KOREA GUIDE
The real Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming locations are spread across several coastal communities in Pohang, not concentrated inside one preserved drama village. The fictional town of Gongjin was created by combining Cheongha Market, Cheongjin-ri, Wolpo Beach, Sabang Memorial Park, small harbors, and privately owned homes in southern Pohang.
Fans can still visit the market used as Gongjin Market, eat at the building associated with Yoon Dental Clinic when its current business is operating, walk to the boat overlooking the sea at Sabang Memorial Park, and see the beach linked to Hong Du-sik’s surfing scenes.
The house locations require a different approach. The production officially explained that the homes used for Hye-jin, Du-sik, Gam-ri, and Cho-hui were privately rented during filming and returned to residents afterward. They should not be treated as open drama sets.
Important: Check Current Conditions
Businesses, market facades, museum hours, coastal access, and local bus schedules may change. Search each Korean place name on Naver Map or Kakao Map and check official Pohang tourism notices before making a special trip.
1. Where Was Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Filmed?
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was filmed mainly in Pohang, a coastal city in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The production used several real communities instead of constructing one complete Gongjin village.
Cheongha Market became Gongjin Market. The upper floor of a building near Cheongjin Port became Yoon Dental Clinic. Sabang Memorial Park supplied the hilltop and boat associated with Hong Du-sik, while Wolpo Beach and nearby coastal areas created the drama’s relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Residential scenes were filmed farther south around small fishing communities, including the area associated with Seokbyeong-ri. Those houses returned to private residential use after filming.
Is Gongjin a real town?
No. Gongjin is a fictional place created for the story. Searching only for “Gongjin” on a map may lead to fan-created pins or incomplete results. Use the real Korean names listed in this guide.
2. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Filming Locations at a Glance
| Location |
Korean Search |
Drama Connection |
Access Type |
Cost |
Main Caution |
| Cheongha Gongjin Market |
청하공진시장 |
Gongjin Market, Bora Supermarket, hardware store, restaurant, and cafe facades |
Public market |
Free entry; purchases optional |
Businesses and facades may change |
| Yoon Dental Clinic building |
윤스토랑 포항 |
Yoon Hye-jin's dental clinic exterior |
Operating restaurant when open |
Normal order expected |
Confirm current business hours |
| Sabang Memorial Park |
사방기념공원 |
Hilltop boat and major Du-sik scenes |
Public park and uphill path |
Outdoor visit generally free |
Steep stairs and strong coastal wind |
| Wolpo Beach |
월포해수욕장 |
Surfing and seaside scenes |
Public beach |
Beach entry generally free; facilities may charge |
Swimming and water access are seasonal |
| Private house areas |
No public map route recommended |
Homes of Hye-jin, Du-sik, Gam-ri, and Cho-hui |
Private residential property |
Not applicable |
Do not enter, approach windows, or disturb residents |
3. How the Fictional Town of Gongjin Was Created
The finished drama makes Gongjin feel compact. Characters appear to move quickly between the market, dental clinic, beach, harbor, homes, cafe, and hilltop boat.
In reality, these places are separated by roads, coastal villages, and long local transfers. Cheongha Gongjin Market is inland from the coast. The dental clinic building stands near Cheongjin Port. Sabang Memorial Park is farther south along the shoreline, and the private house locations are much farther away.
The production also used temporary signs and set decoration. A building that appeared as a cafe or hardware store may now be empty, occupied by another business, or preserved only as an exterior facade.
Do not plan the route using fictional geography
Create a route with the real Korean names and current road network. A location that appears five minutes away in the story may require a bus, taxi, or twenty-minute drive in real life.
4. Cheongha Gongjin Market
Cheongha Gongjin Market, written as 청하공진시장, is the real market used for Gongjin Market. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops because several recognizable facades are clustered within a small area.
The market appears throughout the drama as the center of neighborhood life. Scenes connected to Bora Supermarket, Cheongho Hardware, Gongjin Chinese Restaurant, and Oh Yoon's cafe were created around this market area.
| English Name |
Cheongha Gongjin Market |
| Korean Name |
청하공진시장 |
| Address |
6 Cheongha-ro 200beon-gil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Korean Address |
경상북도 포항시 북구 청하면 청하로200번길 6 |
| Market Days |
Dates ending in 1 and 6, such as the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th |
| Admission |
Free |
| Suggested Stay |
30–60 minutes |
What can you still see?
