‘Exhuma,’ also known as ‘Pamyo,’ is a horror film directed by Jang Jae-hyun. The film delves into a mysterious scenario with deep roots in Korean history and burial rituals. The plot revolves around two shamans, Hwa-rim and her pupil Bong-gil, who are recruited by a wealthy family to heal their young son’s unexplained ailment. They eventually realize that the disease is a curse placed on the child by an ancestor. To break the curse, they resolve to exhume and relocate the ancestor’s grave. This move, however, sets off a series of frightening occurrences as the family’s hidden past returns to haunt them.
Blending Tradition and Modernity
‘Exhuma’ skillfully combines the clash between modern life and ancient traditions. The film delves into Korea’s rich history through the lens of supernatural horror, showcasing mountain ranges, dense forests, and traditional shamanistic practices. To bring this unique aesthetic to life, the production team carefully selected various locations across South Korea, balancing the themes of the old and the new world.
Filming Locations in South Korea
The film was shot in several places in South Korea. Although the plot takes place in the Baekdu-Daegan mountain range in northern South Korea near the North Korean border, the production had to relocate to several locations to avoid the severe winter and keep the film’s autumnal look. Filming began in October 2022 and concluded in March 2023.
Baekdu-Daegan, South Korea
The Baekdu-Daegan mountain range is a notable natural landmark in South Korea. Its spiritual and natural grandeur served as the ideal setting for numerous sequences in ‘Exhuma.’ The mountain range stretches around 1,500 kilometers across the Korean peninsula and includes Korea’s highest holy peak, Baekdusan Mountain, which is located on the boundary between China and North Korea. Key scenes, such as the visit to the ancestor’s grave, were shot in numerous sites within this range, highlighting its wide landscapes and dense forests.
Seoul,South Korea
Despite the film’s historical and rural settings, some sequences were shot in Seoul, a bustling city. The capital city, famed for its combination of modern buildings and traditional architecture, presented a distinct backdrop that merged the past and present. The Plaza Hotel at 119 Sogong-ro in Seoul’s Jung District served as one of the filming locations. In one scene, Choi Min-sik, who plays Feng Shui master Kim Sang-deok, praises the hotel’s great position. Choi Min-sik married in this hotel in 1999.
Busan, South Korea
Busan, a large port city, was also heavily involved in the film’s production. Busan, which is known for its mountains and temples, provided several attractive filming settings. Scenes involving the trail up to the ancestor’s grave were filmed in Busan’s Ahopsan Forest, which is privately owned. This forest, located at 37-1 Midong-gil in Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun county, has been there for about 400 years and is home to a variety of species including pine, cypress, and oak. It created an ideal natural setting for the film’s creepy and mysterious vibe.
Yangsan, South Korea
Yangsan City, located in South Gyeongsang province, is known for its temples and nature reserves, making it another ideal location for ‘Exhuma.’ The Daedunsan Recreation Forest Camping area in Yangsan, which offers wooden cottages and hiking trails up to Mount Daeun, was used for filming. This region, situated above 300 meters from sea level, features a waterfall and open spaces, adding to the film’s natural and historical aesthetic.
South Jeolla, South Korea
The South Jeolla province also provided a significant filming location for a flashback sequence. In this scene, Hwa-rim hides behind an ancient Dangsan Tree in Gyeongsang village. These trees are considered protective guardians in rural Korean villages, and the specific tree in the film is surrounded by myths and legends unique to the area.
Creating an Authentic Atmosphere
To create an authentic atmosphere, director Jang Jae-hyun was keen on using real locations as much as possible, minimizing the use of visual effects. Art director Seo Seong-kyung meticulously designed the sets to seamlessly integrate with the actual location footage. This attention to detail ensured that the film’s mystical and historical setting felt realistic and immersive.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Exhuma (Pamyo)
Q: Where was ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’ filmed?
A: ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’ was filmed in various locations across South Korea. Key filming sites include the Baekdu-Daegan mountain range, the bustling city of Seoul, the port city of Busan, Yangsan City in South Gyeongsang province, and Gyeongsang Village in South Jeolla province. These locations were carefully chosen to provide a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, creating the perfect backdrop for the film’s supernatural horror narrative.
Q: What specific locations in South Korea were used for filming ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’?
A: Several specific locations in South Korea were used for filming. The Baekdu-Daegan mountain range provided vast open landscapes and forested areas. In Seoul, scenes were shot at the Plaza Hotel in the Jung District. Busan’s Ahopsan Forest offered a picturesque setting with its variety of trees. Yangsan’s Daedunsan Recreation Forest Camping area provided hiking trails and open spaces. Gyeongsang Village in South Jeolla featured the ancient Dangsan Tree for a crucial flashback sequence.
Q: When was ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’ began in October 2022 and concluded by March 2023. The production schedule was adjusted to avoid the harsh winter months and maintain an autumnal look for the film. The crew moved to different locations across South Korea to ensure the landscapes remained visually consistent and suitable for the film’s aesthetic.
Q: When is the release date for ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’?
A: ‘Exhuma (Pamyo)’ was released February 22, 2024.
