When Squid Game first dropped on Netflix, I watched it thinking, “No way any of those places are real.” Fast-forward a year, and there I was in South Korea, standing in front of one of them — the actual staircase set replica from the Daejeon Expo complex — trying not to hum that creepy “Red Light, Green Light” tune. Turns out, a lot of Squid Game’s surreal world exists in real life… just without the whole “elimination” thing.
Why Visit Squid Game Locations?
Because South Korea’s film tourism is on another level. Fans of Parasite, Crash Landing on You, and Squid Game now map their trips around filming spots. It’s part obsession, part cultural deep dive. You’re not just seeing sets — you’re walking through the country’s architecture, geography, and quiet contradictions.
| Stuff You Need to Know | Details | Traveler Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (Apr–Jun) or Fall (Sep–Nov) | Avoid summer humidity |
| Currency | Korean Won (₩) | Cards accepted everywhere |
| Language | Korean (basic English in cities) | Download Papago app |
| Getting Around | Subway & KTX trains | T-Money card = essential |
| Series Filming Year | 2020 | Most sets dismantled, but replicas remain |
Daejeon: The “Game Arena” City
Most of Squid Game’s large-scale scenes — the bunk room, tug-of-war platform, the deadly playground — were filmed in Daejeon, about 90 minutes south of Seoul. They used massive warehouses at the Daejeon Expo Park and parts of the Korea Tourism Organization’s soundstage.
You can’t walk onto the exact sets (Netflix reclaimed them), but nearby exhibition spaces have pop-up recreations. The Daejeon Expo Bridge at night even gives off that eerie pastel glow — minus the masked guards.
If you love cinematic architecture, this is your stop. Futuristic domes, wide plazas, perfect for photos.
Seoul: Coffee, Chaos, and Cameos
Seoul’s full of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it filming spots.
- Oil Tank Culture Park (Mapo District): The eerie outdoor tank spaces mirror the set’s industrial vibe. It’s an art venue now, free to visit.
- Namsan Tower Viewpoint: The city skyline shown during the pre-game transitions was captured here. Crowded but iconic.
- Gwangmyeong Cave: No official confirmation, but locals swear this underground attraction inspired the marble-game tunnels.
And if you need a break from dark drama vibes, the Myeongdong street food stalls will cure you. Spicy tteokbokki resets your soul.
If you’re traveling through Asia, check Qatar Airways Carry-On Restrictions — trust me, Korean skincare hauls add weight fast.
Jeju Island: Where It Ends and Begins
That final seaside scene? Inspired by Jeju’s rugged coastline, even if it wasn’t shot there directly. Production designers drew from Yongnuni Oreum (Dragon’s Eye Hill) and Seopjikoji Beach — places that look almost too cinematic to be real.
Visiting Jeju after bingeing Squid Game feels surreal. The cliffs, wind, and silence hit differently when you realize it mirrors the show’s last moments.
| Jeju Highlight | Why Go | Traveler Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) | Similar volcanic backdrop to show finale | Hike at dawn for peace |
| Jeju Folk Village | Reflects Korea’s older life and class divide | Great cultural context |
| Hamdeok Beach | Contrast of paradise vs survival | Perfect photo stop |
“Before You Go” – Lessons from a Fan Turned Traveler
- Don’t expect actual props — most were dismantled.
- Visit exhibitions instead. Netflix Korea runs traveling Squid Game Experience pop-ups (check local listings).
- Get a KORAIL Pass if you’re hopping cities — unlimited train rides for tourists.
- Buy tickets for museums online; walk-ins fill fast.
- If you’re sensitive to crowds, go early — local fans still visit in groups.
- Learn “annyeonghaseyo” and “gamsahamnida.” It helps.
- Always carry cash for street snacks. Card machines sometimes glitch.
For another visually striking travel experience, read What Is Pink Street in Lisbon — same energy of chaos and color, just in a different hemisphere.
The Real Meaning Behind the Fiction
Revisiting Squid Game locations doesn’t just feel like a pop-culture checklist. You start noticing how Korean society mirrors the show’s themes: sharp contrasts between wealth and struggle, modernity and tradition. In Seoul, skyscrapers rise beside 600-year-old palaces. In Daejeon, glossy malls sit next to fading markets.
Locals I met had mixed feelings. One café owner near Mapo said, “We’re proud, but also tired of being asked where the playground is.” Another, a university student, said, “People finally see Korean creativity — not just K-pop.”
Both right.
Pop-Up Experiences (If You Want Photos, Not Flights)
Netflix has recreated Squid Game sets in cities like Los Angeles, London, and Singapore — think red jumpsuits, giant doll heads, and green tracksuits for photos. But the Korean exhibitions feel rawer. You can even play virtual “Red Light, Green Light” with motion sensors. Creepy but fun.
Tickets usually cost around ₩25,000 ($18), available on sites like Interpark or Trazy.
What I’d Do Differently
I’d have spent an extra night in Daejeon. The city’s underrated — modern but slow-paced, full of parks and cafés where you can decompress after the chaos of Seoul. I’d also skip chasing exact coordinates. Half the fun was discovering unlisted corners that felt like Squid Game, even if they weren’t.
And yes, I’d watch the show again before going. The small details — the colors, symbols, sounds — hit differently once you’ve been there.
FAQs
Can you visit the actual Squid Game sets?
No, the originals were dismantled, but exhibitions in Daejeon and Seoul recreate them.
Is there a Squid Game museum?
Not officially, but themed pop-ups appear often — check Netflix Korea’s site.
Where was the bridge game filmed?
Inside a custom-built soundstage near Daejeon Expo.
How do I get to Daejeon from Seoul?
KTX train, 90 minutes. Runs every 20–30 minutes.
Can I visit Jeju Island on the same trip?
Yes, daily flights from Seoul take about an hour.
Are tours available?
Yes, small-group K-drama tours include filming spots in Seoul and Daejeon.
Is it expensive?
Moderate. Expect $80–$150 per day including hotels and food.
Is it worth it if I’m not a huge fan?
Definitely. The locations are architecturally and culturally fascinating even without Netflix context.
Final Thoughts
Walking through South Korea’s Squid Game filming locations felt like stepping through layers of metaphor — wealth, pressure, community, and survival, all wrapped in color and chaos.
It’s tourism meets storytelling. You see how art imitates life — and sometimes, life copies back.
So, if you’re heading to South Korea, skip the checklist tours. Wander. Get lost in Daejeon’s streets, watch the skyline from Namsan Tower, and remember: the most surreal moments are the ones that aren’t on the map.