Official tourism information describes filming-set markers and information signs around the market. Visitors may still recognize the storefront line and drama-inspired signs, although individual interiors and decorations are not guaranteed to remain unchanged.
Some facades function mainly as photo points, while other spaces are connected to real businesses. Never assume that a drama sign means the interior is an open museum.
Should you visit on market day?
Market day offers more activity, produce, seafood, and local atmosphere. It can also mean tighter parking, more delivery vehicles, and less room for posed photographs.
A non-market day is quieter and better for inspecting the facades, but fewer stores may be open. Choose based on whether you value the real market experience or unobstructed photos.
Important: Working Market
Do not block shop entrances, delivery areas, market aisles, or resident parking. Ask before photographing vendors or customers and make a normal purchase when entering an operating store.
5. Yoon Dental Clinic and Yoonstaurant
The building used for Yoon Dental Clinic stands near Cheongjin Port. The second-floor exterior, entrance, terrace, and sea view helped create one of the drama's most recognizable workplaces.
Recent business listings and visitor information have identified the space as Yoonstaurant, written as 윤스토랑, a restaurant and cafe using the filming-location identity. The former treatment-room area is not necessarily accessible as a preserved dental set.
| Current Map Search |
윤스토랑 포항 |
| Address |
2F, 1884-2 Haean-ro, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Korean Address |
경상북도 포항시 북구 청하면 해안로 1884-2 2층 |
| Drama Connection |
Exterior and entrance of Yoon Dental Clinic |
| Visit Type |
Restaurant or cafe visit when operating |
| Cost |
Normal menu order |
Important: Confirm Current Business Status
The restaurant name, schedule, closing day, last order, menu, and interior access may change. Check the current Korean map listing or official business channel before traveling.
How to visit respectfully
Enter only during business hours and order normally. Do not occupy the terrace or stairs for a long photo session when other customers are waiting.
The most recognizable exterior photograph can be taken from a public position around the harbor. Keep clear of vehicles, fishing activity, and the building entrance.
6. Sabang Memorial Park and Chief Hong's Boat
Sabang Memorial Park, written as 사방기념공원, is the location associated with the boat on the hill and several memorable scenes involving Hong Du-sik.
Pohang City's official blog documented the boat and filming-location path in 2025. The boat stands on Mugeunbong, a hill overlooking the East Sea. Visitors can approach the designated photo area but cannot climb onto the boat.
| English Name |
Sabang Memorial Park |
| Korean Name |
사방기념공원 |
| Address |
1801 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Korean Address |
경상북도 포항시 북구 흥해읍 해안로 1801 |
| Admission |
Outdoor park access is generally free |
| Suggested Stay |
60–90 minutes including the climb |
How difficult is the climb?
The shortest route includes a steep staircase. A longer, gentler route may be available through the park, but current access should be checked on arrival.
Wear shoes with grip and avoid starting close to sunset. Strong wind can make the exposed hilltop uncomfortable even when the parking area feels calm.
Important: Steep and Exposed Hilltop
Do not climb onto the boat, cross barriers, or continue during strong wind, heavy rain, snow, or poor visibility. Museum hours and outdoor access are separate, so confirm both when the exhibition hall is part of your plan.
7. Wolpo Beach and Coastal Scenes
Wolpo Beach, written as 월포해수욕장, is associated with Hong Du-sik's surfing and several relaxed coastal sequences.
The broad beach, surf culture, shallow seasonal swimming area, and nearby coastal roads help recreate the seaside mood of Gongjin without entering a private property.
| English Name |
Wolpo Beach |
| Korean Name |
월포해수욕장 |
| Address |
60 Haean-ro 2308beon-gil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Korean Address |
경상북도 포항시 북구 청하면 해안로2308번길 60 |
| Nearest Rail Access |
Wolpo Station, followed by a local walk depending on the chosen beach entrance |
| Admission |
General beach access is free; parking, camping, showers, lessons, and rentals may charge separately |
Swimming and surfing
Official supervised swimming operates only during the announced summer beach season. Outside that period, the beach can still be visited, but water entry may be unsupervised or restricted.
