After binge-watching all of Squid Game season 3, you might dream of stepping into its vivid worlds. While some real-life locations are open to curious travellers, others remain tantalisingly off-limits. Here’s your guide to the actual spots behind the drama.
Seoul metro and city streets
Much of the action kicks off in Seoul’s busy subway stations—where the mysterious Recruiter selects players with a sly grin. I’ll never forget my own rush-hour ride through Seoul Forest Station, echoing with announcements and the clang of doors—just like in the show. Actor Park Sung-hoon praised these scenes for showcasing Korea’s impressively clean, efficient public transport. Beyond the metro, you can stroll through Ssangmun-dong’s quiet residential lanes or hike up Namsan Mountain Park before riding the iconic N Seoul Tower cable car, glimpsing the cityscape that frames Squid Game’s tense encounters.
Incheon International Airport
Just west of Seoul lies one of the world’s busiest airports, Incheon International. Its sprawling terminals set the stage for Gi-hun’s urgent call with the Front Man in season 2’s opening episode. While you wait for your flight, wander the same gleaming corridors and imagine those pivotal moments. Nearby, Wolmido Island—with its charming seaside theme park—hosted several exterior shots. It’s the perfect spot to sample street-side fish cakes and savour a sea breeze that’s far removed from the show’s ruthless games.
Daejeon Exhibition Centre
If you hoped to explore the macabre dormitories and colourful hallways firsthand, there’s sad news: these massive sets, built at Daejeon’s Expo Park, were dismantled after filming wrapped. At its peak, over 1,000 crew members worked here to construct the arenas—down to the terrifying giant doll that launched season 1’s “Red Light, Green Light.” Though the structures are gone, Expo Park still hosts festivals and exhibitions, so you can soak up the same atmosphere—just without the masked guards.
Seongapdo Island
The elusive island that Jun-ho raced to find? That’s actually private property on Seongapdo, tucked away in Incheon Bay. Access is strictly forbidden, keeping its untouched forests and rocky shores firmly off-screen and off-limits. However, you can charter a boat tour around the island’s perimeter. As the sun dips low, the silhouette of Seongapdo’s hills makes for a hauntingly beautiful backdrop—one that hints at the series’ shadowy survival stakes.
Whether you’re racing through Seoul’s subways, wandering Incheon’s terminals, or gazing across the water at Seongapdo, the spirit of Squid Game lives on in Korea’s striking landscapes and cityscapes. Pack your bags—and maybe your survival instincts.
