The Seoul International Fireworks Festival will light up the night sky over Yeouido. This year, teams from South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom will participate, and for the first time, a pre-festival event will extend the celebration to two days. If you plan to attend, it's advisable to check not only the fireworks start time but also the viewing locations and traffic controls.
According to the city of Seoul, the main event of the 'Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026' will take place tomorrow, September 5, from 1 PM to 10 PM at Yeouido Hangang Park. The highlight, the fireworks show, will run from 8 PM to 9:10 PM, featuring 15 minutes of displays from the UK team, followed by 15 minutes from the US team, and concluding with a 30-minute finale from the South Korean Hanwha team.
While the event itself is free, this year, all areas of Nodeul Island will operate as a paid viewing zone, unlike previous years. Only those who purchase tickets in advance will be allowed entry, so those planning to visit Nodeul Island as a free viewing spot may need to reconsider. Hanwha will operate Nodeul Island as the 'Orange Play Zone.'
If you want to avoid the crowds at Yeouido Hangang Park, the city has suggested nearby elevated areas as alternatives. Hyosajeong Park, Yongyang Bongjeong Park, and Sayuksin Park offer views toward Yeouido.
Hyosajeong Park provides a vantage point overlooking both the Han River and the city, while the sky observatory at Yongyang Bongjeong Park offers a broad view of the Han River Bridge, Nodeul Island, Han River Railway Bridge, and Yeouido. Sayuksin Park allows for views of the Han River Railway Bridge, 63 Building, and the Yeouido area. However, some areas of Sayuksin Park are currently undergoing maintenance, so visitors should avoid restricted zones.
Parking on Han River bridges or roads to view the fireworks is discouraged. The city of Seoul will intensively monitor illegal parking in areas around Ichon, Noryangjin, and Yeouido, and vehicles that do not comply with on-site guidance may be towed.
When heading to the event, it's important not to rely solely on Yeouinaru Station. The city anticipates large crowds on the day of the event and recommends using alternative stations such as Yeouido, Mapo, and Saetgang. Particularly between 7 PM and 10 PM on the 5th, if too many people gather at Yeouinaru Station, trains may pass without stopping, or some entrances may be closed.
Specifically, it is recommended to use exits 4 and 5 at Yeouido Station on lines 5 and 9, exits 2 and 3 at Saetgang Station on line 9 and the Sinlim Line, and exits 1 and 4 at Mapo Station on line 5. On the day of the event, line 5 will increase service by 18 trains, and line 9 will add 65 trains.
Driving is expected to be even more inconvenient. From 9 AM on the 5th until 3 AM the following day, the roadway and sidewalk of Wonhyo Bridge will be completely closed. The section of Yeouido Road from the southern end of Mapo Bridge to in front of 63 Building will also be closed from 3 PM to midnight on the 5th. The parking lot in front of 63 Building at Yeouido Hangang Park will be closed from 6 PM on the 4th until midnight on the 5th.
Considering riding a bike? The city has announced that from 8 AM on the 4th until 7 AM on the 6th, bike rental and return services at 34 rental stations near the event site will be suspended. During this period, eight private electric bike and shared personal mobility device companies will also restrict rentals and returns in the area. On the day of the event, bike access will be limited in crowded areas.
Food options will be available inside the event area. The city will operate an official food truck zone in front of the Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park from 1 PM to 10 PM on the 4th and 5th, featuring vendors that have passed safety, hygiene, and pricing inspections.
Hanwha has advised that food delivery may be difficult due to the crowds, suggesting attendees prepare their meals in advance. The festival's official app, 'Orange Play,' will allow users to check their current location and request emergency assistance. The city will set up six emergency medical stations in the Yeouido and Ichon areas and establish comprehensive information centers in zones B and E for lost children and lost item reports.
Timing your departure is just as important as your arrival. The city will implement a '10-Minute Slow' campaign to prevent crowds from leaving simultaneously after the fireworks show. Hanwha also recommends waiting about 30 minutes after the event ends to leave, allowing for a more relaxed return home.
If you can't make it to the event in person, it will be streamed live on Live Seoul and Hanwha TV.
The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is a large-scale event that attracts over one million visitors each year. The city plans to deploy 6,800 safety personnel at the event site and nearby subway stations, and increase safety equipment by 20% compared to last year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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