A set-jetter’s guide to the best Squid Game destinations in South Korea

The hometown that Gi-hun is from in Squid Game isn’t just a set – it’s a real place called Ssangmun-dong on the outskirts of northern Seoul and actually also the hometown of Squid Game’s creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. For a real slice of Korean tradition, you can visit the Baegun Market, where Gi-hun’s mother runs a fish stall in the show. The fishmonger even has signage out the front proudly displaying its airtime on the show. Gi-hun’s mum’s character is based on Hwang Dong-hyuk’s mum and grandmothers so you can’t really get more authentic than this.

It’s the game that everyone was dying to try themselves at home. Players in season one of Squid Game had to carve shapes out of intricate honey-comb like candies to move on to the next round. Despite being so popular on the show, dalgona can actually be quite tricky to find in South Korea. It’s typically made by street vendors – with one popular dalgona stand near Hyehwa Station (going out of exit two) in South Korea’s capital, Seoul. The custom goes that if you successfully carve out the shape, you get a second dalgona for free.

The first time that players participated in ‘Red Light Green Light’ in season one, viewers discovered that the games are set on an island somewhere. There’s a lot of speculation about where the filming actually took place, with many suggesting Seongapdo Island as the hotspot. Regardless, the island they used to film Squid Game is a little desolate and isn’t really accessible. Instead check out the picturesque Jeju Island. It’s a popular tourist destination and bucket list item for Sae-byeok from season one after she escaped North Korea and dreamed of post-Squid Game life. 

Daejeon is considered a little bit like the ‘home of Squid Game’ because you’ll find Studio Cube at Daejeon Expo Science Park. It’s where all of the Netflix series’ elaborate sets were created and shot. While you can’t enter the studio, the park is a popular place for families and young people. If you’re looking for something a little cosier and quieter than Seoul, Daejeon is for you. You can really escape city life with the beautiful walkway at Sang so-dong Forest Therapy, or explore the Daejeon EXPO Aquarium for underwater ballet performances by dancing mermaids.

With so much to do in Seoul, you’re going to need a way to get around town. Enter: the subway. There are many stations featured in Squid Game, namely when the recruiter seeks out people to play ddakji with – the pink and blue folded squares that you have to throw at each other on the ground to flip over. When players lose, they get slapped and offered a card to enter the Squid Game. Recreate your own game of ddakji (maybe without the slapping) and ride on more than 20 lines going to almost 300 stations. You can either buy a ticket from the machines, or pick up a T-Money card to tap on and off.