Squid Game
Drama guideEnded

Squid Game

오징어 게임

The final games begin.

Air date: 2021-09-17
Episodes: 9 ep
Network: Netflix
Rating: 7.9 / 10
Cast entries
16
Episodes
9
Locations
6
Food stops
3
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

In "Squid Game," hundreds of financially desperate players receive an unusual invitation to partake in a series of children's games, lured by the promise of a substantial cash prize totaling 456 billion won. This high-stakes competition quickly reveals its darker nature: the games are deadly, and losing means losing one's life. As the players navigate through familiar yet perilous challenges, they find themselves caught in a brutal survival struggle that pits them against each other in a fight for survival.

The series blends elements of dark comedy and suspense, sharply critiquing the inequalities and brutal realities of modern capitalism. Players, including the central character Seong Gi-hun, are drawn from the fringes of society, showcasing the desperation that drives them to risk everything for a chance at wealth and freedom. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who conceived the script over a decade, masterfully crafts a narrative that juxtaposes the innocence of childhood games with the horrific stakes of adult life.

"Squid Game" has achieved monumental success, becoming a global phenomenon and breaking viewership records on Netflix. It stands out not just for its thrilling premise, but also for its impactful social commentary, representing a stark reflection on the human condition amidst the ruthless machinations of capitalism. The series has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including nominations at the Emmys, highlighting its significant cultural impact and the power of Korean storytelling on the world stage.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Airport Cargo Terminal Station

    공항화물청사역
    Airport-dong 135beon-gil 86, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon, South Korea인천 영종구 공항동로135번길 86

    In the final episode of Season 1, Seong Gi-hun witnesses a game of ddakji from the opposite platform as he prepares to leave for the U.S. This scene was filmed at Airport Cargo Terminal Station, not at the airport terminal.

    The easiest filming location to access for "Squid Game" is the Airport Railroad's Airport Cargo Terminal Station.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Wolmido Amusement Park

    월미도 놀이공원
    81 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

    The amusement park scene where Seong Gi-hun attempts to win a stuffed toy for his daughter was filmed at Wolmido, capturing the lively atmosphere of a real amusement park.

    The scene where Seong Gi-hun attempted to win a stuffed toy at an amusement park to give as a birthday present to his daughter is reported to have been filmed in the area of Incheon Wolmido Myland.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Gyo-dong Island

    교동도
    Samsun-ri, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon인천 강화군 교동면 삼선리

    Gyo-dong Island is famous as a filming location for the Netflix series 'Squid Game'. The early scene where the main characters Gi-hun and Sang-woo play the squid game as children was filmed at Gyo-dong Elementary School.

    Gyodongdo in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, is famous as the filming location for the Netflix series "Squid Game," which has created a global phenomenon. The scene in the first episode where the main characters Gi-hun and Sang-woo play the squid game with their childhood friends was filmed at Gyodong Elementary School.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Daeryong Market

    대룡시장
    460-2 Daeryong-ri, Gyodong-myeon, Kanghwa, Incheon, South Korea

    At Daeryong Market on Gyo-dong Island, visitors can experience a nostalgic retro atmosphere. There are also places selling dalgona, allowing fans to recreate a scene from 'Squid Game'.

    Not only at Gyodong Elementary School but also at Daeryong Market on Gyodong Island, you can embark on a nostalgic journey that feels like time has stood still, filled with a retro vibe. There are places selling dalgona, adding to the fun of reenacting a scene from "Squid Game."
    blog.naver.com
  5. 05S2E1

    Geumseongru

    금성루
    11 Geumo-ro 23beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 의정부시 금오로23번길 11

    This restaurant is featured as a filming location for Season 2 of Squid Game. The author visited it multiple times, enjoying the food and the atmosphere.

    It is said to be the place that appeared in Episode 1 of Squid Game Season 2.
    blog.naver.com
  6. 06

    Pohang Gyeongju Airport

    포항경주공항
    Ilwol-ro 18, Donghae-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 포항시 남구 동해면 일월로 18

    This airport was a filming location for 'Squid Game'. It is described as small but charming, with a pleasant atmosphere due to fewer passengers.

    I didn't know it was the filming location for Squid Game.
    blog.naver.com
Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

  1. 01Restaurant

    Hororok Bunsik

    Tteokbokki, Kkomakimbap, Busan Eomuk
    Donhwamun-ro 10-gil 14, Jongno-gu, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul서울 종로구 돈화문로10길 14

    This location is featured as a filming site for 'Squid Game 2'. The article describes the delicious food enjoyed there, including tteokbokki and kimbap.

    Oh my! I saw a poster from the actual filming location of Netflix's globally popular series <Squid Game 2>.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02Restaurant

    Gyodong Chueotang

    Chueotang
    20 Gyodongnam-ro, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon인천 강화군 교동면 교동남로 20

    Gyodong Chueotang is famous for its delicious chueotang, a local dish made with loach. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

    I went to the famous 'Natural Spicy Pepper Paste Eel Soup' restaurant in Daeryong Market.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03Market

    Odeng

    Odeng
    54 Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 중구 수표로 54

    Odeng is a type of fish cake skewered on a stick, commonly enjoyed as a snack in the market.

