The Annual Seoul Fireworks Festival: A Guide To The Event & The Views

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival (서울세계불꽃축제) is a yearly event in Seoul that takes place in the Yeouido Han River Park area each autumn and it is stunning! Massive crowds arrive using all modes of transportation and not only is the Yeouido Han River Park packed, but the bridges are as well.

Want to know how to see the fireworks in Seoul? Have a picnic before the fire flowers, as they call them in Korean, explode, or just have some fun near Han River? Here is what you should know to plan an amazing outing to see this festival in Seoul that is a must see event each year.

Below you will find all of the information you need to see the fire flowers and how to get away from the crowds… or at least not become a sardine smashed between a ton of people on the way in and out.

• When is the Seoul Fireworks Festival?
• What is the Seoul Fireworks Festival?
• What time is the fireworks show in Seoul?
• Can I go to the Seoul Fireworks Festival?
• Does it cost money to go to the Seoul Fireworks Festival?
• Where To See The Yeouido Han River Fireworks Festival From
  • The Main Event Hall
  • Han River Cruise
  • From Yeouido Han River Park
  • From Ichon Han River Park
  • From Mapo Bridge
  • From Hangang Bridge

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When is the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

The 2024 Event is scheduled to be on October 5, 2024.

This annual event takes place in the autumn each year, usually the first weekend in October or around there. This has been an annual event since 2000 hosted by the Hanwha company. Want to enjoy fall with a bang? This is the event to see.

What is the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

Visitors can expect to see around 100,000 fireworks exploding in the sky and about 20,000 people come out to see the event in person at the Yeouido Han River Park but actually, you can see see the spectacle from other spots as well and all in all, it is estimated that 120,000 people go to central Seoul for this event.

What time is the fireworks show in Seoul?

The fireworks show begins at 7:30pm and ends at 8:30pm, but there are various other events going on throughout the day in the area of Yeouido from 1:00pm. Other events may include busking, performances, craft beer vendors and other food trucks. While you may WANT to rock up just for the fireworks portion, that just isn’t so easy so make sure you plan plan plan and keep reading to see how.

Can I go to the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

Various countries participate each year and show off their fireworks might and everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the illuminating spectacle.

Does it cost money to go to the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

The fireworks show is FREE. While you may end up paying for food and drinks and maybe even a Han River Cruise for an even better view, the show itself is free!

Where To See The Yeouido Han River Fireworks Festival From

There are various spots, some more popular than others, to get a great view. Read the options and decide which one is best for you or which one has the easiest transportation options to get you in and out easily. The crowds can be massive and for some people that’s the fun in it, so shoot straight for Yeouido and see what you can see. If crowds aren’t your thing, then there are other spots to seek in Seoul.

The Main Event Hall

There is an event hall set up in front of the 63 Building that is said to be the best place for viewing. I haven’t visited this spot personally, but would be remiss if I didn’t mention it. There’s a soundtrack that plays along with the fireworks and here is where you’ll be able to hear it. There are official tickets for this venue if you want the best seats in the house but everything else is free so keep that in mind.

Han River Cruise

Throughout the events each year, I’ve looked out to see the boats on the river which I can only assume have one of the best views in the city. If you want a truly special experience, try to book your seat on a boat. ELand cruises has boats in the water that I’ve seen but they don’t have booking for English speakers on their site, but you can book through Klook to get good rates and access to the boats. This would be one amazing way to see the fireworks in my opinion.

• Directions: Yeouinaru Subway Station, exit 3. Walk down to the riverside and then walk right and you’ll find the docks.

From Yeouido Han River Park

Yeouido Park is the most popular spot to see the fireworks from BUT that means that it gets packed hours in advance of the actual fireworks. If you want a spot in this hot hot spot, plan to arrive at least four hours early and take a picnic to enjoy the afternoon in the area.

Do be prepared that this area ends up mat to mat on the grass and side walks so in the end, there is no grass and you will be right next to whoever set up their mat next to you. The subway station here also ends up amazingly packed and it will make most people uncomfortable at the intense crowds so I highly suggest you do NOT take a subway after seeing the fireworks if you’re in the park.

• Directions: Yeouinaru Subway Station, exit 2 & 3. You’ll see the river as soon as you exit.

From Ichon Han River Park

This park is across the river from the popular Yeouido Park. From this park, you won’t be able to hear the music that goes along with the fireworks displays but you will be away from much of the crowds and have a more relaxed view. If you’re in the park, make sure to see the awesome art installations that are there as well. Learn more about this park and Yeouido in this post all about the Han River Parks.

• Directions: Sinyongsan Subway Station, exit 2 & 3. Walk straight to the river.

From Mapo Bridge

My go-to for the past few years has been the view from Mapo Bridge. We start at the southern end for the beginning of the show and throughout the show gradually make our way north. This means that we’re seeing the best of the show from the middle point in the bridge and working our way toward a less crowded area to catch transportation home at the end. There are people on the bridge, but there are also police to keep cars moving and keep a walking path open so it’s easy to get through.

• Directions: If you want to start at the southern end, go to Yeouinaru Subway Station, exit 2. Walk straight to the bridge. If you want to start from the northern end, go to Mapo Subway Station, exit 1 or  and walk straight.

From Hangang Bridge

Since we live on the west side of the city, we always view the fireworks from the Mapo Bridge, but if you live on the east side, the Hangang Bridge would be a good spot to get views. Were I watching from that bridge, I’d work it similarly and start from one end, and gradually work my way across throughout the show so that I’m at the other end by the end of the show so I can hop onto transport before any crowds might head that way.

• Directions: Nodeul Subway Station, exit 2. Walk straight to follow the curve around to the bridge.

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