Use a licensed surf operator when taking lessons. The conditions available to a television production should not be treated as proof that the water is safe on your visit date.
Important: Weather-Dependent Water Access
Check wave, wind, rain, typhoon, and official beach notices before entering the water. Stay away from tetrapods, slippery breakwaters, fishing zones, and closed sections.
8. Private House Locations
The houses used for Yoon Hye-jin, Hong Du-sik, Kim Gam-ri, and Yu Cho-hui were privately owned properties rented during production. Residents returned to normal life after filming.
The production publicly asked viewers not to enter the homes or disturb the owners. For that reason, this guide does not publish house-by-house coordinates or an approach route.
Important: Private Residential Property
Do not enter gates, yards, rooftops, alleys serving private homes, or residential parking areas. Do not photograph windows or residents, and do not visit late at night.
What should fans do instead?
Use the public market, dental-clinic building, beach, park, harbor, and official viewpoints. They offer strong visual connections to the drama without disturbing anyone's home.
A distant coastal-village photograph from a legal public viewpoint is more respectful than identifying an individual residence.
9. How to Reach Pohang
Pohang can be reached by train, intercity bus, express bus, domestic flight when operating, or car. The best option depends on your departure city and whether you plan to rent a vehicle.
| Arrival Method |
Arrival Point |
Best Next Step |
| KTX or train |
Pohang Station |
Rental car, taxi, or local bus toward northern Pohang |
| Express or intercity bus |
Pohang bus terminal |
Transfer to local bus, taxi, or rental car |
| Car |
Direct access to each cluster |
Use official parking and avoid village lanes |
| Domestic flight |
Pohang-Gyeongju Airport when a suitable route operates |
Taxi or rental car |
Check current train, bus, and flight schedules through official transport channels. Do not build the entire day around an old timetable copied from a travel blog.
10. How to Travel Between the Filming Locations
A car is the most efficient option because the public locations are spread along Pohang's northern coast. Local buses are possible, but waiting times and indirect routes can reduce the number of stops.
| Travel Method |
Advantages |
Limitations |
| Rental car |
Fastest connection between market, coast, beach, and park |
Requires parking, driving confidence, and an international permit when applicable |
| Taxi |
Simple for small groups and one-way transfers |
Costs increase quickly and rural return taxis may need advance planning |
| Local bus |
Lowest transport cost |
Limited frequency, longer transfers, and final walking segments |
| Private tour |
Prearranged route and driver |
Higher price and fixed schedule |
Useful route clusters
- Cheongha cluster: Cheongha Gongjin Market, Wolpo Beach, and nearby coastal stops
- Cheongjin cluster: Yoon Dental Clinic building and Cheongjin Port
- Sabang cluster: Sabang Memorial Park and nearby viewpoints
11. Can You Visit the Locations in One Day?
A one-day route is realistic with a car or prearranged taxi. Focus on the publicly accessible northern locations rather than attempting to add private residential sites.
Essential one-day route
- Cheongha Gongjin Market
- Wolpo Beach
- Yoon Dental Clinic building and Cheongjin Port
- Sabang Memorial Park
Begin at the market during daylight, visit the coastal locations next, and reach Sabang Memorial Park early enough to complete the climb before dark.
When should you stay overnight?
Stay overnight when using local buses, traveling from Seoul on the same morning, adding central Pohang attractions, or wanting time for a relaxed meal at the dental-clinic building.
12. Opening Hours, Admission, and Reservations
| Location |
Admission |
Reservation |
What to Recheck |
| Cheongha Gongjin Market |
Free |
Not required |
Market date and individual shop hours |
| Yoonstaurant |
Normal menu order |
Confirm for groups or busy periods |
Business status, schedule, last order, and menu |
| Sabang Memorial Park |
Outdoor park generally free |
Not normally required |
Museum hours, maintenance, weather, and path access |
| Wolpo Beach |
General beach access free |
Needed for some surf lessons or camping facilities |
Seasonal swimming period and facility charges |
13. Best Photo Spots and Scene-Matching Tips
- Market facades: Use a wide frame that shows several Gongjin storefronts together.
