Bookmark these ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’ Filming Locations and You Might Catch a Chief Hong

For your future trip to South Korea and you might catch a Chief Hong.
by Ina Louise Manto | October 05, 2021

We’re more than halfway through Hometown Cha Cha Cha and the plot keeps getting better for our favorite dimple couple, Hye Jin and Du Sik, and the people of Gongjin. Unfortunately, the scenic coastal town seen in the drama is only fictional. The show was actually filmed in the coastal city of Pohang, which is a two to three-hour train ride away from Seoul. Pinay traveler Andrea Cepe recently shared photos from her visit to Hometown Cha Cha Cha locations. Follow her cue and who knows? You might even catch a Chief Hong along the way!

Wolpo Beach

Location: 60 Haen-ro 2308beon-gil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Wolpo Beach | via Andrea Cepe

Wolpo Beach is probably one of the most significant filming scenes in Hometown Cha Cha Cha: from Chief Hong’s swoon-worthy surfing scenes to Hye Jin and Du Sik meeting for the first time as kids with their families. Plus, who wouldn’t forget that dreamy sunset scene where Hye Jin decided to let go for the first time and enjoyed soaking in the rain?

Cheongjin 3-ri Fishermen’s Welfare Center

Location: 1884-2 Haean-ro, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Hye-Jin’s Dental Clinic | via Andrea Cepe

After multiple rejections in various dental practices around Seoul, Hye Jin decides to open her private practice by the sea in Gongjin. If the view will be as scenic as this, who wouldn’t want to visit their dentist more often? In real life, the clinic is a part of a commercial space that has a scuba diving resort on the first floor and a lodging facility on the second floor.

Live Café & Pub

Location: 8 Cheongha-ro 192-beongil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-Si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Live Café & Pub | via Andrea Cepe

Known as Coffee in the Middle of the Day and Beer in the Moonlight, the café is owned by former singer Oh Yoon, who made it big in the 90s. The café is also where we see Chief Hong being the most charming barista ever, among his many jobs, always ready to give Hye Jin her cup of iced Americano before she heads to work. The rustic café also doubles as a pub at night, where we saw Du Sik serenade us with a song after one of the town’s meetings. But IRL, the café is a hardware factory!

Bora Supermarket

Location: 1 Cheongha-ro 200-beongil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Bora Supermarket | via Andrea Cepe

Giving us a glimpse of old supermarkets in small coastal towns like Gongjin, Bora Supermarket is another location where Du Sik works, Hye Jin goes for her refill of sausages, and where the townspeople of Gongjin gathers for their dose of chika. It’s also the home of the charming family: blonde Bora, her pregnant mom Hun Kyung, and hardware owner Geum Chul.

Gam-Ri’s House

Location: 19 Ilchul-ro 204-beongril, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongasangbuk-do

The Scene

Gam-Ri’s House | via Andrea Cepe

We all have a soft spot for Gongjin’s grandmas, especially Gam-Ri. The traditional home faces the sea and gives the comfort of a traditional Korean home – no wonder why director/PD-nim Sung Hyun jumped through so many hoops to get Gam-ri’s permission to allow him to film his new show in the house.

Chief Hong’s House

Location: 15 Ilchul-ro 204-beongil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Chief Hong’s House | via Andrea Cepe

Home to hundreds of vinyl records, books, rustic wooden interiors, and traditional stone walls, Chief Hong’s house is a filming location you wouldn’t want to miss. It’s actually a residential home, so be respectful of the owners’ privacy when visiting the place.

Mt. Gonryun

Location: 914-2 Chilpo-ri, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Offering the best panoramic views of the sea, Mt. Gonryun is a part of Chief Hong’s itinerary when touring people around Gongjin. As seen in the drama, here’s where he brought director Sung Hyun the first time he arrived in Gongjin, followed by his team of filmmakers.

Sabang Commemorative Park

Location: 1801 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Sabang Commemorative Park | via Andrea Cepe

If you’re looking for another place to enjoy an unobstructed view of Pohang’s seas, Sabang Commemorative Park is a must-visit. It’s where Du Sik placed his grandfather’s old fishing boat, which he’s constantly fixing. You have to go on a 20-minute walk to reach the top of the hill but it’ll all be worth it when you have a view like this.

Hye Jin’s House

Location: 18-20 Ilchul-ro 210-beongil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Hye Jin’s House | via Andrea Cepe

From loud floral walls, Chief Hong was able to transform Hye Jin’s red brick house to suit her taste in just a few days. He can really do anything with this long list of licenses and certificates! Hye Jin’s house is a residential home, so be discreet when visiting.

Cheongha Market

Location: 6 Cheongha-ro 200-beongil, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Cheongha Market | via Andrea Cepe

Cheongha Market is fictional Gongjin Market, and it’s where remarkable scenes, especially in the show’s first episode, took place. Going around the market will help you know the village more – ready your budget to bring home pasalubong from Cheongha!

Red Lighthouse

Location: 745-2 Seokbyeong-ri, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Scene

Pohang Lighthouse | via Andrea Cepe

A location for late-night contemplation, this Red Lighthouse in Pohang is where Du Sik saves Sung Hyun from falling and where we saw the dimple couple finally admitting they’re heads over heels for each other. Kilig!

Follow WindowSeat.PH on Facebook and Instagram for more things about travel!