Honestly, I was skeptical about traveling all the way to Pohang just to see K-drama backdrops. I worried that without the camera filters and romantic music, the real-life locations of Gongjin would feel like empty, overrated tourist traps. But after spending two days exploring the rugged coastline, hearing the waves crash against the harbor, and eating fresh seafood in the local markets, I realized Pohang is a stunning destination in its own right.
✅ For tours and day trips around this area, Klook has a solid selection with English guides available.
This Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming locations Pohang guide will show you how to experience these iconic spots comfortably in 2026. This post is especially helpful if you're a comfort-focused traveler in your 40s or 50s planning a relaxed 2-day trip to Pohang without a rental car. We will cover the exact logistics, realistic costs, and local secrets to make your journey seamless.
💡 You can book tickets for this in advance on Klook — often cheaper than buying at the door, and you skip the queue.
Overview of Pohang and Gongjin
Pohang is a major coastal city in Gyeongsangbuk-do, located approximately 2.5 hours from Seoul via the high-speed KTX train. As of 2026, a one-way KTX ticket from Seoul to Pohang costs ₩53,600 (~$39 USD), making it an easy and comfortable escape from the capital. While Pohang is known globally for its steel industry, its northern and southern coastlines host the quiet, nostalgic fishing villages featured as the fictional town of Gongjin in the hit drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
To plan your trip effectively, it helps to understand that the filming locations are split into two main clusters: the northern area (Cheongha-myeon) and the southern area (Guryongpo-eup). Trying to rush through both in a single day is exhausting and defeats the laid-back coastal charm of the region.
Best Time to Visit Pohang
| Season | Crowds | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr, Jun) | Moderate | Mild & Sunny (15°C, 22°C) | Perfect for walking; cherry blossoms peak in early April. |
| Summer (Jul, Aug) | High | Hot & Humid (25°C, 32°C) | Beautiful ocean views, but midday heat makes the steep climbs challenging. |
| Autumn (Sep, Nov) | Low | Cool & Crisp (12°C, 20°C) | Clearest skies and highly recommended for comfortable outdoor walking. |
| Winter (Dec, Mar) | Very Low | Cold & Windy (0°C, 8°C) | Strong coastal winds; some smaller local shops may close early. |
Should You Go?, The Key Decision
Deciding how to navigate Pohang is the most important choice you will make for this trip. Because the northern filming spots (like Cheongha Market) and southern spots (like Sabang Memorial Park) are separated by over 35 kilometers, relying solely on local buses can result in hours of waiting.
For travelers in their 40s to 60s, we highly recommend comparing these three transport options to match your comfort level:
| Transport Option | Pros | Cons | Who It's Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTX + Taxi Tour | Stress-free, no driving required, local driver knows the exact spots. | Higher cost than public transit. | Couples or duos seeking maximum comfort and zero navigation stress. |
| Rental Car | Complete freedom of schedule, easy to carry luggage. | Left-hand drive, navigating narrow village alleys can be stressful. | Confident drivers who want to explore at their own pace. |
| Local Buses | Extremely budget-friendly. | Buses run infrequently (some only once per hour); highly exhausting. | Solo budget travelers with unlimited time. |
🎧 Good background for trip planning — GrooveSeoul Studio curates café-ambience and night-view playlists from across Korea. Worth bookmarking.
🔌 Quick reminder: Korea uses Type C/F outlets at 220V. If you need a travel adapter, grab one on Amazon before you fly — airport shops charge triple the price.
💡 Pro Tip: If you choose the taxi option, you can book a dedicated "Pohang K-Drama Taxi Tour" directly at Pohang Station's tourist information center upon arrival. In 2026, the standard rate is approximately ₩120,000 (~$88 USD) for a 6-hour customized tour.
What Is the Best 2-Day Pohang Itinerary?
The ideal 2-day Pohang itinerary focuses on the northern Cheongha-myeon cluster on Day 1, followed by the scenic coastal spots on Day 2. This layout minimizes travel time and ensures you do not have to rush through the peaceful seaside villages.
Day 1: Step Into Gongjin Town (Northern Cluster)
Start your morning at Cheongha Market, which served as the central Gongjin Market in the drama. Here, you will instantly recognize the hardware store, the grocery shop, and the iconic squid statue in the center square.
📍 Address: 6 Cheongha-ro 200beon-gil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: From Pohang KTX Station, take Bus 5000 directly to Cheongha Market stop (approx. 40 minutes).
⏱️ Time needed: 1.5 hours
💴 Admission: Free
🇰🇷 Useful Korean, Dining & Ordering
- 이거 주세요 (i-geo ju-se-yo), "This one, please" (point at menu)
- 얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?), "How much is it?"
- 카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?), "Do you accept card?"
After lunch, take a short 10-minute taxi ride to Sabang Memorial Park to see Chief Hong's wooden boat sitting on top of the hill.
📍 Address: 1801 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: 10 minutes by taxi from Cheongha Market (approx. ₩8,000 / $6 USD).
