Seoul International Fireworks Festival Kicks Off in 8 Days, Featuring K-Pop Stars to Light Up the Han River Night Sky

▲ The Seoul International Fireworks Festival will take place on the 8th. (Photo / Provided bySeoul Metropolitan Government, the image is from the 2015 Seoul International Fireworks Festival, the same applies below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival (서울세계불꽃축제) is here once again. On the evening of October 8th, over 100,000 dazzling fireworks will light up the night sky over Seoul’s Han River at Yeouido Hangang Park in Yeongdeungpo District. This year’s fireworks show will feature performance teams from Japan, Spain, and Korea, along with appearances by famous K-pop stars such as B1A4, I.O.I, and Mamamoo, who will take the stage alongside the fireworks to light up Yeouido Hangang Park.

▲ The evening fireworks show takes place by the Han River in front of the 63 Building, attracting huge crowds.

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an autumn event that runs from day to night, held every October in front of the 63 Building at Yeouido Hangang Park. The 2016 Seoul International Fireworks Festival will feature three fireworks performance teams from Japan, Spain, and Korea, with over 100,000 fireworks set to music, illuminating the entire Han River night sky.

▲ Various activities and booths begin in the afternoon, drawing in larger crowds.

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival attracts large numbers of tourists and locals every year to enjoy the fireworks. Starting in the afternoon, many people gather at Yeouido Hangang Park for picnics and tent setups. From the afternoon of the event day, there will be markets, interactive games, and band performances, offering fun from day to night. This year, popular K-pop groups such as B1A4, I.O.I, and Mamamoo have been invited to perform live, which is expected to draw even more visitors.

▲ Every year, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival sees tents covering the grassy areas—a unique sight. Visitors planning to attend should head out early.

On the day of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, traffic control will be in place near the event venue, and attendees must follow on-site instructions. Although the opening ceremony begins at 7 PM, people will start gathering from the afternoon to secure good spots for the evening fireworks. It is recommended that those wishing to watch the fireworks arrive early. The Seoul Metropolitan Government also notes that those unable to attend can watch the live stream online. Moreover, as Korea has entered autumn, with significant temperature differences between morning and evening, visitors should dress warmly to avoid catching a cold.

2016 Seoul World Fireworks Festival
Event Time: October 8, 2016, 13:00–21:30 (Opening Ceremony 19:00–19:20)
Event Location: Yeouido Hangang Park area, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
Transportation: Exit 3 of Yeouinaru Station on Seoul Subway Line 5, a 3-minute walk away
Website:http://www.hanwhafireworks.com/en/common/main.do/ (Available in Korean and English)
Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese)