Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026: Everything you need to know
Fireworks light up the sky in central Seoul during the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Oct. 2, 2023. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Kim Young-moo
This year's Seoul International Fireworks Festival is set for Sept. 5, with teams from Korea, the United States and Britain set to showcase fireworks displays unique to their respective countries.
The festival, hosted by Hanwha Corp., is expected to attract over a million visitors, many of whom gather at Yeouido Hangang Park to enjoy the lightshow in its full glory. The collective anticipation is palpable, as Starbucks Yeouido Hangang Park seat packages offering panoramic views of the fireworks — priced up to 300,000 won ($220) — sold out in 30 seconds.
Here are all the details you need.
When is the festival happening?
Fireworks light up the sky above the Han River during the Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2025, Sept. 27, 2025. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
The fireworks festival will take place on Sept. 5 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with shows running from 8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.
Britain's Pyrotex Fireworx will kick off the show from 8 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., followed by the U.S.' Ace Pyro from 8:20 p.m. to 8:35 p.m.
For the finale, Korea's Hanwha Corp.'s fireworks display will take place from 8:40 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. A five-minute break will take place between each performance.
A pre-festival event is scheduled for Sept. 4, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yeouido Hangang Park, featuring various events such as drone shows and smaller fireworks shows.
How to get there
A map displaying potential traffic control locations during the 2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival / Courtesy of Hanwha Corp.
Visitors can choose to get off at Yeouido Station — one of the closest stations from Yeouido Hangang Park that will remain operational — via Seoul Subway Lines 5 or 9, and walk to the venue on demarcated paths. Around 5,000 personnel will be deployed at the site for safety and crowd control.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will restrict access to roads around the venue to help manage crowds. Visitors are highly encouraged to use public transportation due to limited public parking spots.
In anticipation of heavy congestion, Line 5 trains will not stop at Yeouinaru Station, where the venue is located. Traffic through Yeouidong-ro — a road that stretches from 63 Building to Mapo Bridge — will be completely blocked as early as 3 p.m. Guidelines on the day itself are subject to change.
Other nearby roads may also be closed depending on traffic conditions.
In the past, festival-goers began forming lines as early as noon. For the best seats, arriving before 2 p.m. is recommended.
How to get the best view
A map displaying the festival venue for Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026 / Courtesy of Hanwha Corp.
Festivalgoers opt for unobstructed views of the fireworks show, choosing to watch from elevated areas.
Although some visitors attempt to get a bird's eye view from the two bridges that stretch over Yeouido Hangang Park, organizers advised not to do so. While Mapo and Wonhyo Bridges provide a scenic overlook of the show, foot traffic on bridges may be limited for safety reasons.
Organizers advised attendees to avoid blocking paths to prevent congestion. Setting up tents is also banned on the premises and may result in fines.
Those who do not want to brave the heavy crowds at Yeouido Hangang Park can still enjoy the show from Ichon Hangang Park across the river, Banpo Hangang Park, or Sayuksin Park. Reservations are required to enter Nodeul Island Park this year.
What should I pack?
Visitors at Yeouido Hangang Park, June 24 / Korea Times photo by Kim Young-moo
While visitors to Yeouido Hangang Park can easily rent a picnic kit from vendors, the sheer volume of attendees may result in early shortages. It is recommended to bring your own picnic kit.
The most important thing to bring is a small picnic blanket or a personal mat to sit on, as well as bug spray.
Visitors are also advised to pack essentials like power banks, an emergency kit and weather-ready items like a fan, an parasol or sunscreen. Initial reports indicate warm conditions with cloudy skies. However, given Seoul's unpredictable weather, visitors should check updates from the Seoul Metropolitan Government or Hanwha Corp.
Food services in the area may not be readily available due to the high foot traffic. Preparing picnic food and a thermos of refreshing drinks will make the experience more enjoyable.
After the show
Attendees of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival leave after the show has concluded, Oct. 5, 2024. Korea Times photo by Kim Young-moo
Organizers ask attendees to clean as they go. Designated “clean zones” are available throughout the venue for festivalgoers to dispose of their trash.
According to organizers, Yeouinaru Station will remain closed for a full hour after the end of the show. Other attendees may head to Yeouido Station to access public transportation. Smaller stations in the area, such as Saetgang Station, may be less busy and more accessible as they are further away from the venue.
If you do not want to wait line for a crowded subway, you can always stay a little longer instead — East Yeouido has many restaurants and bars open through the night.
Lastly, attendees are asked to obey public safety rules and be considerate of others to ensure that the fireworks festival can be a safe and memorable experience for everyone.
Police maintain order near Yeouido Station following the end of the 2023 Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Korea TImes photo by Park Si-mon