The main event of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026 is set to illuminate the Yeouido Han River area on October 5th, drawing an estimated one million attendees. In anticipation of the massive crowd, police have implemented extensive traffic control measures, including a complete closure of Yeouido’s main roads to vehicles and a significant deployment of law enforcement personnel to ensure public safety and manage the expected influx of people.
Extensive Road Closures and Traffic Management
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that vehicle traffic on Yeouido-dong-ro, from Mapo Bridge South to the 63 Building, will be entirely restricted from 3 PM until midnight. Additionally, Wonhyo Bridge will experience lane closures in both directions from 9 AM on October 5th until 3 AM on October 6th to facilitate the setup and removal of fireworks installations. These measures are designed to create safe zones for festival-goers and prevent traffic congestion in areas anticipated to be heavily populated.
To manage the flow of people after the event concludes, police plan to expand pedestrian areas by closing one lane of traffic under Mapo Bridge and Hangang Bridge. This will allow for a more orderly departure of the large audience.
Specific Traffic Controls and Enforcement
- Yeouido-dong-ro: Full vehicle traffic closure from Mapo Bridge South to the 63 Building (3 PM – midnight).
- Wonhyo Bridge: Lane closures in both directions for fireworks setup/removal (9 AM Oct 5 – 3 AM Oct 6).
- Post-event Pedestrian Zones: Expansion under Mapo and Hangang Bridges by closing one traffic lane each.
Police will also be strictly enforcing regulations against stopping vehicles on roads like Olympic-daero, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, and bridges including Yanghwa, Seogang, Mapo, Hangang, and Dongjak. Patrol cars and motorcycles will be stationed to prevent illegal parking and ensure smooth traffic flow. The Hangang Police will deploy five patrol boats to control access between Mapo Bridge and Hangang Bridge, further securing the waterfront area.
Enhanced Safety and Security Measures
Safety management at the event site will be significantly heightened. The head of the Public Safety Division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will oversee all safety operations. Police forces will be concentrated at key entry and exit points, as well as subway stations, to maintain order and provide assistance. Special police units are conducting pre-event sweeps of the festival grounds and have established vehicle blockades at critical locations to counter potential vehicle-borne attacks.
In response to potential threats, a joint team comprising counter-terrorism, criminal investigation, and emergency response units will be mobilized. If reports of explosive devices are received, this team will assess the threat level and coordinate with relevant authorities for crowd control and evacuation if necessary. Measures are also in place to address other potential disruptions, such as the illegal use of drones or other suspicious activities.
Countering Illegal Activities
- Crowd Monitoring: Police teams and mobile units will be deployed in densely populated areas and near CCTV blind spots.
- Illegal Transactions: Crackdowns on illegal street vending and ticket scalping are planned.
- Ticket Fraud: A dedicated investigation team will operate to prevent fraudulent ticket sales, particularly those using macros.
To combat illegal activities like black market transactions and ticket scalping, police will deploy plainclothes officers and public order units. An investigation team will also be in operation to prevent the misuse of macros for fraudulent ticket pre-sales.
Previous Event and Outlook
The preceding evening’s preview event saw approximately 100,000 people gather along Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Parks. Fortunately, that event concluded without any major safety incidents. However, authorities anticipate a significantly larger crowd for the main festival and are committed to reinforcing safety protocols accordingly.
A police official stated, “We will ensure a coordinated response across all police functions, including crowd management, traffic control, crime prevention, and emergency services, so that citizens can enjoy the festival with peace of mind.” A dedicated ‘Fireworks Safety Situation Room’ will operate on the day of the main event to monitor and manage safety in real-time.
The festival aims to provide a spectacular display of fireworks, and organizers, in conjunction with law enforcement, are prioritizing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The comprehensive traffic and security plan reflects the scale of the event and the commitment to public safety.
