Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province said on the 6th that it will conduct a "special safety inspection of ferry business sites" at Cheongnyeongpo Ferry in Yeongwol, where tourist numbers have surged thanks to the success of the film "The King's Warden."
Cheongnyeongpo is the place of exile of Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon. During this year's Lunar New Year holiday alone, more than 11,000 tourists—five times the usual—visited, as interest rose on the back of the film's popularity. During the March 1 Independence Movement Day holiday (Feb. 28–March 2), about 14,800 people also visited.
There are two ferries carrying tourists from Cheongnyeongpo Ferry to Cheongnyeongpo. As visitors crowded in during the holiday period, ticket sales for the ferries were closed early as a safety management measure.
In this joint inspection with Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province plans to review compliance with safety-related laws, including whether lifesaving and safety equipment are properly in place and whether the ferries adhere to passenger capacity limits. If violations or issues are identified, the province plans to take administrative measures, such as improvement orders, in accordance with the Inland and Coastal Shipping Act and the Ferry Business Act.
Meanwhile, "The King's Warden" has entered the final stretch toward 10 million admissions. According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) integrated computer network tally on the 6th, the film drew 180,546 viewers the previous day. The cumulative audience stands at 9,777,998.
As of this morning ahead of the weekend, the film's real-time reservation rate exceeded 60%. Considering that Fridays draw more than 30% more viewers than weekdays, it appears possible that it could surpass 10 million today.
If the film tops 10 million admissions, it will be the 34th of all time and the 25th among Korean films. The most recent 10 million film is "Exhuma," released in 2024.