A Guide to the Yeouido Fireworks Festival: History, Tips, and More

Hello, I'm Roini, your guide to delicious travels!
As always, the spectacular Yeouido Fireworks Festival season has come and gone in a blaze of glory.
Amidst the massive crowds, families and couples gathered to witness the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.
It was so breathtaking that the word 'fantastic' doesn't even begin to cover it. Have you ever wondered how this beautiful and moving event got started?
Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know:
1. Organizer, Location, Festival Dates & Times
Organizers: Hanwha Group, SBS
Location: Yeouido Hangang Park, Yeouido
Festival Date: September 27, 2025 (Note: If the date coincides with the Chuseok holiday, it may be held on the last Saturday of September, as it does this year.)
Schedule:
7:20 PM - 7:30 PM: Italy
7:40 PM - 7:55 PM: Canada
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Korea
The festival first began in 2000, with the Hanwha Group taking on the role of host and organizer. Fireworks displays were held every Saturday night in October along the Han River in front of the 63 Building (owned by Hanwha) in Yeouido Hangang Park.
2. Key Features
The most notable aspect is that it takes place at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. It's a magnificent sight to behold, drawing crowds of around one million people.
You can enjoy the show from various locations, including the main venue at Yeouido Hangang Park, the Hangang Park across the river, Mapo Bridge, Wonhyo Bridge, Hangang Bridge, Dongjak Bridge, high-rise buildings in Yeouido and Mapo-gu (including the 63 Building), and even Namsan Tower.
3. Transportation Restrictions
During the event, Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) will not be stopping. You'll need to use Hangangnaru Station, Saetgang Station, Daebang Station, Singil Station, Mapo Station, Yongsan Station, or Ichon Station.
All trains from Dangsan Station to Noryangjin Station will operate as local trains.
Express trains will also stop at the National Assembly and Saetgang Station, so keep that in mind.
4. Participating Countries
The festival invites pyrotechnics manufacturers from around the world, with the Hanwha Group of South Korea acting as the organizer.
Past participating countries have included Japan, China, the United States, Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, Spain, Australia, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Poland.
In 2008, Hong Kong participated. In 2011, Japan, Portugal, and Korea took part. Typically, 2-3 international teams participate. For the 2025 Yeouido Fireworks Festival, Italy and Canada are scheduled to participate.
5. Tickets
Starting in 2024, a partial paid seating system was introduced. 2,500 seats were sold on a first-come, first-served basis through Ticketlink for ₩165,000.
This money is reinvested in safety management, which is a worthy cause.
6. Best Viewing Spots
Without a doubt, the best spot is the main venue at Hangang Park in front of the Yeouido 63 Building.
You can hear the music carefully selected to complement the fireworks, and you can see all the fireworks, even the ones that explode at lower altitudes.
The further you are from the event, the more you'll only see the fireworks themselves, but it's still incredible.
You can also see them from Nodeul Island, World Cup Park, cruise ships, and Namsan Seoul Tower. People living in nearby apartments can even see them from Noryangjin.
For an overall view of the fireworks, it's best to watch from a high vantage point.
Parks or mountains at higher elevations would offer a spectacular view.
Essentials:
Mat, spare clothes, simple snacks, hat, trash bag
7. My Review
Last year, I watched from the Mapo Bridge, and this year, I watched from my friend's house in Yeouido.
It will be remembered as a time that deepened my friendship with my friends. I am so grateful.
I was very grateful to my friend.
The emotion of the firecracker festival seems to change depending on who you see it with, where you see it, and what kind of heart you see it with.
I'll have to come again next year to feel this emotion again.

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