Traveler: A Cinematic Journey Through Cuba and Argentina
Traveler is a South Korean reality television travel documentary produced by JTBC. Unlike traditional travel shows, it blends the raw experience of backpacking with the visual storytelling of a documentary. The series follows various actors as they immerse themselves in foreign cultures, navigating their journeys with minimal interference from production crews.
Key Facts
- Network: JTBC (South Korea)
- Format: Reality travel documentary with multi-camera setup
- Seasons: 2 seasons (20 episodes total)
- Locations: Cuba (Season 1) and Argentina (Season 2)
- Runtime: 67–80 minutes per episode
- Core Concept: Travelers make their own decisions regarding transportation, dining, and casa (private accommodations).
Season 1: The Spirit of Cuba
The first season, which aired from February 21 to April 25, 2019, features actors Ryu Jun-yeol and Lee Je-hoon. The duo spent two weeks backpacking through Cuba to explore the intersection of revolution, music, and daily life.
Their journey focused on the legacy of Che Guevara and the melodies of the Buena Vista Social Club. The travelers navigated various cities, including Havana, Viñales, Playa Girón, Trinidad, and Varadero. A highlight of their experience was the nostalgic charm of Cuba's vintage car culture.
The season emphasized authenticity, as the actors had to manage their own logistics. For example, in Trinidad, they navigated miscommunications at the Plaza and visited the Manaca Iznaga Tower, the tallest lookout tower ever built in the Caribbean sugar region.
Season 2: The Landscapes of Argentina
The second season shifted its focus to the vast landscapes of Argentina, airing from February 15 to April 18, 2020. This season featured a trio of travelers: Ahn Jae-hong, Kang Ha-neul, and Ong Seong-wu.
The group explored the urban energy of Buenos Aires, visiting the Obelisk and La Boca, before heading into the wild. Their itinerary included high-adrenaline activities like skydiving from 3,000 meters and visiting the thunderous Iguazu Falls, specifically the Devil's Throat and Salto San Martin waterfalls.
The journey continued to the rugged terrain of Patagonia. In El Calafate, the trio visited the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. They witnessed the calving (the breaking off of ice chunks) of the glacier, which averages 74 meters in height and 30 kilometers in length.
The season concluded with a grueling trek to the base camp at Poincenot to view the sunrise at Fitz Roy and a long 18-hour journey to Ushuaia, known as the "End of the World." In Ushuaia, they visited Martillo Island to observe approximately 400 pairs of penguins and the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
Program Summary
| Season | Destination | Cast | Key Highlights | Air Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuba | Ryu Jun-yeol, Lee Je-hoon | Havana, Casa stays, Vintage cars | Feb 21 – Apr 25, 2019 |
| 2 | Argentina | Ahn Jae-hong, Kang Ha-neul, Ong Seong-wu | Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia | Feb 15 – Apr 18, 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Traveler different from other travel shows?
Traveler minimizes production interference, requiring the cast to make their own choices regarding transportation, food, and lodging, creating a more authentic backpacking experience.
Which landmarks were visited in Argentina?
The cast visited the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy, and the "End of the World" sign in Ushuaia.
What is a 'casa' as mentioned in Season 1?
A casa refers to the private accommodations used by the travelers during their stay in Cuba.
How long did the travelers spend in each country?
In both Season 1 (Cuba) and Season 2 (Argentina), the travelers spent approximately two weeks exploring the respective countries.
Who produced the original soundtrack for the series?
The soundtrack for the Argentina season was released via Kakao M and featured artists such as Harim, Conan, Soyou, and Jukjae.