Yeouido Fireworks Festival: Your Ultimate Guide
Hello everyone! The Yeouido Fireworks Festival, which illuminates Seoul's night sky every autumn, is back again this year. In 2025, it will take place on Saturday, September 27th, at Yeouido Hangang Park. As one of Korea's most representative festivals, attracting over a million people from across the country, preparing in advance will allow you to enjoy it more comfortably and fully. Today, we'll provide you with a complete guide to the festival's schedule, best viewing spots, traffic control measures, and the latest tips.
The Yeouido Fireworks Festival is more than just a fireworks display. Hosted by Hanwha Group, this year's theme is 'Light Up Together, Moving Forward Towards the Light.' As befits its reputation, the festival is meticulously prepared, offering a variety of attractions and entertainment, including performances by international teams, DJ events, food trucks, and various citizen participation programs. Official events start at 1 PM and conclude around 9:30 PM. The main fireworks show will be concentrated between 7:20 PM and 8:30 PM, so be sure to plan your arrival accordingly.
Finding the Best Spots – Capture Both the View & Atmosphere
Fireworks Viewing Hotspots
The area around the Yeouido Hangang Park Multi Plaza is the most popular. The fireworks explode right above your head, providing the most vivid experience, but the competition for spots is fierce. Many people start claiming their spots in the morning, so if you're aiming for this area, you need to arrive no later than lunchtime.
Icheon Hangang Park offers a panoramic view of the entire fireworks display. It's an excellent choice if you want to relax and enjoy the view of the Han River, the Seoul skyline, and the bridges from a distance.
We also recommend the Wonhyo Bridge, Mapo Bridge, and Hangang Bridge! Especially on the bridges, you can enjoy the fireworks exploding in a panoramic view, and there are usually spots available even if you arrive later. However, some sections of the bridges may be controlled or restricted to pedestrian access only for safety reasons, so be sure to check in advance.
If you want to enjoy the fireworks more intimately, you can also consider a private viewing from the surrounding hotels (Conrad, Glad, Fairmont, Ibis, etc.). However, rooms with good views sell out quickly, so advance booking is essential!
Traffic Control – Be Sure to Check This Year!
On the day of the fireworks festival, the Yeouido area is a 'traffic war zone.' From 2 PM to 10 PM, major roads such as the Mapo Bridge southern end to the 63 Building section, as well as Yeouidong-ro and International Finance Road, will be fully or partially controlled. Nineteen bus routes passing through Yeouinaru-ro and Yeouidong-ro will also be diverted, and lanes on some sections of the Hangang Bridge will be restricted to secure pedestrian walkways.
Access to Yeouido itself is difficult, and parking is almost impossible. The Ttareungi (public bicycle) service around the venue will also be suspended! It's best to give up on cars and bicycles and plan to use public transportation only.
Subway service will also be significantly affected. In particular, Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) may be closed or pass through without stopping if the platform becomes overcrowded. Even though it's the closest station, it can be congested, so it's more efficient to walk from nearby stations such as Mapo Station (Line 5), Yeouido Station (Lines 5 & 9), or Saetgang Station (Line 9, Sillim Line). During the return trip, walking to a station one or two stops away is also a good tip. Don't insist on using only Yeouinaru Station!
Viewing Tips & Essentials
With hundreds of thousands of people gathering in one place, securing a spot early in the morning is the surest way to get a good view. Just as important as a spot are snacks, water, a picnic mat, and a portable charger! The temperature drops in the evening, so it's also a good idea to bring a jacket. Before and after the performances, the crowds will be massive, with long lines stretching to the subway platforms and exits, so it's best to allow an hour or two of extra time after the event ends to move around more comfortably.
Please also observe safety regulations at the event. Although an emergency center and police will be present, refrain from reckless movement or dangerous behavior in crowded areas – this is a courtesy to everyone. This year, a Golden Ticket seating event will also be held, so try applying online in advance to secure a comfortable spot!
Conclusion – The Best Experience Lighting Up the Autumn Night
The Yeouido Fireworks Festival is a fantastic event that represents autumn in Seoul and cannot be missed. If you move a little earlier and prepare for traffic control and public transportation conditions, you can create truly special memories. If you want to experience a unique night of fireworks this year, why not start planning now?
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