Squid Game Filming Locations: Where Was It Actually Shot?

While the deadly game complex was built on a soundstage, much of Squid Game was filmed in real Korean locations. Fans have tracked down these spots, turning them into pilgrimage sites for visitors. Here's your complete guide to walking in Gi-hun's footsteps—safely.

Ssangmun-dong, Seoul (Gi-hun's Neighborhood)

Location: Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Northern Seoul

This working-class neighborhood is where Gi-hun lives with his mother. The narrow alleys, small shops, and aging apartments perfectly capture the economic reality the show depicts.

• The steep stairs where Gi-hun walks home
• Local markets similar to where his mother works
• Traditional Korean neighborhood architecture

Getting There: Take Seoul Metro Line 4 to Ssangmun Station

Note: Please respect residents' privacy. This is a real neighborhood, not a theme park.

Daejeon (The Staircase)

Location: Daejeon O-World Theme Park

The iconic pastel staircase connecting the dormitory to the game arena was filmed at this theme park's facility. The building's Escher-like design became one of Squid Game's most recognizable images.

• The specific building isn't accessible to the public
• But the theme park itself is open for visits
• You can see the exterior from various vantage points

Getting There: KTX from Seoul Station to Daejeon (~1 hour), then bus to O-World

Incheon Locations

Wolmido Island: The seaside area appears in flashback scenes and represents the kind of nostalgic Korean spaces the show references.

Incheon's Industrial Areas: Various warehouse and industrial locations around Incheon were used for exterior shots of the facility and game areas.

Getting There: Incheon is directly accessible via Seoul Metro Line 1 or the Airport Railroad

The Studio Sets

The Game Complex: The massive indoor sets—including the dormitory, game arenas, and the workers' facilities—were built at studios in Daejeon. Production designer Chae Kyung-sun created these spaces from scratch, drawing inspiration from Brutalist architecture and M.C. Escher's impossible geometries.

The Giant Piggy Bank: Yes, they built a real one. The 13-meter-tall piggy bank was a practical prop that hung above the dormitory set.

Young-hee (The Doll): The 4-meter robot doll was fully animatronic and now resides at various promotional events worldwide. You might catch her at Netflix pop-up experiences.

Squid Game Tours

Several Korean tour companies now offer "Squid Game" experiences:

Official Netflix Experiences: Rotating pop-up events in Seoul featuring set recreations and safe game versions.

Fan-Run Tours: Walking tours of Ssangmun-dong and other filming locations, often combined with Korean street food experiences.

Squid Game Cafes: Several themed cafes in Seoul serve dalgona candy and Korean snacks in Squid Game-inspired settings.

Pro Tip: Combine a filming location visit with our online games for the complete experience—play Red Light, Green Light where the show was born.