Squid Game Takes Over Seoul

Squid Game is the biggest thing in Seoul right now and to celebrate, the Seoul city government threw a HUGE Squid Game Finale Fan Event over the weekend. While it was open to the public, there was a special seated section for invited guests only (guess who got in?).

Squid Games Fan Finale

The event was filled with games, special performances and a huge Squid Game themed parade that marched through downtown Seoul. But the coolest part would definitely have to be getting to see the cast members from all 3 seasons live on stage.

Was it hot? Yes. Were we all sweating at the end of the night in uncomfortable plastic chairs with love bugs and mosquitoes darting at us right and left? Yes.

But it was awesome.

And if that weren’t enough, the hosts of the event led a “one more game!” chant which ended with the cast returning to stage and throwing out autographed balls into the crowd. It was AWESOME and, for a minute there, it kind of felt like real life squid game.

And me? I walked away with a ball autographed by the writer-director-creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-Hyuk. Not too shabby right?

The Games Continue (at a pop-up in Gwanghwamun Square)

All the work that went into crafting parade floats wasn’t for one night because the city is also hosting a Squid Game pop-up in Gwanghwamun Square right in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

We headed over on a blisteringly hot Tuesday to check out the photo zones, including the life sized Young-Hee doll (complete with moving head). There’s a booth highlighting the “Seoul Spot” event that’s currently happening all over Seoul. Thanks to all the popular K-dramas shot in and around Seoul, K-drama fans have long flocked to filming locations to take videos and photos. Now, the Seoul Spot event has a list of popular locations based on your favorite dramas, movies and music videos (more on this later).

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a true Squid Game pop-up with out games. The main game here is team jump rope where you get a chance to win Squid Game themed prizes. Just remember to register at the kiosk with either a Korean phone number or an email address (Gmail works fine).