Squid Game Filming Locations in South Korea: A Practical Guide for Travelers

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea and want to see where the most intense scenes from the show were filmed, you’re not alone. Interest in squid game filming locations south korea has been growing steadily since the series exploded on Netflix. This article covers the main sets you can visit, how to get there, what to realistically expect, and how to plan your time so you don’t waste half your trip on logistics.

I focus on practical, on-the-ground advice—not just a list of names and addresses. You’ll learn which sets still exist, which ones you can actually walk into, and which are best seen from the outside. If you’re a fan looking to turn that interest into a solid day or two of exploration, this guide will help you make it happen without the guesswork.

Why Visit Squid Game Filming Locations? A Quick Reality Check

Let’s be honest: many of the show’s most memorable sets—the dormitory, the glass bridge, the VIP room—were built inside studios in Daejeon. They’re not standing in the middle of a city park. Some were dismantled after filming wrapped. Others sit on private property. So if you expect to walk through the Red Light, Green Light arena, you might be disappointed.

But a few key spots are very much accessible. The exterior of the Sangdo-dong set from Episode 1, where Gi-hun wins the slapping game, is still visible. The giant doll from the first game now sits in a museum near the DMZ. And you can visit the train station where the final confrontation happens. The value in visiting these places isn’t recreating exact scenes—it’s seeing the real locations that stood in for the show’s world, understanding the geography, and connecting the fictional story to the physical landscape.

This is not a theme park experience. It’s a film location tour. The real payoff comes from recognizing places you remember from the screen and appreciating how they were transformed.

Key Filming Locations: Where to Find the Most Iconic Sets

1. Sangdo-dong Set (Episode 1 – The Slapping Game)

This is one of the most recognizable exteriors. Located in the Sangdo-dong neighborhood of Seoul, it’s the back alley where Gi-hun and his friend play the slapping game. The set is a small alley lined with old-style houses. You can visit the street, but the houses themselves are not open to the public.

Address: 317-7 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Nearest subway: Sangdo Station (Line 7), Exit 4. About a 10-minute walk.
What you can do: Stand in the alley, take photos, look at the painted shop fronts. That’s it. It’s a residential area, so be respectful.

2. The Giant Doll (Red Light, Green Light)

After filming, the 4-meter-tall doll was moved to a small museum near the DMZ. It’s not a permanent installation, but it tends to stay in one place for months at a time. Check online before going. The doll is behind glass or behind a barrier, but you can get close enough for a good photo.

Location: Approximately 45 minutes north of Seoul, near Paju.
Access: Best reached by car or tour bus. Public transit is tricky.

3. Daejeon Studio Sets (Dormitory, Glass Bridge, VIP Room)

The bulk of the filming happened at studios in Daejeon. These are working soundstages. They are not open to the general public. You cannot walk into the dormitory or the glass bridge room. However, some studios host occasional fan events or have limited public access days. The only way to see these sets is through a specialized K-drama tour that has permission, or if you happen to visit during an open day (rare).

Location: Daejeon, about 1 hour by KTX from Seoul Station.
What you can do: Nothing unless you book a tour. Don’t show up unannounced.

4. Seoul Station Square (Final Episode)

The final confrontation scene between Gi-hun and the Front Man was filmed at Seoul Station. It’s a real, busy train station. You can stand in the same spot, take photos with the station in the background, and feel the scale of the place. There are no barriers. It’s free and easy to access.

Address: Seoul Station, 405 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Nearest subway: Seoul Station (Lines 1, 4, and AREX). It’s right there.

5. The Sugar Honeycomb Game Location (Exterior)

The playground where the dalgona game was filmed is actually a set built on a studio lot. The exterior is not publicly accessible. Some studios recreate the playground for special events. You might find a smaller version of it at certain K-drama theme parks.

Bottom line: Don’t plan a trip solely around this spot unless you confirm it’s open.

How to Reach Each Location: A Step-by-Step Transport Guide

Sangdo-dong Set

From central Seoul, take Line 7 to Sangdo Station. Exit 4. Walk straight for about 3 minutes, then turn left into the alley. It’s a short, easy walk. Total travel time from Myeongdong: about 30 minutes by subway.

Seoul Station Square

Take any subway line to Seoul Station. It’s a major hub. The square is right in front of the main entrance. No navigation needed. Just walk out and you’re there.

