Visiting Gongjin: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Locations in Pohang

Welcome to Pohang, the Real-Life Gongjin

Pohang was long famous in Korea for its massive steel industry and cold-winter crab feasts. That quiet reputation shifted almost overnight when the coast double-starred as the fictional seaside hamlet of Gongjin in the hit drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. When the series won hearts around the world, viewers fell in love not just with the warm romance between Yoon Hye-jin and Hong Du-sik, but with the town itself: its shimmering blue harbor, rolling green hills, and tight-knit coastal community.

Located in North Gyeongsang Province along Korea’s eastern shore, Pohang sits about two and a half hours south of Seoul by high-speed train. While Gongjin exists only in the television universe, the filming spots across Pohang capture every ounce of that cozy, therapeutic ocean air. Visiting these real-world sites allows fans to trace the steps of the characters, smell the salty breeze, and see where some of the show’s most comforting scenes came to life.

Before setting out, remember that Pohang spans a wide stretch of coastline. Filming spots split into northern clusters around Cheongha-myeon and southern clusters near Guryeongpo. Planning your route by neighborhood keeps travel smooth and enjoyable.

Sabang Memorial Park: Chief Hong’s Hilltop Boat

High on Mukeunbong Peak inside Sabang Memorial Park rests the iconic wooden fishing boat that Chief Hong painstakingly restores throughout the series. In the drama, this quiet vantage point serves as Du-sik’s refuge when he needs time to reflect, looking out over the endless blue expanse of the East Sea.

In reality, Sabang Memorial Park was established in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of modern forest conservation in Korea. The wooden boat on the summit was placed specifically for filming, but local authorities kept it intact due to the overwhelming love from visitors. Standing beside the boat offers an unobstructed, panoramic view of the coastline below, making the climb up the hill completely worthwhile.

How to get there

From Pohang KTX Station, take Bus 5000 heading north toward Sabang Memorial Park (사방기념공원). The bus journey takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Alight at the Sabang Memorial Park stop. From the main entrance parking area, follow the timber stairs or paved slope path up Mukeunbong Hill. The walk uphill takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes at a moderate pace, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Cheongha Market: The Heart of Gongjin Village

Cheongha Market served as the main setting for Gongjin’s central town square. In the drama, this is where residents bumped into each other daily, grabbed coffee at Chun-jae’s Live Cafe, bought hardware at Cheongho Hardware, and gathered around the memorable squid statue during neighborhood events.

In real life, this location is Cheongha Traditional Market (청시장), a authentic rural market operating in Cheongha-myeon. Following the show’s success, the local municipality preserved several filming backdrops and signboards. You can readily find the replica set exterior for Cafe Mid-Day Sun & Live Pub, the retro storefront of Cheongho Hardware, and the concrete squid sculpture right in the center of the plaza.

How to get there

From Pohang Station, take local Bus 308 or Bus 5000 to the Cheongha Market stop (청하시장). If traveling from Sabang Memorial Park, you can board Bus 5000 or take a brief 10-minute taxi ride northward. The market area is compact and easy to navigate on foot.

Cheongjin-ri Coastal Area: Yoon Dental Clinic and Harbor

This breezy stretch along the Pohang coastline hosted Yoon Hye-jin’s newly opened dental clinic, as well as the scenic breakwater featured during quiet evening walks and key conversations between the lead characters.

The building used as Yoon Dental Clinic was originally a local fishermen’s welfare facility in Cheongjin-2-ri. While the interior dental set was dismantled after production wrapped, the distinctive red-brick building standing directly against the tide remains a favorite photo spot. A short walk along the shore brings you to the Cheongjin-2-ri breakwater, featuring its distinctive bright red lighthouse framing the blue ocean horizon.

How to get there

From Cheongha Market, take a local feeder bus or a 5-minute taxi ride east toward Cheongjin-2-ri Beach (청진2리 방파제). If coming directly from central Pohang, board Bus 5000 northbound and disembark at the Cheongjin-2-ri stop. Walk toward the water to find the brick building and the path leading out along the breakwater.

