[Uncharted Koreatown] Squid Game | From Screen to Reality

The Return of a Global Phenomenon

Squid Game is back—bigger, bolder, and breaking records once again. Season 2 has dominated Netflix’s global charts, achieving the highest viewership in its premiere week and solidifying its place as one of the most-watched non-English series of all time. With enhanced translations, a global audience eager to explore Korean culture on a deeper level, and the explosive success of Season 1, this new chapter is pushing Korean traditions into the international spotlight.

Korean childhood games, once played in quiet courtyards and schoolyards, are now worldwide sensations. From mugunghwa kkochi pieotseumnida (Red Light, Green Light) and dalgona candy challenges to the iconic Squid Game itself, these nostalgic games introduced in Season 1 captivated millions. Now, Season 2 brings even more traditional games into the spotlight, including jegichagi (Korean hacky sack), gonggi (a toss-and-catch marble game), and dunggeulge dunggeulge (Round and Round). What was once a part of everyday life in Korea is now a shared cultural touchstone for a global audience, and Koreans take great pride in seeing their playful traditions embraced worldwide.

Sandbox VR San Francisco | Photo © KARA SF, 2025.

Beyond the Screen—Where VR Meets Korean Storytelling

But should these games remain a screen-only experience? Not in San Francisco, the epicenter of gaming innovation. Here, virtual reality technology meets Korean storytelling, creating a next-level way to experience Squid Game firsthand.

At Sandbox VR, located in the heart of Market Street, Squid Game is no longer just a drama—it’s an immersive reality. In partnership with Netflix, Sandbox VR has brought a fully interactive version of the competition to life. Step into the iconic tracksuit, face high-stakes challenges, and compete in thrilling mini-games. The intensity is real, the stakes are high—but unlike in the show, no one gets eliminated. Instead, you keep playing, strategizing, and mastering new challenges. What better way to experience culture than through a fully interactive, high-tech, and story-driven game? This is exactly the kind of cultural-tech fusion that only a global innovation hub like San Francisco can offer.

A Cultural Harmony: Where Korean Games Meet American Innovation

This fusion of Korea’s deep-rooted traditional games, cinematic storytelling, and cutting-edge virtual reality technology is reshaping how we engage with entertainment. Situated in downtown San Francisco, this experience is more than just a game—it’s a cultural crossover, a bridge between past and future, and a glimpse into the next era of interactive storytelling.

🔗 Step into the game: sandboxvr.com/experience/squidgame