⏱️ Time needed: 2 hours
💴 Admission: Free
⚠️ Heads Up: The climb to the boat at Sabang Memorial Park involves a steep 20-minute walk up wooden stairs. There are benches along the way, but make sure to bring a bottle of water and wear sturdy walking shoes. The panoramic view of the East Sea from the top is absolutely worth the effort.
🏨 For hotels in this area, I usually check Agoda first — Korean accommodation prices are often 15–20% lower there than on other platforms, especially for mid-range stays.
Day 2: Ocean Views and Iconic Cafes
Begin Day 2 at Yoon Dental Clinic, which has been preserved as a beautiful oceanfront photo spot. Though you cannot go inside, the exterior looks exactly as it did when Hye-jin opened her clinic.
📍 Address: 1884-2 Haean-ro, Cheongjin-ri, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Take a taxi from your hotel or Pohang Station (approx. 20 minutes from the city center).
⏱️ Time needed: 30 minutes
💴 Admission: Free
Next, head to Mount Gonryun for the ultimate paragliding viewpoint where Chief Hong and Hye-jin shared their dramatic aerial scenes.
📍 Address: Chilpo-ri, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: 10 minutes by taxi from Yoon Dental Clinic.
⏱️ Time needed: 1.5 hours
💴 Admission: Free
Real Cost Breakdown
Visiting the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming spots in Pohang is highly affordable because almost all the actual filming sites are free to access. Your primary expenses will be transportation and comfortable accommodation near the coast.
Itemized Expenses (2D1N for Two People)
| Item | Detail | KRW | USD (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | KTX Round Trip Seoul, Pohang (per person) | ₩107,200 | ~$78 |
| Transport | Local Taxi / Taxi Tour (shared) | ₩120,000 | ~$88 |
| Accommodation | Ocean-view Boutique Hotel (1 night) | ₩150,000 | ~$110 |
| Food | Local seafood lunch, market snacks, and cafe visits | ₩90,000 | ~$66 |
| Total | Estimated Cost per Person | ₩283,600 | ~$208 |
Budget Tier Breakdown (Per Day, Per Person)
| Comfortable | Premium | Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per day | ₩100K, 150K (~$73~110) | ₩200K, 300K (~$146~220) | ₩450K+ (~$330+) |
| Stay | Clean business hotel near station | Ocean-front boutique pension | Luxury pool villa with private spa |
| Food | Market street food & stews | Fresh sashimi platters & modern cafes | High-end hanjeongsik (Korean course meal) |
Practical Tips & Warnings
The Honest Downside
While the locations are incredibly picturesque, the physical distance between them can be frustrating if you do not plan ahead. Many of the shops in Cheongha Market are actual working local businesses, meaning they close early on weekdays, and the area can feel surprisingly quiet and empty during the off-season.
5 Essential Travel Tips
- Beat the Midday Heat: Arrive at Sabang Memorial Park before 9:00 AM. The path has very little shade, and the morning sun is much more forgiving for the climb.
- Carry Cash for the Market: While most of Korea is completely cashless, some older vendors at Cheongha Market prefer cash for small purchases like hot snacks.
- Prepare a Taxi App: Download Kakao T before leaving Seoul. It is the most reliable way to call a taxi when you are stranded in the quieter coastal villages.
- Check the Weather: Coastal winds in Pohang can be fierce. If winds exceed 15 m/s, access to high viewpoints like Mount Gonryun may be temporarily restricted.
- Respect the Locals: Remember that these are quiet residential fishing villages. Keep voices down when taking photos near Yoon Dental Clinic.
✅ Trip Checklist
- [ ] Book KTX round-trip tickets from Seoul to Pohang
- [ ] Download and set up the Kakao T taxi app on your phone
- [ ] Pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- [ ] Bring a lightweight, windproof jacket for the coastal cliffs
- [ ] Carry ₩20,000 in physical cash for market snacks
- [ ] Charge your camera and portable power bank
FAQ about Pohang Filming Locations
Q: Is Pohang worth visiting if I haven't watched the drama?
A: Yes, Pohang is highly worth visiting even for non-fans. The dramatic ocean cliffs, fresh seafood markets, and unique walking paths like the Space Walk offer a fantastic coastal experience that differs greatly from Seoul.
Q: How long do you need in Pohang?
A: You need at least 2 full days to comfortably see both the northern and southern filming locations without feeling rushed.
Q: Can you go inside Yoon Dental Clinic?
A: No, the interior of Yoon Dental Clinic is closed to the public as of 2026, but visitors are welcome to take photos in front of the iconic exterior.
Q: Is public transportation easy to use in Pohang?
A: Public buses run between major hubs, but they are highly infrequent in the rural coastal areas. For travelers over 40, renting a car or hiring a taxi is strongly recommended.
Q: Are there western dining options near the filming sites?
A: Most dining options near the filming sites consist of traditional Korean seafood and noodle shops, though there are several modern western-style cafes along the coast serving pastries and coffee.
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