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Since Squid Game shattered Netflix viewing records in 2021, South Korea has become the dream destination for a new generation of travellers. With Season 3 released in June 2025, the phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down — quite the opposite. Time-frozen Seoul neighbourhoods, nostalgic amusement parks, a volcanic island and a labyrinthine metro: the real-life sets of the series are waiting for you, accessible at every budget level.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about South Korea, this 2026 guide takes you in the footsteps of Gi-hun, Sae-byeok and the mysterious Recruiter — from the alleyways of Ssangmun-dong to the basalt cliffs of Jeju, by way of Seoul’s neon-lit nights.

Budget & Practical Info for South Korea in 2026

N Seoul Tower lighting up the Seoul skyline from Namsan Mountain
Photo by Oat Appleseed on Unsplash

South Korea: Key Figures 2026

Budget/day: €50–200 Ideal duration: 10–14 days Climate: temperate continental Best time: Mar–May / Sep–Nov

A budget traveller can spend between €50 and €70 per day — including hostel dorms, street food and public transport. Comfort travellers should budget €120 to €200 per day, while luxury stays in Seoul easily exceed €300. According to GoKoreaGo, an excellent Korean meal costs under €10 per person, and a Seoul metro ride costs less than €1.50.

Essentials to Know Before You Go

  • T-Money Card (rechargeable): essential for the metro, buses and even taxis
  • KORAIL Pass: for KTX travel between Seoul, Daejeon and beyond
  • AREX Express: connects Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in 40 minutes (≈ ₩9,500)
  • Domestic flights from Gimpo Airport to Jeju (1 hour, from €35)
  • Check the Squid Game pop-up event calendar on Visit Seoul
Pixidia Tip: Book travel for March–April or October–November to enjoy ideal temperatures, lower prices and smaller crowds. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, with prices rising in tourist areas.

1. Ssangmun-dong — Gi-hun’s Home Neighbourhood

Busy Seoul streets with apartment buildings and traffic, typical of Korean residential neighbourhoods
Photo by Taras Z. on Unsplash

Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu

Free + meals ≈ €5 Half day Metro Line 4 – Ssangmun Spring or autumn

This is where it all began for Seong Gi-hun. According to Wikipedia, this working-class neighbourhood in northern Seoul is characterised by its old buildings and narrow alleyways, laden with a nostalgia that leaps off the screen. First popularised by the drama Reply 1988, then elevated to worldwide pilgrimage status by Squid Game, Ssangmun-dong now attracts visitors from across the globe.

The highlight of the visit: the CU Ssangmun Uicheon convenience store, where Gi-hun and Oh Il-nam drink soju and eat ramyeon after running into each other by chance. According to WalkintoKorea, the store has been a source of local pride ever since the series aired.

Must-Sees

  • The CU Ssangmun Uicheon store (soju-ramyeon scene, Season 1)
  • Baekwoon Traditional Market (Sang-woo’s mother’s fish stall)
  • The narrow alleyways of the historic neighbourhood
Pixidia Tip: Arrive before 8am to watch local traders setting up, without the crowds. The alleyways are particularly photogenic in spring under cherry blossom, or in autumn with the orange-tinted foliage.

2. Tapgol Park — The Recruiter’s Arena (Season 2)

National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul, traditional Korean architecture in the historic Jongno district
Photo by Nino Steffen on Unsplash

Tapgol Park, Jongno-gu

Free entry 1 to 2 hours Metro Line 1 – Jonggak, Exit 4 Early morning

At the start of Season 2, the Recruiter crushes bread underfoot in this historic park in the Insadong district. According to Paramita AI, the Palgakjeong Pavilion visible in the background dates from 1902, and it was on this very esplanade that Korean activists proclaimed their Declaration of Independence in 1919. As noted by Wanderlog, it is the first modern park built in Seoul. Many elderly residents gather here to play Janggi — exactly as in the series.

Must-Sees

  • The Palgakjeong Pavilion (background of the bread scene)
  • The 10-storey stone pagoda (15th century)
  • The Tous Les Jours bakery at 62 Jong-ro (the Recruiter’s bread)
  • The neighbouring Insadong district (galleries, traditional teas)
Pixidia Tip: Buy a danpatppang at the Tous Les Jours bakery at 62 Jong-ro — that’s where the Recruiter bought 100 pieces of bread before heading to Tapgol Park. The full experience for under €2.

3. Seoul Metro Network — Following the Recruiter’s Trail

Seoul metro corridors with hurrying commuters in Korean underground stations
Photo by Scott Major on Unsplash

Seoul Forest, Hangangjin & Oksu Stations

₩1,400–1,800 per journey 2 hours for the circuit Bundang, Lines 6 & 3 Weekdays, off-peak hours

According to Netflix Tudum, the ddakji scene from Season 1 was filmed at Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line). In Season 2, Hangangjin and Oksu stations host Gi-hun’s pursuit of the Recruiter. The Seoul metro is itself a character in the series: clean, efficient, cutting across every social stratum of the city.

