milestone on its 31st day, becoming the 34th movie in Korean history to achieve this feat.
The movie's popularity has extended beyond theaters and into Yeongwol County, a small city in Gangwon Province. Inspired by the film, many have traveled to Yeongwol to walk in King Danjong's footsteps. Widely known as the place of Danjong's exile, Yeongwol is home to several historical sites connected to him, including Cheongnyeongpo, Jangneung (Danjong's tomb), and Gwanpungheon.
Even on Sunday, March 8—the first weekend after the film crossed the 10-million-viewer mark—Cheongnyeongpo was teeming with visitors. Despite the chilly spring weather, parking lots filled up early, and cars lined the adjacent roads.
Staff on site mentioned that it was actually quieter than the previous Saturday. On peak days, the main parking lot fills up quickly, forcing visitors to use nearby overflow lots. Long lines form at the ticket booth, and waiting to board the ferry to Cheongnyeongpo can take considerable time.
The first sight that greets visitors at Cheongnyeongpo is the "Heavenly Reunion" statue of King Danjong and Queen Jeongsun. Many visitors, moved by the film, paused to take heartfelt photos in front of this poignant memorial.
After passing the statue and climbing the steps to the observation deck, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of Cheongnyeongpo. The historical context adds a bittersweet layer to the landscape. The crystal-clear Donggang River encircling Cheongnyeongpo and the towering Yukyukbong peaks behind it create a stunning natural tableau, yet they once served as the boundaries of Danjong's confinement. The beauty and isolation of the place naturally evoke empathy for Danjong's plight.
At the same time, the constant ferry crossings over the narrow 30-meter wide river and the steady flow of visitors have injected new energy into this once-quiet spot. One can't help but wonder if Danjong, in his final moments after 16 years of hardship, could have imagined that 570 years later, thousands would flock here to honor his memory and share in his sorrow.
Though the ferry ride lasts only 1-2 minutes, it heightens the sense of entering a mysterious realm. The river's crystal-clear water, revealing the riverbed below, leaves a lasting impression. Stepping onto Cheongnyeongpo's wide, rocky shore, visitors are greeted by stone cairns scattered across the landscape.
Walking the same paths that Danjong once trod, visitors soon find themselves in a lush forest that feels like stepping into another world. The breathtaking scenery elicits audible gasps from the crowd. It's no wonder that in 2004, the Korea Forest Service awarded this area the prestigious "Millennial Forest" title in its national Beautiful Forest competition.
