▲ This Yonhap file photo shows Reenactment of the state funeral for Danjong memorial rites for ill-fated King Danjong. (Yonhap)

 

YEONGWOL, South Korea, April 22 (Yonhap) -- Riding on the box-office success of the film "The King's Warden," which has drawn over 16 million viewers, the 59th Danjong Cultural Festival will open in Yeongwol from April 24 to 26, organizers said Tuesday.

 

The festival commemorates the spirit of King Danjong, the sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty, and loyal subjects who remained faithful to him. Main venues include Jangneung Royal Tomb, Cheongnyeongpo and areas along the Donggang River.

 

Amid heightened public interest in King Danjong and Yeongwol following the film’s success, this year’s festival will feature expanded historical and cultural programs offering a more in-depth look at the king’s life.

 

Rather than solely highlighting his tragic fate, the event traces his exile, longing, royal rites and final journey, revisiting both his historical significance and Yeongwol’s identity.

 

On the opening day, a reenactment of Danjong’s exile to Cheongnyeongpo will be staged for the first time. The symbolic scene of the king boarding a ferry into exile represents the moment his life changed from monarch to prisoner.

 

Signature programs include the Queen Jeongsun selection contest, an opening concert, fireworks and a drone show.

 

▲ Queen Jeongsun selection contest. Photo provided by Yeongwol County. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

Director Jang Hang-jun, who helmed "The King's Warden," will give a special lecture at the Yeongwol Academy and attend the opening ceremony to interact with visitors.

 

On April 25, key events such as royal ancestral rites for Danjong, a reenactment of royal wedding ceremonies and a state funeral procession will take place, enhancing the festival’s symbolic depth.

 

The royal wedding reenactment, based on historical records, depicts the union of King Danjong and Queen Jeongsun, offering symbolic consolation for their separation due to tragedy.

 

▲ Memorial rites for King Danjong. Photo provided by Yeongwol County. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

The state funeral procession, stretching from Gwanpungheon Hall to Jangneung, honors Danjong with royal rites he never received in his lifetime. Yeongwol County has staged this reenactment annually since 2007.

 

Family-friendly programs, including traditional exams, quizzes and sports events, will also be held, along with a culinary contest featuring dishes inspired by local specialties.

 

On the final day, traditional tug-of-war and procession events using arrowroot ropes will conclude the festival. Actor Park Ji-hwan, who appeared in the film, will also take part.

 

▲ Tug-of-war with arrowroot ropes. Photo provided by Yeongwol County. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

An Baek-woon, a local cultural tourism official, said the festival aims to offer a richer experience of Danjong’s story amid heightened interest sparked by the film.

 

“We hope visitors will reflect on Danjong’s history and the value of Yeongwol through programs such as exile reenactments, royal wedding ceremonies and state funeral processions,” he said.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]