By Honorary Reporter Minnath Azeez from Sri Lanka
Photos = Netflix Korea, official Instagram accounts of Emma Nuechterlein, Wi Ha-joon and Anupam Tripathi, Alexandra Kim and @winwin.in.seoul 

The original Korean series "Squid Game" on Netflix has turned into a global phenomenon. 

Squid Game World was set up as a pop-up at Itaewon Station in Seoul.

To promote the series, Netflix set up at Itaewon Station in Seoul pop-up sets from the show. Originally scheduled to run from Sept. 5-25, the sets were closed earlier than scheduled due to social distancing.

From the famous piggy bank to the iconic girl doll appearing in the first episode, the sets allowed visitors to play the games in the series to win prizes. The staff at the venue dressed up as the pink-costumed guards and even cast members from the series dropped by. 

Actor Wi Ha-joon plays Hwang Jun-ho in "Squid Game."

Anupam Tripathi, an Indian actor who plays Ali Abdula in the series, poses for the camera at Squid Game World.

I interviewed several visitors to the sets to get their thoughts on the series and Squid Game World.

Emma Nuechterlein (right) is from the U.S. state of Wisconsin.

Emma Nuechterlein, 19, a native of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and an exchange student at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, said, "I couldn't believe how realistic the set looked. It really felt like I was in the show. I loved that they had real people dressed up as characters from the show. I took photos with some of the actors and I cherish those because they made the exhibit so much more fun."

"Squid Game has become one of my favorite shows by far and I was so excited when I heard of an interactive exhibit to visit. Overall, it was an amazing exhibit and experience."  

Irene So from Hong Kong is a graduate student in Korea on the Global Korea Scholarship.

Irene So from Hong Kong, who is pursuing an MBA in business analytics at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul on the Global Korea Scholarship, said, "After watching 'Squid Game,' I was completely fascinated by it. I heard of the pop-up Squid Game World via SNS and went there after finishing the series. It was so impressive to see all the decorations and settings after going up from the train platform at Itaewon Station." 

"With the realistic settings and the drama's soundtrack, I felt like I was one of the 'Squid Game' participants. It just felt super intense. The fully dressed soldiers were nice and active in taking photos with visitors. Unfortunately, the sets had to be closed earlier than scheduled due to social distancing, but I enjoyed being part of the series."

Alexandra Kim is a Korean Russian architectural designer living in Seoul.

Alexandra Kim, 21, a Korean Russian architectural designer in Seoul, said, "I had a feeling of euphoria when I visited the venue. Because I really liked the series, I immediately began to explore the subway and examine everything there. The guys did a good job. Although it was a small location, it turned out really cool." 

"The subway was completely redesigned for the TV series and everything was well thought out. I liked the event with the issuance of souvenirs based on the series. I also wanted to take more photos with the security guards. What a pity to be in a pandemic." 

Visitors to Squid Game World received souvenirs.

On the impact of the series on Korea, Kim Ha-yoon, a college student majoring in education, said, "I think it was a good opportunity to promote Korea's games and culture such as that of dalgona (honeycomb) and marbles."

An avid watcher of Netflix series, she said "Squid Game" was the first drama that she found highly interesting and fun, adding that she has watched it four times. 

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.