Seoul Fireworks Festival 2026: Dates, Times, Free Viewing Spots & Paid Seating

Last Updated on August 27, 2026

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.

This year brings some changes: the show moved earlier into September instead of October when it’s been for a long time, Nodeul Island is now a fully paid viewing zone instead of a casual free spot, and Hanwha has published exact minute-by-minute timing and traffic control plans. Keep reading to get all of the details so you know where to be and when.

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
• Traffic Control & Getting Home
• FAQ

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When is the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

The 2026 Event is scheduled to be on September 5, 2026.

This has been an annual event since 2000, hosted by the Hanwha company. This year the festival was moved up earlier than usual, Hanwha has said it’s to work around the Chuseok holiday period and to accommodate demand from foreign tourists visiting in early fall. So if you’re used to this being a late-September or early-October event, note the earlier date so you don’t miss it. Want to enjoy fall with a bang? This is the event to see.

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What is the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

Hanwha Group states that over 1 million people attend the Seoul Fireworks Festival annually across all the viewing areas around the Han River. If you’re watching the fireworks from Yeouido, you’ll definitely feel that. Just know, you can see the fireworks from all over.

This year, three teams are behind the display: the host, Hanwha, along with national teams from the United Kingdom and the United States, each bringing their own country’s style and pyrotechnic artistry to the sky. New for 2026 are two formations to know about too, “Tower Fireworks,” which uses Wonhyo Bridge itself as a launch structure, and “Decalcomania,” where fireworks unfold in a mirrored, symmetrical pattern on both sides of the Han River sky at once.

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What time is the fireworks show in Seoul?

The festival grounds are open from 1:00pm to 10:00pm, with the fireworks display itself beginning at 8:00pm sharp. Why do I mention 1:00pm? Because people most definitely get there that early and have a picnic, listen to music, and enjoy the afternoon leading up to the fireworks display. The picnic blankets will fill in and you won’t see grass at all as the time nears for fireworks.

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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. This year it’s the UK and US teams joining Hanwha. If you can’t make it in person, Hanwha has said they’ll livestream the festival online this year, worth looking up if you’re stuck across town or prefer to skip the crowds entirely.

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

The fireworks show is FREE at Yeouido and Ichon Han River Parks. While you may end up paying for food and drinks and maybe even a Han River Cruise for an even better view, general viewing is free.

The one exception this year: Nodeul Island. In past years it’s functioned more like a casual, free viewing spot, but for 2026 the entire island has been converted into a paid, ticketed area called the Orange Play Zone. More on that below.

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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.

Spot	Free or Paid	Crowd Level	Best For	Nearest Station
Yeouido Han River Park	Free	Very high	Full atmosphere, closest to the action	Yeouinaru (Line 5), exit 2 & 3
Ichon Han River Park	Free	Moderate	A calmer view, art installations, families	Sinyongsan, exit 2 & 3
Mapo Bridge	Free	Moderate	Watching while gradually moving toward easier transport home	Yeouinaru exit 2 (south end) or Mapo Station exit 1 (north end)
Hangang Bridge	Free	Moderate	East-side residents wanting an easier commute home	Nodeul Station, exit 2
Nodeul Island (Orange Play Zone)	Paid (₩110,000–₩220,000)	Low (capped by ticket sales)	A comfortable, amenity-filled experience away from the crush	Nodeul Station
Main Event Hall (63 Building)	Paid	Low	Best official sightline + synced soundtrack	Yeouinaru, exit 3
Han River Cruise	Paid	Low	A totally different vantage point, on the water	Yeouinaru, exit 3

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.

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 that 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.

Nodeul Island Orange Play Zone

New this year, so if you remember Nodeul Island as a free, low-key spot from past festivals, that’s changed. For 2026, the entire island is operating as a single ticketed viewing area called the Orange Play Zone, and admission is only granted to people who’ve bought tickets in advance, there’s no walk-up general access this year.

