Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an extravagant firework display event held annually. The festival is one of the biggest festivals in Seoul. It is organized by the Hanhwa group every year. Fireworks display is not only done by Korea but some other countries also participate. Fireworks displayed by all these countries are mesmerizing, especially the highlight at the end of the festival. If you happen to be in Seoul during the festival, I recommend you to attend the festival. I have attended the festival two times and looking forward to the third one. There are various viewpoints to see the fireworks festival, select one according to your convenience.
Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido Hangang Park is the most popular place to see the fireworks festival. The festival is attended by thousands of people so the place becomes crowded. People start coming to Yeouido Park from the afternoon itself. If you want a good place to see fireworks you must head there early. During my first visit, I did not know about this. By the time I reached there the park was too crowded and almost all the place was already occupied. Since I was traveling solo some Ahjummas gave me a little place to sit nearby. Not only the place, but Ahjummas offered me tea as well. I was so touched. Even though I was traveling solo, their warmness made me feel that I was attending the festival with my family.
Read more: Heart of Seoul: Yeouido Hangang Park
You can not only see the fireworks at Yeouido Park but can attend various events as well. Different kinds of events and performances by K-Pop groups are held during the festival. However, it might be difficult to see them from nearby if you donโt reach early. You can also find various phot zones in the event area. After fireworks, an โafter Performanceโ is held by a DJ. I recommend you not to run right after fireworks display because itโs the time when almost everyone tries to go back home as soon as possible. So stay there and enjoy the “after Fireworks” party for some time and then proceed to the subway station.
Getting there
Due to traffic control generally buses are not available for the park and nearby stops. So it is recommended to take a subway line. Take Subway Line 5 and get down at Yeouinaru Station and come out through Exit 2 or 3. Sometimes, Yeouinaru station is closed down to regulate the crowd. In that case, you can get down at Yeouido station or Daebang or Saetgang station.
Hangang Bridge (ํ๊ฐ๋๊ต)
Another popular place to see fireworks is the Hangang Bridge. I have already seen fireworks festival from Yeouido Park once. So for the second time, I had decided to go to Hangang Bridge to see fireworks. You get wide-angle shots from here with Yeouido in background. You can secure a good place if you reach here by evening.
I loved the view of the fireworks from this place. I could avoid the crowd of Yeouido Park but at the same time, I could get a good view of fireworks. I suggest you get a place in the middle of the Bridge to get the best view of the river and buildings with fireworks.
Reaching there
Take subway line 9 and get down at Nodeul station. Come out of exit number 2.
The best location to see fireworks is Yeouido. You can also hear music with the fireworks here. But in case you are not able to make it early or donโt like crowds, in that case, there are various other hotspots to see fireworks. You can make a reservation at 63rd building cafes or restaurants. Some other locations to see the fireworks festival are Nodeul Island, Ichon Hangang Park, Mapo Bridge. If you plan to see fireworks from Nodeul Island make sure to look into information regarding the reservation. For the 2019 festival, reservation was needed to get into Nodeul Island. Many people found out only after getting denied entry at Nodeul Island. You can also see it from Mapo Bridge but the view will be from far away. You can also reserve a cruise to see the fireworks festival.
Some Tips
- Make sure to wear a long sleeve t-shirt or sweater, the wind becomes chilly in the late evening.
- Bring your picnic mat since you are going to sit there waiting for a long time. You can buy a picnic mat and blanket there also but it might be a little costly.
- Bring your tripod to get the best of the fireworks shot.
- It may sound funny but I advise you not to consume too much liquid. Because the sitting zone becomes congested so it becomes difficult to move around. Also, the waiting queue is too long outside the washroom.
- There is no battery charging facility in the festival zone so donโt forget to bring battery backups unless you want to miss capturing those beautiful moments.
You can also visit the site of Hanhwa Fireworks Festival.
Website: hanwhafireworks.bulggot.co
