Where Was “Squid Game” Filmed?

Love the addicting series and are wondering: where was “Squid Game” filmed? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! “Squid Game” took 2021 by storm as millions of viewers around the world binged the nine episodes of the Korean Netflix series’ first season, in which a group of contestants looking to win their fortune competes against one another in the life-threatening, titular series of games.

And when we say “Squid Game” was incredibly popular, we’re not kidding. It was Netflix’s number one show of all time, according to Variety, drawing 1.65 billion viewing hours in the month following its premiere. (1.65 billion hours is equal to over 182,000 years!)

If you’re one of the show’s many viewers, you may have wondered while watching, “Where was ‘Squid Game’ Filmed?” We at Peerspace share the series’ filming locations ahead, so keep reading. Just beware of spoilers since this post assumes that you’ve already finished the first season of the show!

Where does the game itself take place?

The first location we’ll want to address when answering the question “Where was ‘Squid Game’ filmed?” is where the game itself takes place.

Condé Nast Traveller writes that “filming took place on a series of sets built for the show in the city of Daejeon, Korea’s fifth-largest city and a television-production hub, under the instruction of director Hwang Dong-hyuk and art director Chae Kyoung-sun.”

This mirrors the situation that’s taking place within the story, in which they built the games area just for “Squid Game.”

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Where is the “Squid Game” island?

Another important location to discuss in response to the question “Where was ‘Squid Game’ filmed?” is the “remote island” compound. This is “where the players are housed is shown to be located in a Bond-villain hidden lair,” according to Condé Nast Traveller.

This island is somewhat mysterious, but diligent researchers discovered that it is actually Seongapdo island. Part of the Ongjin province, Seongapdo is located off of South Korea’s west coast. It is as remote as it looks, being “uninhabited except for a few fishermen and without electricity.”

Can you visit the “Squid Game” island?

No matter how big a fan you are of “Squid Game,” we’re sorry to report that you can’t visit Seongapdo. Traveller writes that the island is privately owned and there is no “regular ferry connection” to take you there. Basically, “while movie locations in the cities of Daejeon and Seoul are already visited by Squid Game fans, Seongapdo remains off limits.”

However, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) suggests a comparable alternative that also happens to be located near Seongapdo. This ara is Deokjeokdo, and its natural scenery is absolutely beautiful. Traveller calls it  “a well-known domestic tourist destination for its relaxed beaches and hiking trails.”

Did “Squid Game” film in any cities other than Dejeon?

Yes, they filmed quite a few scenes in “Squid Game” in Seoul, which is South Korea’s largest city as well as the country’s capital. For instance, remember the scenes in the first episode where Gi-hun attempts to earn extra money by betting on horses? They filmed these in the Seoul-based Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal, writes Geek Trippers.

And they filmed the claw machine scenes in that same episode, where Gi-hun attempted to win a gift for his daughter’s birthday, in Changdong, Seoul, at the Pokopang.

Similarly, Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station is quite an important location in the first episode. It is the place where Gi-hun gets recruited for the “Squid Game” itself, which is, of course, a pivotal moment in the series. The main character, Gi-hun, is from Seoul, so it makes sense that they filmed so many of his scenes (and others) in the city.

Where was the airport at the end of “Squid Game”?

In the last episode of the first season of “Squid Game,” the show’s protagonist Gi-hun is at an airport (shockingly, he is in the process of rejoining the game).

According to Klook, this airport is the largest in South Korea “and the main gateway for all tourists coming in and out of the country”: Incheon International Airport. Interestingly, the major airport was ranked number five on a list of the top 20 airports in the world by Insider. 

How can I see more locations from “Squid Game”?

You can actually sign yourself up for a “Squid Game” vacation tour, according to an article from Giant Freakin Robot.

This is because “South Korean tourist locations [have borrowed] Squid Game themes to further attract tourists”. Locations that you might want to visit include Seoul, Jeju Island, Ulsan, Daejeon, and others.

Next, discover where they filmed “The Circle”!

How can I rent a filming location like those in “Squid Game”?

Now you know the answer to the question “Where was ‘Squid Game’ filmed?”

You may also be wondering how you can rent a filming location like those used for the show. Luckily, Peerspace can help! Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. We offer you access to rentable locations across the globe, all of which are owned and operated by friendly local hosts.

So if you’re hoping to host a “Squid Game”-inspired production or event, rely on Peerspace.

Stateside “Squid Game”

Many of the sets and scenery used in “Squid Game” can most accurately be described as “industrial.” And there are numerous industrial-style spaces that are ideal for filming that you can rent through Peerspace.

For instance, check out this rustic refinery and industrial plant in Tucumcari, New Mexico. It is a nearly 20-acre ethanol plant that includes a main hall, a pipe tech shop, a boiler room, a well-pump room, and a trailer that includes three office spaces. It’s a high-unique filming location that you would rarely have access to.

To quote one reviewer who booked a video shoot here: “Amazing environment! Excellent host and a must see location! Highly recommend.”

We also love these two locations in the Los Angeles area, this run-down rustic barn/ factory in Sun Valley and this apocalyptic secluded canyon in Santa Clarita. Both locations boast vintage warehouse spaces as well as acres of private outdoor space. You can let your imagination run wild at venues like these!

Aussie “Squid Game”

You don’t have to live in the U.S. to take advantage of Peerspace’s amazing location rentals! In fact, Peerspace users in New South Wales, Australia, can rent this outdoor obstacle training course in Bingelly. It is an outdoor obstacle playground with courses for participants aged six years and above.

Plus, you can enjoy the covered outdoor pavilion for lounging and barbecuing afterward! It’s an amazing space for friendly competition ideal for “Squid Game”-inspired productions and events.

Where was “Squid Game” filmed? conclusion

P.S. Some good news: Squid Game has been renewed for another season. However, the second season doesn’t have an official release date yet. According to Digital Trends, Netflix has actually renewed the series for a second and third season. But all release dates, filming locations, and actor details remain up in the air.

So it may be quite a while before you find yourself sitting down on the couch to binge another riveting season of this frequently shocking – and always gripping – TV show. So in the meantime, book a well-equipped Peerspace and host a “Squid Game” season 1 viewing party, production, or another event. Just relax and remember it’s all but a game!

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace