Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » South Korea’s ‘Squid Game’ Experience: A Unique Tourism Event in Seoul Draws Global Audience Published on
October 16, 2025The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), organised an experiential tourism event called “A Special Travel Day with Squid Game” in an audacious attempt to capture the attention of the world. 82 international participants participated in an exciting series of themed activities inspired by the global Netflix phenomenon, Squid Game, at this unique event, which took place on a Thursday at Gwanghwamun Square in the centre of Seoul.A New Approach to Tourism PromotionThe event was strategically designed to build on the success of the “Escape to Korea — BETTER RUN” campaign, a tourism initiative by the Korea Tourism Organization that draws inspiration from Squid Game. This campaign, which was designed to entice international tourists, received immense praise from global audiences after its release. By aligning with the global popularity of Squid Game, the campaign aimed to attract more visitors to South Korea by showcasing the country’s vibrant culture, heritage, and modern-day attractions.Advertisement The promotional video, central to this campaign, portrays a character who, after receiving an “Imagine Your Korea” invitation, transforms into player number 82, a playful nod to South Korea’s international dialling code. The video’s success — with over 370 million views globally since its debut on July 3 — signalled a strong interest in Korean tourism, sparking a wave of curiosity about what the country has to offer.82 Global Participants Join the AdventureThe event, held in Gwanghwamun Square, attracted participants from 33 countries, who had previously applied to join the unique event. Out of over 4,000 applicants, only 82 lucky individuals were selected to be part of the action-packed experience. The participants, wearing the now-iconic Squid Game-styled tracksuits, were guided through a series of challenges by “pink guards”, mimicking the infamous figures from the show.The event provided participants with the opportunity to explore central Seoul, stopping at various iconic locations such as the Han River and Hiker Ground. These locations offered participants a perfect blend of cultural immersion and modern-day Korean life, making the event both an adventure and an educational experience.Cultural Immersion Alongside the GamesWhile the Squid Game themes set the stage for a thrilling day, the event’s creators were careful to incorporate rich cultural experiences that provided participants with a glimpse into the heart of Korean daily life. One of the highlights of the day was a traditional Korean dining experience. Participants were given the chance to make instant noodles by the scenic Han River, a small yet unforgettable activity that added …