- Yoon Dental Clinic: Photograph the building from a public harbor-side position without blocking the stairs.
- Hilltop boat: Include both the boat and the coastline instead of standing too close.
- Wolpo Beach: Use the shoreline, surf, and distant village as a broad scenic composition.
- Cheongjin Port: Keep clear of fishing vehicles, nets, boats, and working areas.
Match permanent features
Compare roofs, doors, stairs, windows, seawalls, road directions, hills, and the harbor shape. Temporary signs, furniture, posters, and props may no longer exist.
Copyright reminder
Netflix screenshots, tvN promotional stills, actor photographs, and production images may be protected by copyright. Use your own travel photographs rather than reposting drama frames without permission.
14. Weather, Safety, and Visitor Etiquette
- Check strong-wind and high-wave warnings before visiting the coast.
- Do not walk on tetrapods or closed breakwaters.
- Do not climb onto the hilltop boat.
- Avoid Sabang Memorial Park after dark.
- Keep village roads open for residents, fishing vehicles, and emergency access.
- Do not enter private houses, yards, rooftops, or alleys.
- Order normally when entering an operating restaurant or shop.
- Ask before photographing vendors, residents, staff, or customers.
- Do not play loud music or recreate scenes in residential areas.
- Take all rubbish with you.
Best season
Spring and autumn usually offer comfortable walking temperatures. Summer brings supervised beach activity but also humidity, crowds, and typhoon risk. Winter offers clear coastal views but can be windy and icy.
15. Nearby Places to Add to Your Pohang Trip
Igari Anchor Observatory
Igari Anchor Observatory is a useful addition to the northern coastal route. Confirm current access during high wind, heavy rain, or maintenance.
Yeongildae Beach and Space Walk
Central Pohang offers Yeongildae Beach and Space Walk for travelers staying overnight. These attractions are not presented as core Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming sites in this guide.
Jukdo Market
Jukdo Market is a practical place for seafood and a broader city experience before or after the coastal route.
Homigot and Guryongpo
Homigot and Guryongpo are much farther south. Add them only on a second day rather than forcing both ends of Pohang into one rushed itinerary.
Official information to recheck
Pohang Official Tourism Portal
Pohang City Official Blog
VISITKOREA Official Website
16. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Filming Locations FAQ
Is Gongjin a real town?
No. Gongjin is fictional. The production combined several locations around Pohang to create one coastal town.
Are all the filming locations in Pohang?
The principal travel locations covered in this guide are in Pohang. Individual interiors may have been created or modified elsewhere for production.
Is Yoon Dental Clinic still standing?
The recognizable building remains, and recent listings have associated the space with Yoonstaurant. Confirm the current operation before visiting.
Can visitors enter Chief Hong's house?
No public entry should be assumed. The home locations are private residential properties, and the production asked visitors not to disturb the owners.
Is the boat still at Sabang Memorial Park?
Pohang City's official blog documented the boat at the hilltop filming location in 2025. Recheck park notices before traveling because outdoor structures can require maintenance.
Can I visit without a car?
Yes, but the route is slower and requires careful local-bus planning. A car, taxi, or private tour is more practical for visiting several locations in one day.
Which location is easiest from Pohang Station?
Cheongha Gongjin Market is one of the more practical first stops, although the best route depends on current local buses or taxi availability.
Is one day enough?
One day is enough for the principal public locations when traveling by car. An overnight stay is better for public transportation users and travelers adding central Pohang attractions.
Do I need reservations?
Public outdoor locations do not normally require reservations. Restaurants, surf lessons, campsites, tours, and special facilities may require advance booking.
What is the best season to visit?
Spring and autumn are comfortable for walking. Summer is best for supervised beach activities, while winter can offer clear views but stronger wind.
Should I use Google Maps?
Google Maps is useful for general orientation. Naver Map and Kakao Map are usually more useful for Korean addresses, regional buses, current businesses, parking, and recent visitor photographs.
A responsible Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming locations trip should focus on public markets, beaches, parks, restaurants, and official viewpoints. Pohang still offers strong connections to Gongjin, but the most meaningful visit is one that respects the real coastal communities behind the drama.