Seokbyeong 1-ri Village: The Residential Neighborhood

Located in Pohang’s southern Nam-gu district, Seokbyeong 1-ri served as the residential neighborhood where Hye-jin, Chief Hong, and the beloved village elder Grandma Gam-ri lived side-by-side along narrow stone-walled alleys.

This area is a genuine, peaceful Korean fishing community where residents live and work every day. The low slate roofs, brightly painted gates, and sea-facing stone walls mirror the exact cozy atmosphere shown on screen. Because these homes are private residences, visitors are asked to observe strict noise etiquette, refrain from entering private yards or knocking on doors, and keep photo-taking respectful from public walkways.

How to get there

Because Seokbyeong 1-ri is located south near Guryeongpo, it is best visited separately from the northern Cheongha locations. From Pohang Station, board Express Bus 9000 bound for Guryeongpo Port. From Guryeongpo, transfer to local village Bus Guryeongpo-1 or take a 7-minute taxi ride directly to Seokbyeong 1-ri Community Center (석병1리 회관).

Make a Day of It

Pohang offers rich culinary and cultural experiences that fit perfectly alongside a drama tour. To make the most of your day, pair your filming location stops with local food specialties and scenic attractions.

Meal or Stop	What to Try / See	Location
Pohang Mulhoe	Spicy cold raw fish soup with crushed ice and shaved pear	Jukdo Market or oceanfront restaurants in Northern Buk-gu
Guryeongpo Gwamegi	Traditional winter-dried Pacific saury served with seaweed and garlic	Guryeongpo Port market area
Space Walk	Interactive, walkable rollercoaster-style sculpture offering sea views	Hwanho Park near Yeongildae Beach

Start your morning climbing Mukeunbong Hill at Sabang Memorial Park while the air is crisp. Head down to Cheongha Market for a mid-day walk through the village square, where you can grab lunch at a local restaurant nearby. In the afternoon, head along the coast to Cheongjin-ri for coffee at one of the modern ocean-view cafes that line the coastal road, finishing your day watching the sunset along Yeongildae Beach or taking in the views from the Space Walk in Hwanho Park.

Photo Tips

Capturing great photos at these locations comes down to timing and perspective. For the boat on Mukeunbong Hill, arrive early in the morning around 9:00 AM. Early light illuminates the front of the boat and the sea below while avoiding heavy crowds on the narrow summit path. Frame your shot low to capture the boat hull rising naturally against the blue sky.

At Cheongha Market, midday offers even sunlight across the colorful store signs. Stand across the square from Chun-jae’s Live Cafe to frame the full storefront including the iconic window frames. When visiting the red lighthouse at Cheongjin-2-ri, visit during late afternoon golden hour. The setting sun casts a warm tone across the breakwater walls and highlights the contrast between the red tower and the deep blue water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel from Seoul to the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming locations?

Take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station directly to Pohang Station, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Once at Pohang Station, you can rely on local buses like Bus 5000 for northern sites (Cheongha and Sabang Memorial Park) or rental cars and taxis for faster transfers across distant neighborhoods.

Can I enter inside the houses of Chief Hong and Hye-jin?

No, the interior sets were filmed on soundstages, while the exterior houses in Seokbyeong 1-ri are private homes belonging to local residents. Visitors should view and photograph these homes exclusively from public alleyways, keeping voices low and respecting private property boundaries at all times.

How many days should I spend in Pohang for a complete K-drama trip?

A single full day is sufficient if you hire a taxi or rent a car to cover both northern (Cheongha/Sabang) and southern (Seokbyeong/Guryeongpo) clusters. However, spending two days and one night allows a much more relaxed pace, giving you time to enjoy Pohang’s coastal cafes, seafood markets, and evening attractions without rushing.

Keep Reading

• Bukchon Hanok Village: Goblin & K-Drama Filming Spots
• Iconic K-Drama Filming Spots at Amusement Parks
• KTX Busan Day Trip: Fight for My Way & Nevertheless Scenes
• Coffee Prince Cafe Day Trip in Seoul