What’s included, per Hanwha’s official description:

• Live performances and recreational events throughout the afternoon
• An AR fireworks experience
• A make-your-own fireworks candle and strap activity
• A fireworks festival photo exhibition
• Food and beverage vendors while you wait for the 8 PM show
• A welcome gift on entry

One important caveat straight from the organizers: Nodeul Island sits at a distance from the front-facing angle of the main fireworks display, so views may be partially restricted compared to Yeouido or Ichon. This is the trade-off for comfort and lower crowd density, worth knowing before you book so you’re not expecting a dead-center view.

Tickets are sold through the ORANGE PLAY app or online, limited to 5 tickets per person, and sales run from August 3, 2026 until sold out, check current availability and buy here. Given how quickly this is moving, I’d verify availability the moment you’re ready to book rather than waiting.

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.

Good to know: This isn’t just me being cautious, Seoul Metro has confirmed that Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) will actually close temporarily for about an hour after the show (roughly 8:40–9:40 PM) to manage the crush. So even if you wanted to brave it, the option may not be there. Plan to walk toward a quieter station or simply wait out the worst of it with a coffee before heading underground.

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. Check out this guide to learn more about the Han River Parks and where you might want to camp out.

• 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, and walk straight.

Good to know this year: The section of Yeouidong-ro between the south end of Mapo Bridge and the 63 Building will be closed to vehicle traffic from 3:00 PM to midnight on show day, so the road itself will be pedestrian territory.

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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Traffic Control & Getting Home

Seoul has published a fairly detailed traffic control plan in order to ensure crowd safety, and knowing it ahead of time can save you a frustrating night:

• Yeouidong-ro (between the south end of Mapo Bridge and the 63 Building) closes to vehicles from 3:00 PM to midnight on September 5.
• Streets between Parc.1 Tower and the Yeouidong Community Service Center will have selective access, only apartment residents and event vehicles get through during the same window.
• Olympic-daero and Nodeul-gil approaches to the 63 Building will see flexible traffic control managed on-site by police.
• The Yeouido Han River Park parking lot in front of the 63 Building closes from 6:00 PM on Friday, September 4 through midnight on September 5, so don’t plan on parking there even the night before.
• Wonhyo Bridge will be fully closed for fireworks rigging: setup on September 4 (9 AM–5 PM), full closure through the event on September 5 (9 AM) into the early hours of September 6 (3 AM), and teardown the morning of September 6 (8 AM–12 PM). If you’d normally cross here, detour via Yeoui-daero, Uisadang-daero, Mapo-daero, Wonhyo-ro, Hangang-daero, Nodeul-gil, or Noryangjin-ro instead.
• As noted above, Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) will close for about an hour after the show ends to manage the exit crowd.

Hanwha has also said they’re running a record 5,000+ safety and crowd-control staff this year, including 1,200 employee volunteers, plus real-time crowd density monitoring (“Orange Safety,” done in partnership with telecom carriers) to help manage dispersal. They’ve also added 94 temporary restrooms around the festival grounds and are running a post-event cleanup campaign, useful to know if you’re wondering how bad the bathroom situation or the mess will be.

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FAQ

Is the Seoul Fireworks Festival free?

Yes, at Yeouido and Ichon Han River Parks, general viewing is completely free. The exception this year is Nodeul Island, which is fully paid seating.

What time do the fireworks start?

The main show begins at 8:00 PM sharp and runs to approximately 9:10 PM. The festival grounds themselves are open from 1:00 PM for pre-show programming.

What’s the best place to watch the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

For the fullest atmosphere, Yeouido Han River Park is the classic choice, but it’s also the most crowded. For a calmer experience with a wide view, Ichon Han River Park across the river is a strong pick. I like walking across a nearby bridge so I’m out of the crowds by the time the fireworks end.

How early should I arrive?

For a spot at Yeouido, plan on arriving at least four hours early, by early afternoon the good ground is already claimed. This not an exaggeration.

Is there paid seating for the Seoul Fireworks Festival?

Yes, new for 2026, Nodeul Island operates as a fully ticketed “Orange Play Zone” with four pricing tiers (₩110,000–₩220,000), plus there’s a separately ticketed Main Event Hall area in front of the 63 Building.

Is it a good festival to bring kids to?

It’s a great festival for kids, but it is crowded so it’s best to keep this in mind and generally opt to watch from a less crowded area or stay a bit later or leave a bit earlier to ensure safety on the public transportation.

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