A large parade celebrating the final season of Netflix’s hit show ‘Squid Game‘ caused major traffic delays in central Seoul on June 28. The event, part of the 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week, shut down key roads and bus routes, frustrating commuters while drawing thousands of fans.
Event Details and Parade Route
The parade started at 7:30 PM at Gwanghwamun Square and moved along Sejong-daero toward Seoul Plaza. It featured actors dressed as the show’s iconic characters, including the Pink Guards and the giant doll Young-hee. Scenes from the series, like “Red Light, Green Light,” were recreated for fans.
To prepare, authorities closed four of eight lanes on Sejong-daero from 7 PM. Two more lanes near the Seoul Government Complex were also blocked. Traffic slowed to 15.4 km/h during peak hours, and some buses skipped stops near the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
“There’s a Squid Game event going on, so how am I supposed to catch a bus?” “Blocking bus lanes for a parade of a show rated for teens and above is ridiculous. Why restrict public transport like this?”
Public Reaction and Complaints
Many people took to social media to complain about the disruptions. Some said they couldn’t use buses, while others questioned why a TV show event was allowed to cause such delays. The parade lasted about an hour, with roads reopening by 9 PM.
At 7:50 PM, a large Young-hee doll was moved into the street, causing another 10-minute road closure. Police estimated 5,000 people attended, with extra safety measures in place, including traffic cones and officers directing crowds.
Part of a Larger K-Content Festival
The parade was part of the 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week, running from June 28 to July 6. The festival promotes Korean dramas and filming locations. Other activities included:
A fan meet with actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun at Seoul Plaza
A pre-event with games like ddakji (paper tile flipping) and a performance by K-pop group Young Posse
Pop-up booths at Gwanghwamun Square where visitors could try games from the show
The event was organized by Netflix and the Seoul Metropolitan Government to boost tourism. Despite the traffic issues, fans enjoyed seeing their favorite ‘Squid Game’ moments come to life.
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