Giant Doll (Korean Folk Village Museum near DMZ)

This is harder. From Seoul, take the subway to Hyehwa Station and switch to a bus or tour. Alternatively, take a taxi from central Seoul—cost is around 40,000 KRW one-way. A tour bus is cheaper and less stressful. Use KakaoMap or Naver Map to navigate to “Korean Folk Village Museum Paju.” The doll is inside a building.

Daejeon Studios

Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Daejeon Station (about 50 minutes). From Daejeon Station, take a taxi to the studio area (about 15 minutes). The studios are not signposted well. You need the specific address of the studio that held the Squid Game sets, which changes over time. A tour is more reliable.

Pro tip: Download Naver Map and Google Maps offline. Naver is more accurate for walking directions. KakaoMap is better for driving and public transit. Both have English options.

Group Tour vs. Self-Guided: Which Is Better for You?

Group Tour
A K-drama tour typically costs between 80,000 and 150,000 KRW per person. They handle transport, entry fees, and often include a guide who explains filming tricks and behind-the-scenes stories. Best for first-time visitors who don’t want to figure out Daejeon transit or worry about missing something. The downside is you follow a schedule and don’t get to linger at any one spot.

Self-Guided
You control your time. You pay only for transport and entry fees (low). But you need to do your homework. You also miss out on guided storytelling. Best for budget travelers, locals, or people who only want to visit the Seoul-based exteriors. For anything involving Daejeon or the doll museum, a tour saves hours of confusion.

Verdict: If your main interest is the Sangdo-dong alley and Seoul Station, go self-guided. If you want to see the doll or studio sets, book a tour. Mix and match: do Seoul on your own, then join a half-day tour for the studio. Travelers who prefer to navigate with a portable map on their phone may find a travel power adapter useful for keeping devices charged during a self-guided day.

Best Time of Year to Visit and Avoid Crowds

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are best. Temperatures are mild, skies are usually clear, and crowds are manageable. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy. You’ll be sweaty and maybe stuck in downpours. Winter (December to February) is cold and dry. The Sangdo-dong alley is exposed, so you’ll feel it.

Avoid: Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, usually in September or October) and the Lunar New Year period (January/February). Many attractions close or reduce hours. Also avoid weekends—weekdays are noticeably quieter.

Best time of day: Morning (9:00 to 11:00 AM) for outdoor spots. By noon, crowds build. For indoor locations like museums, afternoon is fine but you might queue. Always check opening hours online a day before you go, as schedules change seasonally.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Visit

Mistake 1: Assuming All Sets Are Open to the Public

This is the biggest letdown. Many Squid Game sets were built on private studio lots. They are not open. Do not show up expecting to walk through the dormitory. Always confirm whether a specific set is accessible to the public. If online forums say “closed” or “no public access,” believe them.

Workaround: Focus on the confirmed public locations—Sangdo-dong alley and Seoul Station. For everything else, assume you need a tour or permission.

Mistake 2: Underestimating Travel Time

Daejeon is not a quick trip. From central Seoul, round-trip including travel to and from the studio takes at least 3 hours. Add the time on-site, and you’re looking at half a day just for that. Don’t try to do both Sangdo-dong and Daejeon in the same morning. You’ll rush and miss the experience.

Workaround: Plan a separate day for Daejeon if you go. Combine it with other activities in Daejeon itself, like the Daejeon Sky Road or a local market.

Mistake 3: Trying to Visit Too Many Locations in One Day

You’ll be tempted to hit Sangdo-dong, Seoul Station, the doll museum, and Daejeon in one go. Don’t. Travel between them eats up time. You’ll end up exhausted and not enjoying any of it. A better plan: Day 1 = Seoul spots (Sangdo-dong + Seoul Station), Day 2 = Daejeon or the doll museum.

