Pohang Travel Guide: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Filming Sites

To visit the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming sites in Pohang, you should base yourself near the Buk-gu district and use Naver Map for navigation, as Google Maps does not provide walking or driving directions in South Korea. A high-speed 5G eSIM from SeoulSIM ensures you have the data needed to stream the show's soundtrack and navigate the seaside villages without the high costs of international roaming. Pohang is a coastal city that perfectly captures the fictional village of Gongjin, but its filming locations are spread out, making a reliable mobile connection essential for your journey.## Why Google Maps Fails in PohangWhile Google Maps is the global standard for navigation, it is notoriously unreliable in South Korea. Due to national security laws regarding mapping data, Google cannot provide turn-by-turn walking or driving directions. For a K-drama fan exploring the sprawling coastline of Pohang, this is a major hurdle. You will find yourself looking at a map that shows your location but offers no path to get to the iconic 'Gongjin' market. This is why downloading Naver Map or KakaoMap is essential. These apps require a steady stream of high-speed data to load high-resolution street views and real-time bus arrivals. By using a local 5G eSIM from SeoulSIM, you gain the same network priority as locals, ensuring your map loads instantly even when you are standing on a remote cliffside. Before you leave, you can see plans to ensure you have enough data for the trip.## Essential Filming Sites in 'Gongjin'### Cheongha Market (Gongjin Market)The heart of the drama is Cheongha Market. Here, you will find the squid statue, the hardware store owned by Geum-cheol, and the Bora Supermarket. While these were sets, the market itself is a functioning local hub. You can use your data to compare scenes from the drama with the real-life stalls. The market is located in Cheongha-myeon, a bit of a drive from Pohang city center, so having a map to track your bus or taxi is non-negotiable.### Sabang Memorial Park and the BoatOne of the most emotional spots in the series is the hilltop where Chief Hong’s boat sits. Located at Sabang Memorial Park, the climb is steep but rewarding. The 5G coverage from SKTelecom and LG Uplus is surprisingly strong here, allowing you to livestream the panoramic ocean view to your followers. Since this area is rural, you won't find many English signs; relying on the Korean-language accuracy of Naver Map is your best bet.### Mt. Gonryun for the Paragliding ViewFor the famous aerial shots of the village, head to Mt. Gonryun. It is a popular spot for paragliders and offers a breathtaking view of the coastline. The hike takes about 20 minutes on a paved but steep path. Because the trail can be confusing, having a working GPS is vital. If you are worried about your device, you can check if your device is eSIM ready before arriving in Pohang.### Yoon Dental Clinic and Wolpo BeachThe dental clinic where Hye-jin worked is located in Cheongjin-ri. It has since been converted into a cafe, but the exterior remains recognizable. Nearby is Wolpo Beach, where the lead characters first met while surfing. The beach has excellent 5G coverage, making it easy to look up local surf schools or restaurants.## Connectivity: SeoulSIM vs. Roaming and RentalsStaying connected in Pohang is different than in Seoul. While the city center is dense, the filming sites are in the Buk-gu and Nam-gu rural outskirts. Local carriers like SKTelecom and LG Uplus offer the best coverage in these coastal areas.| Feature | SeoulSIM eSIM | International Roaming | Airport SIM Rental || :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- || Network | SKT/LG Uplus 5G | Variable (Roaming) | Variable || Activation | Instant Digital | Automatic | Manual Queue || Cost | Budget-friendly | Very High | Moderate || Data Limits | Flexible (100MB to 50GB) | Often Throttled | Fixed || Local Number | No (Data Only) | Home Number | Yes/No |International roaming often routes your traffic back through your home country, leading to high latency. This makes Naver Map feel sluggish. A local eSIM provides a direct connection to Korean towers. You can follow this step-by-step setup guide to get connected as soon as you land at Incheon or Gimhae Airport.## Choosing the Right Data PlanPohang is a multi-day trip. If you are coming from Seoul via the KTX, you will likely spend 2-3 days exploring the coast. We recommend a daily pass or a fixed plan based on your usage:* Casual User: 1GB to 3GB fixed plans for 7-15 days. Perfect for maps and occasional social media.* Power User: 2GB or 3GB daily passes. Ideal if you are uploading 4K reels of the filming sites or streaming the drama on the train ride.* Long-term Explorer: 10GB to 50GB plans for 30 days if you are also visiting nearby cities like Gyeongju.Speaking of Gyeongju, many travelers combine these two cities. You might find our guide on Using Naver Map to Find Hidden Hanok Stays in Gyeongju useful for the next leg of your journey.## Transportation LogisticsGetting to Pohang is easiest via the KTX from Seoul Station, which takes about 2.5 hours. Once in Pohang, the filming sites are spread out. Public buses are available but infrequent in the rural areas. Taxis are the most efficient way to see everything in one day. Using the Kakao Taxi app is the safest and most reliable way to hail a ride. For added peace of mind in remote areas, learn How to Use the 'SOS' Button in Kakao Taxi for Safety.Remember that SeoulSIM plans are data-only. While you won't have a local phone number to receive calls, you can use the Kakao Taxi app perfectly fine with a data connection. WhatsApp and iMessage also work seamlessly for staying in touch. If you find yourself running low on data while exploring the coast, top-ups are available through our portal. You can see plans to find the best fit for your itinerary.## The bottom lineVisiting the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming sites in Pohang is a dream for K-drama fans, but it requires careful planning. Due to the failure of Google Maps in Korea, a local 5G eSIM is your most important travel tool. By using the SKTelecom or LG Uplus networks via SeoulSIM, you ensure that Naver Map and Kakao Taxi work perfectly, allowing you to navigate the beautiful seaside of Gongjin with ease and affordability.