Summary: Squid Game was filmed across South Korea, with key locations in Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, and Seongapdo. These real-life spots bring the show’s themes of survival and inequality to life.
Netflix’s Squid Game is more than a survival thriller — it’s a love letter to South Korea’s culture and settings.
The series uses carefully chosen locations to tell its story of socio-economic disparity and deadly childhood games. Here are the real-life places where Squid Game was filmed.
Seoul and Incheon: City Locations
Many scenes in Squid Game take place in South Korea’s capital, Seoul, and its neighboring city, Incheon.
- Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station (Gangnam): Seong Gi-hun plays Ddakji with the Salesman here in episode 1.
- IFC Mall: Gi-hun confronts Oh Il-nam in the finale.
- Namsan Park: Gi-hun and Sae-byeok visit this scenic park in episode 2.
- Wolmi Theme Park (Incheon): Gangster Deok-soo’s storyline takes him to this amusement park.
- Incheon International Airport: Gi-hun almost boards a flight here in the finale.
The Grittier Side of Seoul
The show also highlights Seoul’s less glamorous neighborhoods:
- Ssangmun-dong: Gi-hun and Cho Sang-woo’s hometown appears multiple times.
- Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal: Gi-hun and Jung-bae bet on horses here.
- Baegun Market: Park-soo reveals his financial struggles to Gi-hun.
- Pokopang Arcade (Chang-dong): Gi-hun visits this arcade in episode 1.
The contrast between Seoul’s bright cityscapes and its darker districts reflects the show’s theme of inequality.
Game Compound: Daejeon Studios
The elaborate sets for the Squid Games were built in full size at a studio in Daejeon. These practical sets, like the colorful staircases and playgrounds, were key to the show’s visual appeal.
The Island: Seongapdo
The deserted island where the games take place is Seongapdo, a small, isolated isle west of South Korea’s mainland. Its barren landscape perfectly fits the show’s eerie tone.
Jeju Island (Mentioned, Not Shown)
In episode 6, Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong dream about visiting Jeju Island, a real South Korean province known for its beaches and resorts. Though it doesn’t appear on screen, it symbolizes freedom and escape.