What to Pack for a K-Drama Filming Location Tour

Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You’ll be on your feet, on hard pavement, for hours. I recommend a solid pair like the Skechers Go Walk or New Balance 990 for all-day wear. A portable phone charger is a lifesaver—you’ll use your phone for maps, photos, and translation constantly. For longer days, consider a high-capacity portable charger like the portable charger power bank large capacity to keep your devices running from morning to evening. Carry a reusable water bottle because hydration stations are limited. A lightweight packable umbrella or a sun hat is smart for Seoul’s unpredictable weather. A small backpack is better than a shoulder bag—you’ll be moving through transit and want your hands free. If you’re serious about photos, a small tripod like the Joby GorillaPod lets you take steady shots without holding the camera.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Portable phone charger
• Reusable water bottle
• Umbrella or sun hat
• Small backpack
• Tripod (optional but useful)

Where to Stay Near the Locations: Practical Accommodation Tips

Unless you have a car and plan to spend multiple days outside Seoul, stay central. Seoul has excellent transit. Myeongdong, Hongdae, or near Seoul Station are ideal. Myeongdong gives you easy access to Line 7 and Seoul Station. Hongdae is lively and well-connected.

Budget options: guesthouses in Hongdae start around 40,000 KRW per night. Mid-range hotels in Myeongdong are around 80,000–120,000 KRW. If you’re staying near Daejeon for studio visits, look for hotels near Daejeon Station—they’re affordable and close to KTX.

Always book refundable if possible. Plans change. You might decide to skip Daejeon or extend a day in Seoul. Sites like Booking.com or Agoda usually offer free cancellation filters. Don’t book non-refundable unless you’re certain of your dates.

Combining Locations with Other Attractions: Sample 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Seoul-based Spots

• Morning (9:00 AM): Start at Sangdo-dong alley. Arrive early, take photos, explore the area for 45 minutes. Then walk to Sangdo Station.
• Late morning (11:00 AM): Take subway to Seoul Station. See the square, take photos. Grab lunch at the station or nearby (try a Korean snack bar in the station for quick and cheap).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Head to Namsan Tower. It’s not a filming location, but it’s close by and offers great city views. You can take the cable car up. Total time: 2 hours.
• Evening: Return to Myeongdong area for dinner. Walk around the shops.

Day 2: Daejeon or Doll Museum

• Option A (Daejeon): Take KTX from Seoul Station to Daejeon Station (8:30 AM train). From the station, taxi to the studio (15 minutes). Spend 2 hours exploring if the studio is open, then grab lunch in Daejeon. Afternoon: visit the Daejeon Sky Road (free) or the Daejeon O-World (a small zoo/amusement park). Return by KTX in the late afternoon.
• Option B (Doll Museum): Join a half-day DMZ tour that includes the museum. Tours usually pick up from central Seoul, drop you at the museum for 30–45 minutes, then continue. It’s efficient but a bit rushed.

If you have a third day, consider a stop at a traditional market like Gwangjang Market for a quick Korean meal. Combining Squid Game spots with DMZ or other K-drama sets (like ones from “Parasite” or “Crash Landing on You”) works well if you’re a film fan.

FAQs About Visiting Squid Game Filming Locations

Are the sets still standing?
Most sets were dismantled after filming. Some exteriors remain (like Sangdo-dong), but indoor sets are gone unless preserved by a studio.

Can I go inside the dormitory?
No. The dormitory set was in a studio, not open to the public.

Is the giant doll still there?
Yes, it’s been moved to a museum near the DMZ. Check its location online before going.

Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?
If you’re from a visa-waiver country (like the US, UK, Canada, most of Europe, Australia), you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Always check with the Korean embassy if unsure.

Can I take photos and videos?
At public locations like Sangdo-dong and Seoul Station, yes. Inside studios, no, unless permitted. Respect signs.

Can I touch the props?
No. Prop replicas at museums might be behind glass. Stick to photos only.

Final Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Double-check opening hours online a day before. Places close unexpectedly for holidays or private events. Carry some cash—small vending machines and entrance fees to museums might not take cards. Learn a few basic Korean phrases like “Thank you” (감사합니다, gam-sa-ham-ni-da) and “Hello” (안녕하세요, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo). It goes a long way. Be respectful at residential locations—don’t block driveways or be loud. And don’t be that person wandering into private property for a photo. Most of these spots are real neighborhoods. Treat them as such.

If you’re serious about seeing the studio sets, book a reliable tour that includes Daejeon or the doll museum. You’ll save hours of figuring out buses and taxi logistics on your own. Frequent users of public transit may want a travel wallet organizer to keep tickets and cash accessible.

Ready to plan? Check hotel deals in central Seoul to lock in a good base for your trip.