New Journey to the West (2015)
The hit South Korean variety series where celebrities channel characters from a literary classic across globe-trotting adventures filled with games, laughter, and chaos.
New Journey to the West - Series Information
- Original Title: 신서유기
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Na Yeong-seok
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Reality, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 88
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: September 4, 2015 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: Sinseoyugi (KR)
- Production Companies: CJ ENM, Egg is Coming
- Production Countries: South Korea
New Journey to the West - Plot
Each member takes one of the characters from the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West" as they go to different destination every season
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New Journey to the West - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Na Yeong-seok
Main Cast
- Kang Ho-dong
- Lee Su-geun
- Eun Ji-won
- Song Min-ho
- Cho Kyu-hyun
- Ahn Jae-hyun
- Pyo Ji-hoon
- Lee Seung-gi
Writers
- Choi Jae-young
- Kim Dae-joo
- Lee Woo-jung
- Kim Song-hwa
- Kim Yi-jin
New Journey to the West - FAQs
What classic novel inspired New Journey to the West?
The show draws directly from Journey to the West, the beloved 16th-century Chinese novel. Each cast member takes on a character from the story — such as the Monkey King or the Tang Monk — and carries that persona throughout their travels, blending literary tradition with modern variety entertainment.
Is New Journey to the West worth watching?
Absolutely. The chemistry between Kang Ho-dong, Lee Su-geun, and the rest of the cast is electric, and the mix of travel, trivia games, and unscripted chaos makes every episode genuinely entertaining. It's widely regarded as one of the most beloved Korean variety shows of its era, praised for its warmth and humor.
Where can you stream New Journey to the West?
You can find streaming and viewing options for New Journey to the West on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find the most current options.
What kind of games do cast members play on the show?
The cast competes in a wide variety of trivia quizzes, memory challenges, and physical games throughout each season. These games often determine rewards or punishments during their travels, creating hilarious and unpredictable moments. The competitive dynamic between cast members is one of the show's most entertaining recurring elements.
Who created New Journey to the West?
The show was created by Na Yeong-seok, one of South Korea's most celebrated variety show producers. Known for his naturalistic, travel-based format, Na previously helmed the hugely popular 1 Night 2 Days before launching New Journey to the West on tvN in 2015.
How many seasons does New Journey to the West have?
The show spans 8 main seasons plus a specials collection, totaling 88 episodes. Each season takes the cast to a different destination, keeping the format fresh. Seasons range in length from 5 to 26 episodes, with the show airing on tvN from its debut in September 2015 through 2020.
Who are the main cast members of New Journey to the West?
The core ensemble includes veteran comedian Kang Ho-dong, Lee Su-geun, Eun Ji-won, BIGBANG's Song Min-ho, Super Junior's Cho Kyu-hyun, Ahn Jae-hyun, Pyo Ji-hoon (P.O of Block B), and actor Lee Seung-gi. The mix of comedians, singers, and actors creates a wonderfully chaotic group dynamic.
What are similar shows to New Journey to the West?
If you enjoy New Journey to the West, you'll likely love 2 Days and 1 Night, another travel variety show with a similar spirit, and Infinite Challenge, a long-running Korean variety classic. Busted! and Young Actors' Retreat also offer comparable blends of games, travel, and celebrity camaraderie.
More About New Journey to the West
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.