The Seoul International Fireworks Festival, hosted by Hanwha (000880) Group and one of South Korea's largest annual events with more than 1 million visitors each year, takes place on the 5th around Yeouido Hangang Park. The festival was moved up about three weeks from previous years to account for the Chuseok holiday period and demand from foreign tourists.
This year's event, held under the theme "In Search of Your Light," features fireworks teams from three countries, including Hanwha Corp. along with the United States and the United Kingdom.
The main show begins at 8 p.m. The British team opens with specially produced fireworks set to music including "Soda Pop," a song from the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." At 8:20 p.m., the U.S. team performs to melodies including "Carmina Burana: O Fortuna," depicting the grandeur of light breaking through darkness. From 8:40 p.m., Hanwha Corp. stages a display inspired by Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night," including an emotional sequence set to singer Lee So-ra's "The Wind Blows."
Key highlights this year include a so-called "tower fireworks" display using Wonhyo Bridge and a "bridge sequence" with a wider range of patterns. The "decalcomania" sequence, in which fireworks unfold symmetrically on both sides of the sky above the Han River centered on Wonhyo Bridge, is the festival's signature feature, designed so that spectators spread across a wide area at a distance can enjoy the display.
With large crowds expected, organizers are also strengthening safety management.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will set up a joint safety command center with related agencies including fire authorities, district offices, police and Hanwha Group to oversee crowd control, traffic conditions and emergency response. A total of 6,800 personnel will be deployed for safety management and crowd control. Authorities will also crack down on ticket scalping and the collection of fees for viewing spots.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will fully close Yeoui-dong Road, from the southern end of Mapo Bridge to the 63 Building, to traffic from 3 p.m. until midnight. Wonhyo Bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions from 9 a.m. on the day of the event until 3 a.m. on the 6th for setup and teardown.
At Yeouinaru Station, where the heaviest crowds are expected, trains will pass through without stopping for three hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hanwha Corp. plans to livestream the Yeouido fireworks show on its official YouTube channel, Hanwha TV, for those unable to attend in person.
