Korea is filled with picturesque towns, cinematic coastlines, and hidden gems that have become iconic through K-dramas. As a fan of slow-travel and storytelling, I decided to take a one-day trip from Busan to Pohang, tracing the trail of the drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, while immersing myself in the real culture, food, and scenery this beautiful region offers. This journey took us across Ulsan, Gyeongju, and finally Pohang, where we explored filming spots, ate signature local dishes like 물회 (Mulhoe), and ended the day with a stunning sunset view from the famous Pohang Space Walk.
Let me take you along the route — full of laughter, cinematic nostalgia, delicious food, and unforgettable views.
7:00 AM – Departure from Busan
Our journey began early in the morning, around 7:00 AM. The air was still crisp, and the city was just beginning to wake up. We left Busan in our rental van, all excited with playlists of Korean OSTs filling the background.
The drive to Pohang is about 2 hours under normal traffic, but we planned a scenic route to visit several interesting places along the way. This detour made the journey more memorable and allowed us to explore lesser-known corners of Korea.
8:00 AM – Passing through Ulsan
Our first glimpse of the coastline came as we passed through Ulsan, Korea’s industrial hub known for Hyundai’s shipbuilding yards. While we didn’t stop here long, it was fascinating to see the contrast between modern industrial zones and the peaceful ocean just beyond.
Ulsan’s coastal roads are lined with walking paths, parks, and hidden beaches. If we had more time, we would’ve stopped by Daewangam Park — but today, our focus was on reaching Pohang and Gongjin, the fictional village from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
9:00 AM – Short stop in Gyeongju
Next, we passed Gyeongju, often referred to as “the museum without walls.” Though it wasn’t part of our main itinerary, we couldn’t help but make a short stop to grab coffee and admire the traditional architecture scattered across the city.
Gyeongju was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and its historical energy is felt everywhere. Even from the roadside café, we could see tombs, pagodas, and hanok-style houses. After stretching our legs and snapping a few photos, we continued our journey.
11:00 AM – Arriving in Pohang (a.k.a. Gongjin)
By late morning, we finally arrived in Pohang, more specifically in the neighborhood of Cheongha Market and the village of Sabang Memorial Park, both of which served as filming locations for the popular drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. For fans of the show, this is a dream come true.
Live Café & Pub 한낮엔 커피, 달밤엔 맥주
Address: 경북 포항시 북구 청하면 미남리 454-6
454-6 ,Minamri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
The fictional seaside town of Gongjin was mostly shot in Pohang, and walking through it felt like stepping into the series. Everything seemed familiar — from the lighthouse, to the quirky local shops, to the pastel-colored houses facing the sea.
11:30 AM – Visiting Café & Pub (Gongjin’s iconic spots)
One of the most exciting parts was visiting the real locations of Café Yoon (the one run by Yoon Hye-jin in the drama) and Gongjin Pub. While the names and interiors may differ slightly from the show, the exterior and vibe remain nostalgic.
At the café, we ordered iced americanos and sat at the outdoor terrace, overlooking the sea. Locals and fans from all over the world gathered here, all trying to capture a piece of their favorite show.
Next to the café, we found a small photo zone with standees of the drama’s characters, and even the spot where Chief Hong (Kim Seon-ho) parked his iconic red truck.
1:00 PM – Lunch Time: Pohang’s Famous 물회 (Mulhoe)
For lunch, we headed to one of the nearby seafood restaurants to try Mulhoe (물회) — Pohang’s most famous local dish. It’s a refreshing bowl of sliced raw fish served in an icy, spicy broth mixed with gochujang, vinegar, and vegetables.
The flavor was vibrant and full of ocean freshness. It was the perfect meal for a warm afternoon by the sea. If you’re not used to cold seafood soups, it might be surprising at first, but the balance of spicy, tangy, and umami is truly addictive.
We paired it with steamed rice, pickled side dishes, and a bottle of 백세주 (Baekseju) for a light toast.
2:30 PM – Exploring the Village Streets of Gongjin
After lunch, we wandered through the rest of Gongjin Village. There’s a calmness here that’s hard to describe — it’s like time moves slower.
We saw the Dental Clinic building used in the drama (which is now a closed set), the scenic walkways along the coast, and even the staircase Chief Hong often used in his quiet moments.
Address: 경북 포항시 북구 청하면 청진리 429
429 Cheongjin-ri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Locals welcomed us warmly, with some selling handmade souvenirs and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha photo books. It’s clear the drama brought a wave of visitors to this small part of Pohang.
4:00 PM – Heading to Homigot (호미곶)
Next, we drove to Homigot, located at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula. It’s famous for the Hands of Harmony sculptures — one in the sea, and one on land, symbolizing coexistence and hope.
We arrived just in time for the golden hour, when the sunlight casts a magical glow on the ocean. The sea breeze was strong but refreshing, and the entire area was peaceful, with locals flying kites and families enjoying the view.
We walked down the pier, touched the giant bronze hand reaching out from the sea, and made our wishes. Homigot is also a popular place for catching the first sunrise of the year, and though we weren’t here for dawn, it still felt spiritually meaningful.
5:30 PM – Final Destination: Pohang Space Walk
Our last stop before heading back to Busan was the futuristic and photogenic Pohang Space Walk.
Located on a hill in Hwanho Park, the Space Walk is a massive steel art structure that looks like a roller coaster — but instead of riding it, visitors walk along the winding path. It’s free to enter, but does require a bit of physical strength as you climb the high steps.
The view from the top is breathtaking. As the sun began to set, the city lights below started to twinkle. The 360° panoramic view included the harbor, the city skyline, and distant mountains.
We stayed here longer than planned because the atmosphere was so surreal. It felt like the perfect way to conclude our one-day escape from the city.
It was an amazing trip on a summer day. The sun is shining while a lot of people were enjoying the trip as a group family or as a couple and more than this very appreciate to someone who were enjoying the trip alone – It’s not lonely but its the best time heal your self.