Cheongnyeongpo Yeongwol Guide: King Danjong Exile Site

Cheongnyeongpo Cape in Yeongwol: A Must-Visit Destination in Gangwon-do

A Historic Journey to King Danjong's Exile Site & Summer Festival

​

Date of Visit: July 17, 2026

Hello everyone!

I'm travel influencer Nabongsun.

I recently took a wonderful day trip to Gangwon-do

with my parents and my middle school-aged son,

who is a huge history buff.

We decided to visit Cheongnyeongpo Cape in Yeongwol,

a spot that has recently captured the hearts of many travelers

exploring Gangwon-do.

Cheongnyeongpo Cape in Yeongwol: A Must-Visit Exile Site of King Danjong in Gangwon-do #Cheongnyeongpo #YeongwolTravel #GangwonDo #KingDanjong #FamilyTrip #KoreaTravel #YeongwolTour #SummerFestivalm.blog.naver.com

Thanks to the massive hit movie *The Man Who Lives with the King*,

many travelers have been flocking to Yeongwol,

the historical backdrop of the film.

Knowing this, we headed out fully prepared for a bit of a wait.

In this post, I'll share everything you need to know, from the

summer festival schedule at King Danjong's exile site

to the ferry waiting times and the stunning scenic views inside.

Let's dive into this poignant journey back in time!

1. Cheongnyeongpo Location & Ferry Waiting Times

​
https://maps.app.goo.gl/R24iRjAadJHWRHE2A

🌲🚤

A Must-Visit in Gangwon-do

Yeongwol Cheongnyeongpo Cape

📍

Parking Lot Address

237 Bangjeol-ri, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun

📍

Ticket Office Address

133 Cheongnyeongporo, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun

⏰

Ticket Office Hours

09:00 - 17:00

🚫

Closed

Every Monday, Lunar New Year's Day, and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

💳

Cheongnyeongpo Admission

Standard Individual Rates

Adults: ~$2

Teens & Military: ~$2

Children (Elementary): ~$1

Seniors (65+): ~$1

Preschoolers: Free

Even though there's a massive parking lot

right across from the Yeongwol Tourism Center,

it was completely full! Fortunately, helpful staff members

immediately directed us to alternative parking nearby, so we

parked without any hassle and headed to the ticket office.

On our way, we passed the statues of King Danjong

and Queen Jeongsun, as well as the

Yeongwol Riverside Reservoir Exhibition Hall.

After buying our tickets, we joined the end of the long queue.

The wait was long, but at least the admission fees

felt very reasonable!

Because of the crowds, some visitors saw the long line

and gave up, turning back. However, since two ferries were

operating continuously to shuttle people across,

the line actually moved much faster than expected!

With shades overhead and benches scattered along the queue,

even though the weekend line looked endless, we were on the boat

and heading in after just about a 30-minute wait.

The Yeongwol Tourism Center is located right next to it,

and within a 10-minute drive, you can visit the final resting place of King Danjong,

as well as the Yeongwol Jangneung Royal Tomb, the majestic Seondol Rock, and the Korean Peninsula Cliffs.

With so many sights nearby, it makes for a perfect travel itinerary!

2. Must-See Attractions at Yeongwol Cheongnyeongpo

Deprived of his throne at a very tender age,

King Danjong, the 6th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, was exiled here at just 15 years old,

ending his short life in this tragic historical site.

This is Cheongnyeongpo, one of the most popular and poignant travel destinations in Yeongwol.

Surrounded by the Seogang River on three sides and blocked by rugged, towering cliffs at the back,

it was impossible to enter or escape without a boat—

making it feel like a tiny island trapped deep within the mainland.

On a day with a gentle, drizzling rain,

crossing the river while feeling the cool breeze,

we were greeted by a spectacular pine forest

with trees hundreds of years old.

Designated as Natural Monument No. 359 in 1988,

the Gwaneumsong Pine Tree holds a legendary tale

of King Danjong's exile.

Legend has it that the young king would sit and rest

on this 600-year-old pine tree,

making it a deeply moving spot

to visit in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do.

Following the signposts and climbing up the stairs,

we reached Manghyangtap (Yearning Tower), perched on the western cliff.

A poignant trace of King Danjong's exile in Yeongwol,

it is said that the young king built this stone tower himself,

piece by piece, as he deeply missed his wife,

Queen Jeongsun, whom he had left behind in Hanyang (Seoul). It was heartbreaking to imagine.

Walking up just a bit further,

we got a stunning overlook of the Seogang River—

a truly unique landscape to capture on our Gangwon-do trip.

Nosandae is a rock formation situated atop a steep cliff,

where King Danjong is said to have climbed every day

to look longingly toward the capital of Hanyang.

Thinking about how he must have comforted his lonely,

sorrowful heart in such a secluded spot at such a young age,

it brought another wave of sadness.

You can also explore the main house and the servants' quarters

of King Danjong's residence (Eoso), where he actually lived.

These traditional tile-roofed houses were restored

in 2000 based on historical records.

In the front yard of the residence stands a monument and pavilion,

featuring calligraphy personally written by King Yeongjo

during the 39th year of his reign.

Across from it, you'll find the Geumpyo Stone Monument,

which was erected during King Danjong's exile

to forbid commoners from entering the area.

3. Gangwon-do Festivals

A beloved destination for domestic travelers,

Yeongwol in Gangwon-do is also preparing

for an exciting upcoming festival!

🌊🛶

The 28th

Donggang River Raft Festival

​

🗓️

Festival Period

July 31 (Fri) - August 2 (Sun), 2026

📍

Festival Location

Around the Donggang Riverbank in Yeongwol

Officially, following the opening ceremony,

traditional raft rituals, demonstrations, fireworks,

and spectacular drone shows will make this Gangwon-do trip

even more colorful and exciting.

From launching wish rafts and bare-handed catfish catching

to raft riding and traditional Korean fly fishing (Gyeonji fishing),

there are so many hands-on activities to join in on,

making it an absolute playground of fun.

As a beloved local festival where you can soak in

the pristine, breathtaking natural beauty of the Donggang River,

it's the perfect destination for a refreshing day trip

to Yeongwol, Gangwon-do.

4. Wrapping Up Our Yeongwol Journey

Carrying the lingering emotions of the movie 'The Man Who Lives with the King,'

I've shared my travel story of visiting Yeongwol's Cheongnyeongpo Cape.

Lately, this meaningful destination has been drawing many travelers

as a must-visit spot in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do, where

the tragic yet deeply touching history of King Danjong still lingers.

Traveling with both parents and kids, it was a deeply moving time

where each of us, through our own eyes,

could feel the very breath of history.

Since it's not too vast, it was easy and relaxing to stroll through,

and the benches scattered here and there made it easy

to take breaks under the cool shade of the trees

with both parents and kids.

At King Danjong's place of exile in Yeongwol, we explored

the majestic, ancient Gwaneumsong Pine Tree, the bittersweet Manghyangtap Tower,

and even the poignant Nosandae Cliff,

which left a lingering emotion in our hearts.

With its painful history beautifully blending

into the breathtaking scenery of majestic pine forests,

we enjoyed a truly meaningful historical journey.

Be sure to check out the dates for the upcoming Donggang River Raft Festival

to plan your ultimate travel itinerary,

and have a wonderful, fun-filled getaway to Gangwon-do!