As our Filmplace team continues expanding listing and sign-up numbers in Korea, we have decided to visit the highly acclaimed film directed by Bong Joon-ho, “Parasite.” Being the first non-English film to win an Oscar, it has created a cult following worldwide.
The protagonists are the Kim family, who live in poverty but desire a better and more luxurious life. Thanks to Ki-Woo’s friend, Min Hyuk, he manages to land a job working for the affluent Park family as their daughter’s private tutor. Drama ensues as the Kims manage to monopolise every employee role in the Park family by playing a few dirty tricks of their own.
Let's go a trip to see the locations featured in Parasite:
1. Woori Supermarket
Real life picture (above)
In this scene, Min Hyuk and Ki-Woo bought Soju from the supermarket and had a life changing conversation outside. As Min Hyuk is leaving to study abroad, he suggests Ki-Woo to take over his tutor role by posing as a university student. In the film, the supermarket is referred to as Woori Supermarket, but its actual name is Doijissal Supermarket.
With the film's popularity, the supermarket has seen a rise in tourists and fans visiting just to take pictures. It sells many old-school snacks that many Koreans might recall from their childhood. For foreigners who are keen to explore Korean snack culture, this is one of the places that you must visit!
Address 32, Songijeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours Daily 08:30 - 24:30
Tel +82-2-393-5806
Directions Subway Lines 2 & 5, Chungjeongno Station, Exit 6 (10 mins on foot)
2. Stairs connecting to President's Park house
Real life picture (above)
To anyone, this appears to be an ordinary flight of stairs, but in the film, it was the stairs Ki-jeong walked to President’s Park house. She carries a peach which was later used as a key tool to oust the Park’s current housekeeper. In reality, it is a quiet neighbourhood and visitors are advised to tone down so as to not disrupt the peace. If you are into cardio, challenge this elevated staircase and give it a few laps, then head to the sports park nearby for a more dynamic workout.
Address 3, Songijeong-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Directions Subway Lines 2 & 5, Chungjeongno Station, Exit 6 (10 mins on foot / 1 min from Doijissal Supermarket)
3. Stairs leading to Jahamun Tunnel
Real life picture (above)
The stairs of Jahamun Tunnel became one of the highlights in the movie as it happened close to the climax. In the movie, the Kims scramble down this long flight of stairs in the pouring rain after frantically escaping from the Parks’ residence to avoid being caught. You might remember the gloomy scene above: The Kims’ exasperated dash from the staircase to the tunnel, soaking wet and cold from the rain. Here, the mysterious, gloomy aura of the tunnel is further heightened by the rain. This scene was symbolic of how the Kims went from the elite upper-class residences to the impoverished lower-class neighbourhood, showing the stark contrast between the rich and the poor.
Address 219, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2 (10 mins on foot)
4. Pizza Age (Sky Pizza)
Real life pictures (above) Director Bong standing next to the owner (top right).
The pizza place, “Sky Pizza” is actually a family run pizza store operating for almost 17 years! Interesting point to note; the owner of the store was the one who taught the cast how to specifically fold the pizza boxes. The rich gold sweet potato pizza is made with natural cheese and dakgangjeong dipped in homemade sweet and sour sauce.
Address 86, Noryangjin-ro 6-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Hours Daily 10:00 - 22:00 (Reservations possible outside operating hours)
Tel +82-2-822-3082
Directions Subway Line 1, Noryangjin Station, Exit 6
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