By now, you've probably come across the phenomenon of a movie that is Parasite. This South Korean masterpiece dominated award shows in various countries and carved its way to history as the first Korean movie to snag a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and the first non-English and Asian film to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
Parasite defied genres and was described by director Bong Joon Ho as "a comedy without clowns, a tragedy without villains." The metaphor-filled flick is a tale of two families that depict class conflict: one thriving, while the other barely surviving. Parasite clearly showed that there's more to South Korea than the stunning destinations and vibrant K-pop culture—there's their exceptional film industry, too.
For the growing fan base of the movie and members of the #BongHive, one of the reasons why Parasite is loved by many is because it showed a different side of Seoul. Tourists from far-flung places have eagerly paid visits to the Land of the Morning Calm, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government even promoting some of Parasite's iconic locations (which does not include the architectural-wonder-of-a-house owned by the Park family—it was built from scratch, FYI). If you want to bask in the success of Parasite, check out these filming sites that totally deserve your next visit:
1. Doijissal Supermarket
Address: 32 Songijeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
In the movie, Doijissal Supermarket is Woori Supermarket, where Ki Woo aka Kevin (played actor Choi Woo Shik, who also starred in Train To Busan) and his friend Minhyuk (a cameo appearance of Itaewon Class' Park Seo Joon) discuss a part-time tutorial job over soju that changed the former's life forever. It's one of the mom-and-pop shops peppered across the area of Mapo-gu, in which you can find childhood Korean snacks to munch on as you take photos. While you're here, visit the nearby Seoul Trickeye Museum, a gallery filled with one-of-a-kind artworks.
2. Staircase To The Parks' House
Address: 3 Songijeong-ro, 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Peach, please! A few steps away from the Doijissal Supermarket is a staircase where Ki Jung (played by Park So Dam of The Silenced and The Priests fame) aka Jessica (only child, Illinois, Chicago) bought peaches on her way to the Parks with ~an evil~ plan in mind to trigger the housekeepers' fruit allergy for their mom to get hired instead (it's a pretty insane but effective act, we must say). You can tour around this area but remember to behave since this is a residential place. Other parks surround this location as well, which only takes a few minutes to get there on foot.
3. Seongbuk-dong
Address: 24, Seonjam-ro 8-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
A luxurious neighborhood dubbed as the Beverly Hills of South Korea, Seongbok-dong is where most ambassadors and influential people reside (similar to the Park family). Discover art galleries and cafes here and there, or opt to drop by the Seoul City Wall—a historical attraction that offers a breathtaking view of the Seoul landscape, especially at night.
4. Jahamun Tunnel Staircase
Address: 219, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
The metaphor that visualized the class divide in the movie, the Jahamun Tunnel Staircase is where the Kims (which includes Ki Woo and Ki Jung and their father, Ki Taek) braved the pouring rain after a night of sneaking under a table in the Park abode. K-drama fans will also rejoice as this location is where some scenes were filmed for My Holo Love and My First First Love!
5. Orga Whole Foods
Address: 4, Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Orga Whole Foods is your one-stop-shop for fresh produce, household goods, and cosmetic products. This specific supermarket branch is where Mrs. Park shopped for her son's birthday party—a remarkable scene we never saw coming. Fill your cart with organic eats and other items that are eco-friendly and reasonably priced.
6. Sky Pizza
Address: Sky Pizza, 86, Noryangjin-ro 6-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Running for more than 17 years, Sky Pizza (or Pizza Generation in the movie) is now a booming business thanks to Parasite. You'll see autographed photos of Director Bong and the actual pizza boxes used in the film displayed here, which were the ones donated by the pizza shop as seen in the movie (the owner even taught Ki Taek how to fold these!). Savor their fried chicken and bestselling gold sweet potato pizza with cheese, which will probably take you to the sky with its mouthwatering goodness.