The 3-Station Mini-Circuit

  • Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line) — ddakji scene, Season 1
  • Hangangjin Station (Line 6) — chasing the Recruiter, Season 2
  • Oksu Station (Line 3) — pursuit corridors, Season 2
Pixidia Tip: If you’re staying 3 or more days in Seoul, opt for the Climate Card — unlimited metro and bus travel for a fixed daily or weekly rate.

4. Namsan Mountain Park & N Seoul Tower — Freedom Regained

Namsan Tower in Seoul glimpsed through the branches of trees in autumn colours
Photo by Jonas Eriksson on Unsplash

Namsan Mountain Park, Jung-gu

Cable car ≈ €15 return Half day Cable car from Myeongdong Oct–Nov (foliage) / night

When Gi-hun and Sae-byeok are released after their first night of games, they emerge into what appears to be the middle of nowhere: that is Namsan Mountain Park. According to Contiki, this forested park in the heart of Seoul is home to the iconic Namsan cable car and N Seoul Tower. Namsan is also one of the daily walking spots for Seoulites — which makes it all the more valuable for travellers.

Must-Sees

  • The Namsan cable car (panoramic views over Seoul)
  • N Seoul Tower observation deck (₩21,000)
  • Forest trails for the walk up (free)
  • Haebangchon (HBC) neighbourhood on the western descent
Pixidia Tip: Head down the Haebangchon side — a cosmopolitan, trendy neighbourhood full of independent restaurants and reasonably priced cafés. The opposite of overcrowded Myeongdong.

5. Gwanghwamun Square & Seongsu-dong — Seoul at the Heart of the Phenomenon

Seoul by night, animated street in the Jongno district with neon signs and evening crowds
Photo by Simon Wiedensohler on Unsplash

Gwanghwamun Square + Squid Game: The Experience

Free + ₩55,000 experience Full day Gwanghwamun & Ttukseom metros June–July (events)

Gwanghwamun Square is the cultural epicentre of the Squid Game phenomenon in Seoul. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the June 2025 Squid Game parade marched with masked guards from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza. In Seongsu-dong, the Squid Game: The Experience attraction offers 6 series-inspired challenges for ₩55,000 according to Korea.net.

Must-Sees

  • Squid Game: The Experience (book online for 10% off)
  • Gwanghwamun Square during K-Content Week (June–July)
  • Exploring the Seongsu-dong district (industrial cafés, concept stores)
  • Dalgona (caramel candy to cut) in the Daehakro district
Pixidia Tip: Book your Squid Game Experience tickets online well in advance (up to 10% off). Morning sessions before noon are less crowded.
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6. Seoul Land & Incheon — From Amusement Parks to the Harbour

Panoramic view of Incheon Bay with the Korean city in the background at dusk
Photo by Jiho Choi on Unsplash

Seoul Grand Park (Gwacheon) & Wolmido Island (Incheon)

₩30,000–50,000 Seoul Land 2 separate days Metro Line 4 / AREX 40 min Spring / weekends

Seoul Land in Gwacheon served as a backdrop for Season 2. According to Hey Roseanne, this is where the characters Kang No-eul and Gyeong-seok work before the Games. At Incheon, the International Airport appears in the Season 1 finale and the start of Season 2. Wolmido Island (accessible by road) is home to Wolmi Theme Park — free entry, rides ₩3,000–8,000.

Must-Sees

  • Seoul Land and Seoul Grand Park (Gwacheon, Line 4)
  • Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (Season 2, Episode 1 scenes)
  • Wolmi Theme Park on Wolmido Island (Ferris wheels, retro atmosphere)
  • Wolmi Culture Street coastal walk (fresh seafood at the harbour)
Pixidia Tip: Stroll along Wolmi Culture Street to enjoy fresh seafood right at the harbour — an experience almost entirely off the radar for foreign tourists.

7. Daejeon Expo Science Park — The Studios Behind the Iconic Games

Daejeon, 1–2 Hours from Seoul by KTX

KTX ≈ €20 + entry ≈ €5–12 Full day KTX from Seoul Station Year-round (less touristy)

It was in Daejeon, in the vast grounds of the Expo Science Park, that the Squid Game creators built their most iconic sets: dormitories, the « Red Light, Green Light » doll, candy-coloured staircases and the glass bridge. According to Trafalgar, everything was built full-scale. The sets were dismantled after Season 3.

Pixidia Tip: Combine Daejeon with an evening stopover in the Daehakro district of Seoul — Korea’s « Broadway », where the series’ dalgona candy was made.

