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Squid Game took the world by storm when the Netflix show first aired, putting classical South Korean childhood games on the small screen, giving them a bloody twist on a backdrop of vibrant and whimsical sets. Season 2 was highly anticipated, and season 3 is just around the corner. So, it’s time to reminisce on this unique show which put South Korea on the map for many travellers – and not for any gruesome reasons…
There are so many things to do in South Korea, including visiting the Squid Game filming locations which we’ve detailed below.
Psst… although you can’t actually visit the grounds on which the games take place, if you’re looking for some child-like wonder and fun, Lotte World is the amusement park for you!
Squid Game filming locations season 1
1. Seoul and Incheon
No major action takes place in Seoul, however the city and Incheon (a city right on the border of Seoul) were used for establishing shots during the show. Seoul’s subway was also used in the show where Gi-hun plays a game of ddakji against the salesman (played by Gong Yoo). If you want to head to the specific spot, you’ll find it at Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Subway Station in the Gangnam District.
Wolmi Theme Park in Incheon and Baegun Market feature in very brief scenes during season 1 of Squid Game.
Image source:Contiki
2. Daejon
It may come as no surprise that the grounds for the actual Squid Games, including the Red Light, Green Light game and the Dalgona Candy game (also a favourite Korean food), were filmed on sets. It would be really cool (though maybe a bit sinister?) if these colourful and confusing hallways existed in real life, however they were all constructed across various sets in Daejon – South Korea’s 5th biggest city!
3. Namsan Mountain Park
When Seong Gi-hun and Kang Sae-byeok are released and dumped in various locations after a vote, they find themselves in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Where are they actually? Namsan Mountain Park. Located in Seoul, this is a gorgeous hilly and forest area where you can take a cable car up for views of the city and plenty of fresh air. It’s a must-do when in South Korea.
Image source:Artist Istanbul / unsplash
4. Seongapdo Island
As the viewers and characters, we still don’t know where the Squid Games are taking place, but what we do know is that the various outdoor scenes revolving around Hwang Jun-ho’s investigation of the games were shot on Seongapdo Island.
Unfortunately, this is a private island, so visiting this particular Squid Games filming location isn’t possible, but South Korea has many more islands to visit, including the gorgeous Jeju Island which is often named the Hawaii of South Korea.
Squid Game filming locations season 2
1. Daejon & Daejon Expo Science Park
Daejon returns as a key filming location for Squid Game season 2, with the sets becoming bigger and brighter and far more vibrant – to better capture those gruesome blood splatters everywhere?
2. Tapgol Park, Seoul
Season 2 starts yet again with Gong Yoo’s salesman character recruiting players for the new game. He heads to Tapgol Park, armed with scratch cards and fresh bread, offering one or the other to various homeless people around the park. Surrounded by lush greenery and an ornate pavilion in the center, making it a beautiful area in Seoul to stop and take in the fresh air.
3. Seongapdo Island
The island returns once again to feature the outdoor scenes depicting the island on which these mysterious and murderous games are taking place.
4. Dadaepo Port, Busan
In an effort to locate the mysterious island before the games start, Gi-hun and Jun-ho team up to track it down. They hired a local boatman to take them around the choppy coast, and the port scenes were filmed in Busan. In real life, this is a very tranquil area where you can relax and listen to the sounds of the sea.
Image source:Jimmy Moon / unsplash
Where did they film Squid Game island?
Seongapdo Island, just off the coast of Incheon, served as the main Squid Game filming location for the island on which the games take place. Unfortunately, this island is private, so tourists are not allowed to visit – though there are plenty of other islands worth going to for some sunshine!
