You may or may not have heard about the International Firework Festival in Seoul. It is a firework festival held annually at Yeouido Park. According to an article, it is usually helped organised by a Korean company called Hanwha.
Every year, the Firework Festival would collaborate with certain countries around the world, showcasing each countries’ fireworks. Countries like Japan, Canada, France and of course South Korea have taken part in this. I’ve been to the festival twice and it is always so grand and lively every year. The Firework Festival is usually held in October, so if you find yourself in Korea that month, you can try giving the event a go.
Any admission fees? Not at all, it is free of charge for the public to enjoy. I do have to add that it can get crowded. The amount of visitors visiting every year range from 100,000-120,000 people. Here’s my advise. Be there early.ย The event usually starts at 7.30pm. Be there really early if possible 3 hours earlier at 4pm to 5 pm. Do not go right before the event starts because the subway will be very crowded and you would have to stand for a long time waiting in the subway and waiting to get to the festival.
Go with your friends and bring along picnic equipments. Bring a mat with you and some food so you guys can chill out have a picnic while waiting for the festival to start.
This video below is one of the examples of the type of fireworks that you will get to see. The video shows fireworks that represent Korea. On the building to the right has the Korean flag displayed on it. For every country’s firework will have their respective flag displayed on the building.
If you want the best view of the firework, try to sit as close to the Hangang River as possible. There is a building there called the ’63 building’ and there is a main event hall located in front of the building, it is said that the main event hall is the best place to view the fireworks.ย
All in all, it was a thrilling yet relaxing experience. Despite the crowd, who would’ve thought you would able to forget the hustle and bustle behind for a few moments when you’re watching the pretty fireworks while sipping on your favourite iced coffee. The crowd was tough but once you’re seated with a drink in your hands and you start watching the fireworks, you tend to forget about it for a second and find yourself indulged in the moment. There are stores and cafes nearby where you can buy yourself some snacks or drinks.
If you’re looking for a one in a lifetime experience to watch the biggest firework show in South Korea, I say go for it!
