The Journey to Gyeongju

"The Journey to Gyeongju" is a road-trip thriller that follows a grieving mother and her three daughters as they set out on what appears to be an ordinary family vacation but is in fact a meticulously planned act of revenge.

Overview

Directed and written by Kim Mi-jo, “The Journey to Gyeongju” (native title “경주기행”) blends family drama, black comedy, crime, and thriller elements. The film runs approximately 111 minutes and is scheduled for theatrical release on August 26, 2026. It previously screened at international festivals, including the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Florence Korea Film Fest, where it received the Audience Award. The story centers on a mother and her daughters whose seemingly lighthearted trip to the historic city of Gyeongju conceals a darker purpose tied to a long-held loss.

Plot Synopsis

Eight years after their youngest daughter Gyeong-ju is killed during a school field trip and never returns home, mother Ok-sil and her three remaining daughters learn that the man responsible has been released from prison. They decide to embark on a road trip to Gyeongju.

On the surface, the journey looks like a commemorative family outing complete with matching T-shirts and stops at scenic landmarks. Beneath the cheerful exterior, however, lies a carefully orchestrated plan for revenge. Ok-sil leads with quiet determination born of prolonged grief. The eldest daughter, Jang-ju, shoulders responsibility for the family. The second daughter, Yeong-ju, a recently graduated but unemployed lawyer, struggles with frustration and a sense of powerlessness. The third daughter, Dong-ju, a former wrestler, brings physical intensity and unpredictability to the mission. As they travel through rural landscapes in a yellow van, the bonds between them are tested while justice and vengeance become increasingly intertwined. The trip itself is designed to serve as their alibi.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Lee Jung-eun as Ok-sil: The grieving mother who has waited eight years for the moment of reckoning. She leads the family with stoic resolve tempered by deep sorrow.
• Kong Hyo-jin as Jang-ju: The eldest daughter who takes on the role of caretaker and practical organizer for the family, carefully managing the journey.
• Park So-dam as Yeong-ju: The second daughter, a law-school graduate currently without work, who grapples with helplessness and contributes to the group’s strategic planning.
• Lee-yeon as Dong-ju: The third daughter and a former wrestler whose physical strength and impulsive nature add an unpredictable edge to the mission.

Supporting Cast

• Kim Young-sung as Jang Ju’s husband.
• Kim Se-a.

Additional Cast

• Byun Yo-han.

Reception

“The Journey to Gyeongju” has drawn positive attention on the festival circuit, earning the Audience Award at the Florence Korea Film Fest and invitations to other international showcases. Early interest focuses on the strong ensemble of leading actresses, the distinctive mix of black comedy and revenge thriller, and the film’s exploration of familial bonds under the weight of unresolved grief.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Title Duality

The title “The Journey to Gyeongju” plays on the dual meaning of “Gyeongju” as both the historic destination and the name of the family’s lost youngest daughter.

All-Female Creative Core

The production company representative, the director, and the four main cast members are all women, giving the film a notably unified creative perspective.

Prior Collaborations

Lee Jung-eun and Kong Hyo-jin previously portrayed a mother and daughter on screen. Lee Jung-eun and Park So-dam also shared the screen in an earlier high-profile film.

Visual Tone

Promotional materials present an ordinary-looking family road trip while layering in subtle signs of unease – prayer beads, a disposable camera prepared as an alibi, and a red silhouette that hints at the true nature of the journey. Taglines emphasize that “the trip is the alibi, the purpose is revenge.”

Development Path

The screenplay earned recognition in national competitions and project markets before production, reflecting sustained industry interest in the story.

Final Thoughts

“The Journey to Gyeongju” offers a sharp, character-driven take on the revenge road movie, grounded in the complicated dynamics of a mother and her daughters processing irreversible loss. With a powerhouse ensemble led by Lee Jung-eun, Kong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee-yeon, and direction from Kim Mi-jo, the film stands out as a distinctive entry in the 2026 Korean cinema lineup – one that balances dark humor, tension, and emotional depth while asking how far a family will go when the justice system falls short.

Where to Watch

Festival Debut

It had its world premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival on October 18, 2025, and screened at the Florence Korea Film Fest on March 26, 2026, where it won the Audience Award.

Theatrical Release

“The Journey to Gyeongju” is scheduled to open in theaters on August 26, 2026.

Main Role

Park So-Dam Lee Yeon Lee Jung-Eun Kong Hyo-Jin

Support Role

Kim Young-Sung Kim Se-A

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