8. Jeju Island — Sae-byeok’s Dream (Player 067)

Volcanic landscape of Jeju Island in South Korea, with green hills plunging into the blue sea
Photo by Looie Kang on Unsplash

Jeju Island (Special Self-Governing Province)

Flight ≈ €35–70 + ₩100,000/day 2 to 4 days recommended Flight from Gimpo Airport (1 hour) Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct

In Episode 6 of Season 1, Sae-byeok shares her ultimate dream: to visit Jeju with her little brother. According to the Korea Times, that single line was enough to send global searches for « Jeju Island » to 100/100 on Google Trends. Nicknamed the « Hawaii of South Korea » by Newsweek, Jeju has three UNESCO sites: the lava tube cave system, Seongsan Ilchulbong and Mount Halla. The island is also home to the haenyeo, traditional UNESCO-recognised women divers.

Eastern Itinerary

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong (sunrise over the volcanic crater)
  • Manjanggul Cave (lava tubes, UNESCO)
  • Woljeongri Beach (white sand, turquoise waters)

Southern Itinerary

  • Mount Halla (1,950 m, 8–10 hour round hike)
  • Jusangjeolli Cliff (spectacular basalt columns)
  • Cheonjiyeon Falls (waterfall in the heart of the forest)
Pixidia Tip: Rent a scooter or a car to explore the southern coast of Jeju — near-intact fishing hamlets and scenery that rivals Hawaii.
Plan my trip to Jeju

Suggested Itinerary: 10 Days in South Korea Following the Squid Game Trail

The Full Circuit — From the Airport to Jeju

Total budget: €800–1,400 10 days / 9 nights Includes: Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Jeju Best: Mar–May or Oct–Nov
  • Days 1–2: Arrive at Incheon Airport → Terminal 1 (Squid Game S2 photo) → Settle into Seoul
  • Day 3: Northern circuit — Ssangmun-dong + CU Store + Baekwoon Market + Sangbong Terminal
  • Day 4: Central circuit — Tapgol Park + Insadong + Gwanghwamun + Dalgona in Daehakro
  • Day 5: Namsan Mountain Park + N Seoul Tower + Haebangchon district
  • Day 6: Squid Game: The Experience (Seongsu-dong) + explore Seongsu-dong
  • Day 7: Seoul Grand Park + Seoul Land (Gwacheon)
  • Day 8: Incheon — Wolmido Island + Wolmi Theme Park + seafood
  • Day 9: Daejeon by KTX + Expo Science Park + return in the evening
  • Day 10: Flight from Gimpo → Jeju Island (2–4 days recommended)
Pixidia Tip: The KORAIL Pass is perfect for getting from Seoul to Daejeon by KTX. Check timetables at korail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions — Squid Game Travel in South Korea

Can you visit the private island where the Games take place in Squid Game?

No. The island in the series is inspired by Seongapdo Island, a private island that is inaccessible to the public. According to Netflix Tudum, the sets were built in studios in Daejeon. The Incheon Tourism Organization recommends the nearby islands of Deokjeokdo and Guleopdo.

Are the original Games sets still visible in Daejeon?

No, the sets were dismantled after Season 3 (June 2025). According to Trafalgar, they had been built full-scale at Daejeon’s Expo Science Park. The park remains an interesting destination for fans.

What budget should I plan for a week-long Squid Game trip to South Korea?

A budget traveller can expect to spend between €350 and €500 for a week (excluding international flights); comfort travellers should plan for €800 to €1,400. According to GoKoreaGo, an excellent Korean meal costs under €10. The best months for prices are March–April and October–November.

What is the best time of year to visit South Korea?

According to TourRadar, the months of March–April (cherry blossom) and October–November (autumn foliage) offer the best conditions. Avoid summer (July–August), which is hot and humid. Winter (Dec–Feb) offers the lowest prices.

Are there official guided tours dedicated to Squid Game?

Yes. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) runs « Squid Game Days » in Seoul for international fans. According to Travel and Tour World, private tours are also available on Tripadvisor, Klook and Viator.

Is Jeju genuinely connected to Squid Game or just an add-on destination?

Jeju is mentioned just once in Episode 6, when Sae-byeok says she wants to take her little brother there. That single line sent searches for « Jeju Island » to 100/100 on Google Trends according to the Korea Times. Its emotional connection to the series makes it a symbolically unmissable stop.

How do I travel between the Squid Game filming locations in South Korea?

The rail network is the ideal solution. According to Klook, the KORAIL Pass allows you to travel from Seoul to Daejeon by KTX (1–2 hours, ≈ €20). The AREX Express connects Incheon to Seoul Station in 40 minutes. For Jeju, take a plane from Gimpo Airport (1 hour, from €35).

Is the Squid Game Experience in Seoul still open in 2026?

Based on the latest information, the immersive experience in Seongsu-dong (S Factory D-dong) was active during Season 3. Check dates on Ticket Link. A combined package with Lotte World is available on Tripadvisor from €57.

Sources

Research conducted on February 20, 2026

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