Since its debut in September 2021, Squid Game has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its intense storytelling, complex characters, and striking visuals. Set against a backdrop of eerie yet captivating locations in South Korea, the series not only tells a gripping tale of survival and morality but also showcases the stunning landscapes and architecture of the country. For fans of the show, visiting these iconic filming locations provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Squid Game. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit sites that played a significant role in the series.
Most of Squid Game is set within the enclosed game arena, specially built for both the story and production. Filming took place on custom sets in Daejeon, Korea’s fifth-largest city and a major TV production hub. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk and art director Chae Kyoung-sun oversaw the design, creating a space so realistic that lead actor Lee Jung-jae, who plays Gi-hun, described it as "almost dreamlike."
Seongapdo Island
The players' compound in Squid Game is shown as a hidden lair on a remote island. Though characters discuss Jeju Island, the actual filming location is Seongapdo, an isolated volcanic island off the west coast in Ongjin province. Uninhabited except for a few fishermen and lacking electricity, Seongapdo is so obscure that it doesn't appear by name on Google Maps, adding to its mysterious allure.
Seoul
The contestants in Squid Game live in Seoul, and many scenes, especially those featuring Gi-hun, depict their tough everyday lives. While the game arena is an artificial set, these scenes were filmed on location around the city. Gi-hun hails from Ssangmun-dong, on Seoul's northern outskirts, and much of his home life is filmed in Baegun Market on Samyang-ro 154-gil. Here, he visits Sang Woo’s mother’s fish stall and shares a coffee with Sang Woo. Gi-hun is also seen in nearby Chang-dong, at the arcade Pokopang, trying to win a gift for his daughter.
We follow Gi-hun across various Seoul locations identified by locals and websites like geektrippers.com. In central Seoul, he is seen at Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal, betting on horse races in Episode 1. After his first visit to the games island, he is dropped off at night near Namsan Park, with the illuminated N Seoul Tower, a 1970s radio mast, visible in the distance.
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https://www.cntraveller.com/article/squid-game-island-filming-locations
