From Seoul to Varanasi (2013 Film)

From Seoul to Varanasi (Korean: 불륜의 시대; RR: Bulryunui Sidae) is a 2013 South Korean drama film written and directed by Jeon Kyu-hwan. The film, categorized as an arthouse production, examines the complexities of marriage and infidelity through the lives of a successful publishing CEO and his wife.

Promotional poster for From Seoul to Varanasi — Promotional poster for the film From Seoul to Varanasi.

Plot

The story follows a married couple, Young-wu (Yoon Dong-hwan) and Ji-young (Choi Won-jung), whose relationship is strained by external pressures and personal dissatisfaction. Young-wu, the CEO of a publishing company, engages in an extramarital affair with a writer under his employment. Meanwhile, his wife, Ji-young, seeks fulfillment outside of her domestic life, eventually enrolling in a yoga class.

Ji-young's life intersects with a man named Kareem (Nollaig Chandra Vedan Walsh), a Lebanese immigrant working at a local restaurant. Following a minor traffic incident involving the restaurant's signage, a connection is established between them. After Kareem is hospitalized, Ji-young becomes his primary contact, leading to a deepening bond that challenges her marriage and forces her into unexpected circumstances, while her husband begins to suspect her of infidelity.

Actor Yoon Dong-hwan — Yoon Dong-hwan, who portrays the character Young-wu.

Production

The film was directed and written by Jeon Kyu-hwan, with cinematography by Choi Jung-soon and production by Choi Mi-ae. Principal photography for the project took place between January and June 2011.

Actress Choi Won-jung — Choi Won-jung, who portrays the character Ji-young.

Release and Festivals

From Seoul to Varanasi held its world premiere at the 16th Busan International Film Festival in October 2011. It was subsequently screened at several international film festivals, including the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival (2012) and the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival (2012). The film received a general theatrical release in South Korea on February 14, 2013, distributed by Kino Eye.

Scene from the film — A scene from the production of From Seoul to Varanasi.