Visit ‘Parasite’ Filming Locations in Seoul

Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” made history as the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Oscar at the 2020 Academy Awards, sparking a surge of interest in the Seoul locations featured in the movie.

The film offers a chilling social commentary on class disparity, mainly unfolding in the homes of the two central families – the Kims and the Parks. One home is a cramped semi-basement apartment, while the other is a modern architectural masterpiece.

Unfortunately, both of these iconic homes were purpose-built sets for the film. However, fear not—there are still plenty of real-life filming locations for “Parasite” fans to explore.

Both Seoul’s and South Korea’s official tourism organizations have compiled guides showcasing some of the film’s most memorable locations, a selection of which we’ve highlighted here.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead.

The Starting Point of 'Parasite': Woori Supermarket

In the early scenes, the young Kim Ki Woo (played by Choi Woo Shik) is shown drinking soju with his friend outside Woori Supermarket, where he first hears about a potential tutoring job with a wealthy family.

This iconic scene was filmed at Seoul's Doijissal Supermarket, also known as Pig Rice Supermarket.

With its vintage Lotte ice cream fridge featured in the film, the entrance of this neighborhood grocery store has become a must-visit photo spot for fans.

"We've seen many international visitors lately," says Kim Kyung Soon, the owner of Doijissal Supermarket. "Just two days ago, we had four different groups. I can't even count how many people stop by for photos. We've even had reporters from Japan and Spain."

Mapo District, where the supermarket is located, also boasts popular attractions such as the Seoul Trickeye Museum and the Mapo Oil Tank Culture Park, a former oil depot turned into a vibrant public space.

Doijissal Supermarket (Woori Supermarket), 32 Songijeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul; Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 00:30 a.m.

On his way to the interview: Seongbuk-dong

As Kim Ki Woo heads to his tutoring job interview with the Parks, he passes through the picturesque village of Seongbuk-dong.

This upscale neighborhood perched on a Seoul hillside is home to several embassies, art galleries, and quaint cafes.

Nearby points of interest include the Hanyang City Wall (also known as the Seoul City Wall) and Kilsang Temple. The exclusive, appointment-only Korea Furniture Museum is also located in the area.

24, Seonjam-ro 8-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

A juicy plot: The staircase leading to the Park house

Do you remember the scene where Kim Ki Jung, posing as an art therapist, buys peaches and climbs these stairs? It's all part of her sneaky scheme to secure a job for her mother.

This iconic staircase is just a short walk from Doijissal Supermarket.

As the area is mainly residential, Seoul Tourism's guide to the filming locations advises visitors to 'be respectful and avoid disturbing the local residents.'

Just a short distance from the stairs, you'll find attractions like the Ahyeon-dong Furniture Complex, Seosomun Park, and Songijeong Sports Park.

3 Songijeong-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Narrow escape: The staircase near Jahamun Tunnel

This scene stands out as one of the most significant moments in the film.

After an unexpected discovery in the basement, three members of the Kim family are forced to hide under a coffee table when the Parks return early from their camping trip. (This scene also led many viewers to search for 'ram-don and sirloin' recipes!)

The Kims eventually make a tense escape, running down a long staircase in the rain and disappearing into the Jahamun Tunnel. Bong Joon Ho, the director of 'Parasite,' is said to have chosen this location deliberately to represent the stark social divide between the rich and the poor.

The staircase is located at the entrance to the green-striped Jahamun Tunnel, which features a pedestrian path on one side of the road.

While you're in the area, make sure to visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest royal residence built during the Joseon Dynasty. Not far away, you can also explore the historic Changgyeonggung Palace and the beautifully preserved Changdeokgung Palace, both close to the tunnel.

219, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Party shopping: Orga Whole Foods

Another notable location from the film is the Orga Whole Foods supermarket in Bangi-dong.

This is where the loving mother, Park Yeon Kyo, picks up all the treats and snacks she needs for her son's unforgettable birthday celebration.

Orga Whole Foods in real life offers a selection of eco-friendly, health-focused foods designed to create a balanced harmony between body, mind, individuals, communities, and nature, as outlined on their website (available in Korean only).

Orga Whole Foods, 4, Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

A must-see spot: Pizza Generation

One of the early non-human stars of 'Parasite' – Pizza Generation – actually exists in real life, though under a different name. It’s called Sky Pizza.

This family-owned pizzeria, which has been around for 17 years, provided the film crew with the distinctive green and orange pizza boxes that father Kim Ki-taek (Song Kang Ho) awkwardly folds in the movie.

According to the Seoul Tourism Organization, the restaurant owners had to teach the actor how to properly fold the unique pizza box featured in the film.

Sky Pizza now proudly showcases an autograph from director Bong Joon-ho, along with a photo of the store owner with him, on its wall.

Besides pizza, Sky Pizza is also renowned for its Korean fried chicken, making it an ideal spot to wrap up your 'Parasite' tour in Seoul.

Sky Pizza, 86 Noryangjin-ro 6-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul; Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.