(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
The Seoul International Fireworks Festival returns to the Han River this weekend, with organizers preparing for more than 1 million visitors and significantly expanded safety and transportation measures.
The main fireworks show will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, around Yeouido and Ichon Hangang parks. This year’s festival, themed “Your Infinite Colors,” will feature teams from Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom.
For the first time, the festival will also include a pre-event program on Friday, September 4, extending festivities across two days. Food trucks and other activities will operate around the parks, including an official food truck zone near the Yeouido Mulbit Stage from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both days.
With large crowds expected, Seoul will deploy approximately 6,800 safety personnel around festival areas, nearby subway stations and the Han River. Safety equipment, including barriers, will be increased by about 20% compared with last year, while six emergency medical and operations centers will be established around Yeouido and Ichon.
Major traffic restrictions will be in place Saturday. Wonhyo Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. September 5 until 3 a.m. the following day, while Yeouidong-ro between the southern end of Mapo Bridge and the 63 Building will be closed from 3 p.m. until midnight. Twenty-four bus routes will be temporarily diverted.
Subway service will be increased to help handle the crowds, with 18 additional trips on Line 5 and 65 on Line 9.
Yeouinaru Station, the closest subway station to the main festival area, could be temporarily closed or trains may pass through without stopping if overcrowding becomes a safety concern. Visitors are encouraged to consider Yeouido Station on Lines 5 and 9, Mapo Station on Line 5, or Saetgang Station on Line 9 and the Sillim Line.
Public bicycle and shared mobility rentals and returns will also be suspended around Yeouido and Ichon from 8 a.m. September 4 until 7 a.m. September 6. Han River Bus services will be suspended or shortened between September 3 and 5 because of water safety restrictions.
For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, the fireworks will be livestreamed through Live Seoul and Hanwha TV. Visitors watching from farther away can also use the official Orange Play app to listen to the synchronized soundtrack.
Additional temporary restrooms and waste facilities will be installed, while 45 patrol boats will be deployed on the Han River during the festival.
Following the show, organizers will encourage spectators to remain in place briefly rather than leaving simultaneously as part of a “10 Minutes Slowly” campaign designed to reduce congestion around exits and public transportation.