    Still, on the way down, I had a piece of bungeoppang and a skewer of odeng.
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Spoken languages
English, Korean, Urdu
Production companies
  • Siren Pictures
  • Firstman Studio
Creators
Hwang Dong-hyuk황동혁

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Lee Jung-jae

Lee Jung-jaeas Seong Gi-hun / Player 456

이정재
1972-12-15 · Icheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Lee Jung-jae is a renowned South Korean actor, filmmaker, and businessman, born on December 15, 1972. He began his career as a fashion model in 1993, gaining widespread recognition for his role in the iconic television drama "Sandglass" in 1995. His breakout film roles came in "An Affair" (1998) and "City of the Rising Sun" (1999), which earned him the Best Actor award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Over the years, Lee has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films and box office hits, including "Il Mare" (2000), "The Housemaid" (2010), "The Thieves" (2012), and "Assassination" (2015). In 2021, Lee achieved international fame for his portrayal of Seong Gi-hun in Netflix's "Squid Game," which garnered him several prestigious nominations, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This milestone made him the first male actor from Asia to receive nominations across major awards shows in this category. His remarkable contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2022. Beyond acting, Lee Jung-jae has ventured into business, launching a restaurant chain in Seoul and co-founding various companies, including a development firm with fellow actor Jung Woo-sung. With a career spanning over two decades, he continues to be a formidable presence in the entertainment industry, solidifying his status as one of South Korea's most successful and influential figures.

Wi Ha-jun

Wi Ha-junas Detective Hwang Jun-ho

위하준
1991-08-05 · Wando, South Jeolla, South Korea

Wi Ha-jun, born Wi Hyun-yi on August 5, 1991, is a prominent South Korean actor recognized for his compelling performances across various genres. He made his acting debut in the 2015 film "Chinatown," but it was his role as Hwang Jun-ho in the globally acclaimed series "Squid Game" (2021–2025) that catapulted him to international fame. His portrayal of a determined police officer navigating the dark underbelly of the deadly game resonated with audiences, showcasing his talent and versatility. In addition to "Squid Game," Wi has demonstrated his range in films such as "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" (2018), where he played the leader of a group exploring a haunted psychiatric hospital, "Shark: The Beginning" (2021), and "Midnight" (2021). His television credits are equally impressive, featuring roles in popular series like "Something in the Rain" (2018), "Romance Is a Bonus Book" (2019), "18 Again" (2020), "Bad and Crazy" (2021), and "Little Women" (2022). With a growing presence in the industry, Wi was named one of GQ Korea's Men of the Year in 2022, solidifying his status as a rising star. He is currently managed by MSTeam Entertainment.

Hoyeon

Hoyeonas Kang Sae-byeok / Player 067

정호연
1994-06-23 · Seoul, South Korea

Jung Ho-yeon, born on June 23, 1994, is a South Korean model and actress who gained international fame through her role in the Netflix series "Squid Game." She initially rose to prominence as a model, participating in the reality competition show "Korea's Next Top Model." Her acting debut came in 2021 when she portrayed Kang Sae-byeok, a character who captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her the title of the show's breakout star. For her performance in "Squid Game," Jung received widespread acclaim, winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Additionally, she made history as the first South Korean actress nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. With her remarkable talent and striking presence, Jung Ho-yeon has established herself as a significant figure in both the modeling and acting industries.

Park Hae-soo

Park Hae-sooas Cho Sang-woo / Player 218

박해수
1981-11-21 · Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Park Hae-soo is a prominent South Korean actor, born on November 21, 1981. He gained international fame for his role as Cho Sang-woo in the acclaimed Netflix series Squid Game, which premiered in 2021. This performance garnered him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, marking a significant milestone in his career. Before his breakout role in television, Park honed his craft in theater, taking on numerous leading and supporting roles in plays and musicals. He achieved widespread recognition in the drama Prison Playbook from 2017 to 2018, which became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas on cable television. Park's impressive body of work continues to expand, particularly through his collaborations with Netflix, featuring in projects such as Narco-Saints (2022) and Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022), as well as upcoming series like Karma, The Price of Confession, and The Great Flood, all slated for release in 2025.

Streaming

Where to watch

Availability is grouped by country and provider type.

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United StatesView on TMDB
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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Red Light, Green Light
    Ep 1Red Light, Green Light
    2021-09-17 · 61 min

    Hoping to win easy money, a broke and desperate Gi-hun agrees to take part in an enigmatic game. Not long into the first round, unforeseen horrors unfold.

  2. Hell
    Ep 2Hell
    2021-09-17 · 63 min

    Split on whether to continue or quit, the group holds a vote. But their realities in the outside world may prove to be just as unforgiving as the game.

  3. The Man with the Umbrella
    Ep 3The Man with the Umbrella
    2021-09-17 · 55 min

    A few players enter the next round — which promises equal doses of sweet and deadly — with hidden advantages. Meanwhile, Jun-ho sneaks his way inside.

  4. Stick to the Team
    Ep 4Stick to the Team
    2021-09-17 · 55 min

    As alliances form among the players, no one is safe in the dorm after lights-out. The third game challenges Gi-hun's team to think strategically.

  5. A Fair World
    Ep 5A Fair World
    2021-09-17 · 52 min

    Gi-hun and his team take turns keeping guard through the night. The masked men encounter trouble with their co-conspirators.

  6. Gganbu
    Ep 6Gganbu
    2021-09-17 · 62 min

    Players pair off for the fourth game. Gi-hun grapples with a moral dilemma, Sang-woo chooses self-preservation and Sae-byeok shares her untold story.

  7. VIPS
    Ep 7VIPS
    2021-09-17 · 58 min

    The Masked Leader welcomes VIP guests to the facility for a front-row viewing of the show. In the fifth game, some players crack under pressure.

  8. Front Man
    Ep 8Front Man
    2021-09-17 · 33 min

    Ahead of the last round, distrust and disgust run deep among the finalists. Jun-ho makes a getaway, determined to expose the game's dirty secrets.

  9. One Lucky Day
    Ep 9One Lucky Day
    2021-09-17 · 56 min

    The final round presents another cruel test — but this time, how it ends depends on just one player. The game's creator steps out of the shadows.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube