"Squid Game" is more than just the most thrilling competition on TV — it also wears its cultural identity on its sleeve. Though it deals with universal themes such as the skewed distribution of wealth, the series is profoundly and unashamedly South Korean. In fact, Hwang Dong-hyuk's survival thriller revolves heavily around a deadly series of Korean playground games that the country's desperate, impoverished people play for the amusement of the jaded global elite.

One of the things to remember about "Squid Game" is that it thrives on carefully chosen locations and impressive set pieces but rarely overexplains them. While the show does a great job of depicting the everyday life and deep financial distress of the Squid Game participants and explaining each game for viewers who may be unfamiliar with them, it's often content to leave its impressive locations unaddressed. Still, it doesn't hurt to know more about the...