[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Sneak into these scenic 'Smugglers' shooting locations

Director Ryoo Seung-wan is well-known for his meticulous and obsessive approaches to filmmaking, especially with the shooting locations. "The Battleship Island" (2017) was shot at an imagery island built from scratch, and "Escape from Mogadishu" ...

A still-cut from ″Smugglers″ released on July 23. [NEW]

Director Ryoo Seung-wan is well-known for his meticulous and obsessive approaches to filmmaking, especially with the shooting locations. "The Battleship Island" (2017) was shot at an imagery island built from scratch, and "Escape from Mogadishu" (2021), shot entirely in Morocco, is proof of how Ryoo doesn't avoid tough shooting conditions.

His latest film, "Smugglers," released July 26, is no exception. Female divers or haenyeo are the main characters of "Smugglers." The film portrays how they suddenly get involved in a smuggling operation in the Yellow Sea in the 1970s. Most of the action scenes were shot in large water tanks, but plenty were shot on a boat with drones flying over the boat. These efforts contributed to the fishing village's vivid and real-looking oceanic scenery in the film.

"We ended up being stranded on an island for a few days, waiting for the perfect tide to be ready for filming," Ryoo said.

If you are intrigued by the beautiful and realistic scenes of "Smugglers," here are the four shooting locations the Korea JoongAng Daily recommends you visit.

Baek Island 백도

Baek Island in Yeosu, South Jeolla, appears many times in ″Smugglers." [YEOSU CITY GOVERNMENT]

Baek Island, located roughly 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) off the eastern coast of Geomun Island, consists of 39 uninhabited islets, including Sangbaek Island and Habaek Island. It appears in a scene where Chun-ja and Jin-sook, played by veteran actors Kim Hye-soo and Yum Jung-ah, reconvene in two years and begin smuggling goods. The film shows Habaek Island numerous times, with its oddly-shaped rocks and cliffs adding a dramatic atmosphere to the frame.

Entering the island is prohibited and is accessible only by ferry, which glides by and offers a view of the picturesque island. The Geomundo Terminal is where the ferry departs, and the tour takes the passengers on a two-hour journey. The ferry does not operate on a regular basis, so check the schedule and the weather online before heading to the terminal.

San 30 Geomun-ri, Samsan-myeon, Yeosu, South Jeolla (전라남도 여수시 삼산면 거문리 산30번지) Website: https://www.yeosu.go.kr/en/leisure/island/geomundo_baekdo?print=true&page=1

Daraji Island (Naktaseom) 다라지도 (낙타섬)

Daraji Island or "Naktaseom" in Wando County, South Jeolla, is pictured. [WANDO COUNTY OFFICE]

Daraji Island is an uninhabited island located at the east end of Wando County, South Jeolla. It is also known as "Camel Island" or "Naktaseom" in Korean, after its shape that resembles a camel. The island is where the female divers embark on their final smuggling operation.

The minute island is barely known and does not stand out in terms of its size among Wando County's more than 250 islets. However, the island's geological characteristics make it unique. Its camel-shaped terrain and a sea cave that penetrates one-third of the island create a perfect shooting location to portray discreet smuggling operations.

You can only access the islet by booking a ferry that stops by the nearby islets. You can get a full glimpse of Daraji Island when you pass by the island on a ferry that goes to Jang Island and Won Island, which departs from Wando Port once a day.

San 97 Jangwon-ri, Geumil-eup, Wando County, South Jeolla (전라남도 완도군 금일읍 장원리 산96번지)

Jeokbyeok River적벽강

Jeokbyeok River in Buan County, North Jeolla, is pictured. [JOONGANG PHOTO]

Sergeant Kwon, played by actor Zo In-sung, and Chun-ja work together to siphon off diamonds at Jeokbyeok River in Buan County, North Jeolla. Also referred to as Jeokbyeok River Cliff, this geologically renowned site is located at the western end of the Byeonsan Peninsula. The volcanic and sedimentary rocks serve as the backdrop to the major scene, adding a dimension to the scene.

The sunset here is exceptionally gorgeous, with a view of uneven rocks and water reflecting the sun. During low tide, you can walk along the coastline and explore the columnar joints, sea caves and pebbles on the beach. You will also find the famous red rocks, a natural wonder of Buan County. Jeokbyeok River is also neighboring Chaeseok River Cliff, another scenic site of the county.

35-33 Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan County, North Jeolla 전라북도 부안군 변산면 격포리 35-33 Phone number: 041-750-2371 Website: http://jwcgeopark.kr/

Old Gunsan Customs Office 호남관세박물관

The Old Gunsan Customs Office in Gunsan, North Jeolla, inspired producer Cho Sung-Min to come up with ″Smugglers.″ [PARK SANG-MOON]

The inspiration for "Smugglers" first came from Director Ryoo's co-worker, Cho Sung-min. A producer and an executive director of Filmmaker R&K, Ryoo's production company. Cho visited Gunsan during the production of the comedy-drama film "Start-Up"(2019). The Old Gunsan Customs Office in Gunsan, North Jeolla, now functions as an exhibition hall that displays items related to smuggling. The exhibition intrigued Cho and inspired him to create "Smugglers."

The building, built in 1908, has beautiful red brick walls and blue double doors at its entrance. The roof of the building takes after the Gothic style, while its windows resemble Romanesque architecture. Other museums are also nearby, including the Gunsan Modern History Museum and the Former Gunsan Branch of Japanese No.18 Bank. When you visit, check out the nearby architectural landmarks in the area.

244-7 Haemang-ro, Gunsan, North Jeolla (전라북도 군산시 해망로 244-7) Operation hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Phone number: 063-730-8721

BY BAEK JONG-HYUN, KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]