Visit the Parasite movie landmarks in Seoul

Lovers of the Oscar winning film 'Parasite' can now explore all the enchanting locations where the movie was filmed.

Parasite, the first non-English film to receive the prestigious best picture award at the Oscars, has captivated the hearts of audiences worldwide. Garnering an impressive four additional Oscars, this cinematic masterpiece has left an indelible mark on South Korean citizens. Since its release in the summer of 2019, Parasite has become an instant classic, receiving the esteemed Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival, a historical first for a Korean film.

Directed by the incredibly talented Bong Joon Ho, Parasite is a brilliant and skillful examination of social and financial inequality in Korean society. Through the use of symbolism and satire, the film takes viewers on an emotional journey, gradually exposing the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.

Seoul, the vibrant capital city of South Korea, served as the backdrop for Parasite. Renowned for its association with plastic surgery and K-pop music, Seoul seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, creating a truly cosmopolitan metropolis. The city boasts a multitude of distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere, filled with charming cafes, lively bars, shopping destinations, and an array of activities.

It is within these captivating districts of Seoul that the captivating scenes of Parasite were brought to life.

The Super Mart


Address: 32, Songijeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Directions: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Exit 6 of Chungjeongno Station, then walk for 10 minutes.

This is the very place where Ki-Woo's cunning plan unfolds, as he is requested by a friend to assume his tutoring duties while he embarks on overseas studies. In the film, Ki-Woo can be seen enjoying a few drinks of the popular Korean beverage 'soju' while sitting outside the market. In the movie, the Super Mart is simply named Woori super, with 'woori' meaning 'us' in Korean. In reality, the little shop is known as 'Du-wae-ji-ssal super', a literal translation of 'pork and rice'. In Korea, it is customary to purchase soju or beer and then savor it at a table just outside a convenience store or shop.

The Peach Stairs


Address: 3, Songijeong-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Directions: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Exit 6 of Chungjeongno Station, then walk for 10 minutes. It is located just 1 minute away from the aforementioned supermarket.

Forget about the famous stairs in the Joker film, Seoul has its own iconic set of stairs. Nestled in the same neighborhood as the Woori Super Mart, these stairs are the ones Ki-Jeong ascends after purchasing the peach that will ultimately cause the housekeeper to have an allergic reaction. Truly sinister! Recently, locals have flocked to this location to capture a photograph of these stairs.

The Rainy Stairs and Hill


Address: 219, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions: Take Subway Line 3 to Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station, then walk for 10 minutes.

One of the most gripping scenes in the movie features the Kim family rushing home in the rain following the unexpected return of the wealthy Park family from their camping trip. The Kim family can be seen running downhill, symbolizing their descent into despair. They then ascend another set of stairs, returning to their impoverished neighborhood. This powerful scene poignantly highlights the stark class divide between the rich and the poor. Interestingly, this neighborhood is actually located in the northern part of Seoul, in contrast to the Super Mart. Luckily, it is only a 20-minute bus ride away, allowing visitors to capture the same breathtaking shots as director Bong.

Sky Pizza


Address: 86, Noryangjin-ro 6-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Hours of Operation: 10:00~22:00, Every day (Reservations are recommended)
Contact: +82-2-822-3082

The final destination on your Parasite Seoul tour is Sky Pizza! In the movie, the name was changed to Pizza Age, but the style remains the same. This trendy spot is a must-visit while tracing the footsteps of Parasite's filming locations, as you can actually indulge in the real pizza depicted in the film! Sky Pizza offers a tantalizing variety of Korean-style pizzas, featuring toppings like sweet potato, corn, and cheese. Due to its recent surge in popularity, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Naturally, it is not to be missed.