How to enjoy Seoul’s fireworks festival without the hassle — and to stay healthy
Fireworks light up the sky in central Seoul during the 2024 Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Courtesy of Hanwha
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On Sept. 27, the night sky over Yeouido in Seoul will briefly forget the darkness. It’s time for the 2025 Seoul International Fireworks Festival, the annual autumn event at Hangang Park where dazzling pyrotechnics light up the sky to the rhythm of music. Tens of thousands gather for the spectacle each year, and with it comes fierce competition for the best viewing spots.
Hotel rooms with prime views of the fireworks have even been traded for around 1 million won (about $730) per night on secondhand markets. Some even hire part-time workers to claim seats — laying out mats early in the morning in exchange for 50,000 to 100,000 won.
But when it comes to fully enjoying the festival, there is something even more important than the perfect spot: protecting your health from the chilly autumn weather and fine dust from the fireworks. Here are a few tips to make sure the night ends with great memories, not a cold or respiratory illness.
Dress warmly with coats and blankets
Even if the afternoon weather feels mild, make sure to pack a warm coat or blanket. Sitting outdoors for hours can make you feel the chill from the river breeze, and autumn’s wide temperature swings mean daytime warmth can quickly turn into nighttime cold. Children and older adults, who have less ability to regulate body temperature, should always bring thicker outerwear. If you are sensitive to cold, a lightweight padded jacket is a smart choice.
Wear a mask to block fine dust
Fireworks are beautiful to watch, but they release fine dust particles into the air. These can irritate the respiratory system and eyes, and many people report sore throats after attending fireworks shows. Even aside from the fireworks, being in a large crowd increases the risk of infection, so wearing a mask is a wise precaution. If wearing one throughout the event feels uncomfortable, at least put one on when leaving and using public transportation.
Warm up with tea or hot water
Bringing a thermos of warm beverages can help keep your body temperature up during the festival. Teas made from balloon flower root (doraji), citron (yuja), or ginger are all beneficial. Saponins in doraji protect the bronchial mucous membranes and soothe coughs, while ginger helps warm the body — especially useful during transitional weather. Gingerol, the compound that gives ginger its spiciness, also has antioxidant properties and helps expel cold energy from the body.
Yuja is rich in vitamins A and C, citric acid, amino acids, and minerals, which help prevent colds and ease coughing. Its vitamin C content is about 10 times higher than that of bananas and three times that of lemons, providing antioxidant benefits and improving skin health. However, people with cold body types should avoid consuming too much yuja, as its cooling properties may cause diarrhea or indigestion.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.