In all its years of creating original content, rarely has Netflix seen a response like the one that came from Squid Game. The Korean series arrived on the streamer in September 2021 from the mind of Hwang Dong-hyuk; in its first four weeks, the dystopian story amassed 1.65 billion viewing hours according to Giggster. Initially, Squid Game was meant to be a movie but the creators decided it would be more impactful in a series format, and audiences clearly agreed. If you somehow missed season one when it landed, now’s the perfect time to play catch-up before the second installment hits Netflix in December.
Dong-hyuk’s hit series is set in South Korea, where citizens are given a chance to win $45.6 billion won while competing in what seems like simple childhood games. However, they quickly realize that losers are brutally murdered, and each death adds more money to the final prize pool. Along the way, some take a risk and learn that killing others isn’t frowned upon and chaos ensues as players turn their back on each other. Audiences were first intrigued by the dramatic storyline, but now some are hoping to visit Squid Game filming locations in real life.
‘Squid Game’ Filming Locations Will Make You Want To See South Korea
Crews captured the beauty of South Korea nicely in the foreign series, which was mostly shot in the country’s fifth biggest city, Daejeon. Seoul and Incheon provided city landscapes when necessary, and beautiful Namsan Mountain Park served as a filming location too. The latter is where Seong Gi-hun and Kang Sae-byeok are set free after the Squid Game vote takes place. Elsewhere, episode six includes a mention of Jeju, known as the “Hawaii of Korea.” It’s home to lush forests, volcanoes and beautiful white beaches, but on-screen viewers are actually looking at Seongapdo Island, an area that’s mostly home to local fishermen.
Sets Were Constructed in the City of Daejeon
- Key Scenes: Any game scenes from season one were filmed in the Korean city.
- Best Time to Visit: To fully appreciate nature in Daejeon, plan your trip between late May and September.
- Transportation Options: Bus, metro and taxis are all reliable and efficient ways to get around.
After production wrapped, many of the sets used for Squid Game were taken down. However, the giant doll from episode one can be found at Seoul Olympic Park for the perfect photo opportunity. Though it’s hard to find exact filming locations for the Korean show, plenty of other projects have used Daejeon’s beauty as their backdrop. Among them are Train to Busan, New World, The 8th Night and Mr. Sunshine.
Things to Do: Visit the animals at Daejeon O-World, wander through Uam Historical Park and pick up some knowledge from the National Science Museum.
Where to Eat: If you’re craving Italian while in Asia, you can find it at Nuovo Napoli. When you’ve got a giant doll-sized appetite, be sure to head to Vesta Buffet!
Where to Stay: The Lotte City Hotel is a top-rated best seller in Daejeon, or The Empress Hotel offers breakfast with your stay.
Select Scenes Filmed On The Private Seongapdo Island Of South Korea
- Key Scenes: The entire fictional island in season three of Squid Game was filmed on Seongapdo Island, according to Moviedelic.
- Best Time to Visit: Technically, this island is privately owned and is not open to the public. But the best time to visit the coast of Incheon, which is around Seongapdo Island, is during either the spring or fall months.
- Transportation Options: There is no public access to this island, so travelers can not expect to be able to explore it. The island does not have readily accessible public transportation or regular ferry connections.
Production for season three of Squid Game was done on Seongapdo Island, which is located in Ongjin County. The scenes filmed on this island include those involving character Hwang Jun-ho and his journey to find his brother, In-ho/Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun). But despite the stunning scenery, these parts were filmed on a set built outdoors or simply in the sea. Despite the change in scenery, things weren’t too difficult for the actor playing Hwang Jun-ho. As Wi Ha-jun shared with Deadline, “I grew up on an island and have had a lot of experiences riding boats […] so it was easy for me to film.”
Things to Do in Ongjin County: Since Seongapdo Island is private, travelers may be interested in exploring the county it is in. In Ongjin County, many travelers visit popular beaches like Janggol and Janggeong-ri to take in the natural beauty of the area.
Where to Eat in Ongjin County: Although there are not too many options in the area, Oven Maru is one of the most popular restaurants around, with quick and friendly service.
Where to Stay in Ongjin County: In Ongjin County there are mainly holiday rentals and rented apartments available, so these privately booked places to stay are popular options for travelers.
