Maps of Movies

The King and the Clown (2005)

Where The King and the Clown says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

Most of the palace in this film is a set built in Buan, 200 km from Seoul — filming in the real Seoul palaces was banned.

Scenes and places

The troupe on the road

Jangsaeng and Gong-gil perform as tightrope walkers, and Jangsaeng tries to protect Gong-gil from their manager. The trouble forces the pair to run for Seoul.

Set in Itinerant troupe's roadside market stage — A travelling troupe of street entertainers performs for crowds; the exact village is not named.

An unnamed travelling-show stop; the plot gives no place name.

The street show in Seoul

Jangsaeng and Gong-gil form a new group in Seoul. Their skit about the king and his concubine gets them arrested for treason.

Set in A street market in Seoul — In Seoul the pair join three other street performers and stage a skit mocking members of the royal court.

The film sets the skit in the capital's streets; the plot names no exact spot.

The skit before the king

Facing execution, Jangsaeng and Gong-gil must make the king laugh. One last joke at the king's expense wins them a place at court.

Set in Injeongjeon, the palace throne hall, Seoul — The throne hall of the palace, where the troupe performs for King Yeonsan. Google Maps · Apple Maps

The Seoul palace hall named in the film; the shoot used a replica built far from Seoul.

The clowns' quarters

The clowns plan flyers to recruit more performers, and notice that Jangsaeng and Gong-gil share the same handwriting. Jangsaeng wants to leave as the king grows unstable.

Set in Heuirakwon, the clowns' quarters in the palace — The palace quarters where Gong-gil and Jangsaeng live after joining the court.

The troupe's living quarters in the palace compound.

The king's private chambers

The king often calls Gong-gil to his private chambers for finger-puppet shows. Gong-gil, torn between the king and Jangsaeng, begs the king for his freedom.

Set in Sajeongjeon, the king's chambers, Seoul palace — The king's study and private rooms, where he summons Gong-gil.

The palace hall used as the king's office and bedroom in the film.

The hunting trip

The council members use a hunting trip to try to have Gong-gil killed. One of the street performers dies.

Set in The royal hunting ground — A royal hunt outside the palace.

An outdoor hunt; the plot names no place.

Characters

• Jangsaeng — Street clown and tightrope walker who protects Gong-gil.
• Gong-gil — Beautiful clown who plays female roles and catches the king's eye.
• King Yeonsan — The increasingly unstable Joseon king who keeps the clowns at court.

Questions answered on the map

• Where was the palace of The King and the Clown really filmed?