Walk the film set yourself: Haenam-gun launches cinema train tour

A new train travel package lets visitors explore Haenam-gun's film locations and local cuisine in a single trip.

Korail Tourism Development announced Tuesday it has launched a "cinema tour" train travel product in partnership with Haenam-gun.

The overnight package centers on the key filming locations of the movie "Hope" alongside Haenam's signature tourist attractions, with local traditional food woven into the itinerary.

The two-day route is built around two of Haenam's most recognizable film and tourism sites. On the first day, travelers visit Namchang Village in Bukpyeong-myeon, where the fictional harbor town of "Hopohang" from the movie "Hope" was recreated. A restored police box, a Stella police car used in the film, and alley murals scattered throughout the village let visitors step directly into the world of the movie.

The second day takes travelers to Usuyeong tourist site, the primary setting of "The Admiral: Roaring Currents." A highlight is a round-trip ride on the Myeongnyang maritime cable car, which offers views of the Uldolmok Strait and its powerful currents from above the water, combining Haenam's history and culture with its scenic landscape.

Local food is another centerpiece of the tour. Participants can sample zucchini gochujang pork stew — made with Haenam-grown zucchini and pork — as well as a Haenam chicken course meal featuring seasoned chicken, grilled chicken, baeksuk (whole chicken soup) and nutritional porridge.

Prices start at 259,000 won ($183) per person for departures from the Greater Seoul area (Wednesdays through Saturdays each week) and 239,000 won for departures from Busan and the Gyeongsang region (Fridays and Saturdays). The price covers round-trip train fare, connecting vehicle costs, admission fees, accommodation and meals.

The package runs through Oct. 31. Greater Seoul departures leave from Yongsan Station; Busan and Gyeongsang-region departures leave from Busan. Inclusions are round-trip train fare, connecting vehicle costs, hotel-class accommodation (three-star or above within Haenam-gun), three meals including local specialty dishes, activity fees and tourist site admission.

"Together with Haenam-gun, we have brought together the filming locations of 'Hope' and Haenam's key tourism resources into a single travel itinerary, creating a product where visitors can enjoy both film and travel," said Lee Woo-hyeon, acting chief executive of Korail Tourism Development. "We will continue developing diverse travel products that connect regional tourism resources and contribute to revitalizing local tourism."