The Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul transformed into a sea of people on November 5th as citizens gathered for the much-anticipated Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Despite the main event commencing at 8 PM, the park grounds were already densely packed with spectators by noon, with picnic blankets covering nearly every available inch of grass. Families, friends, and couples arrived early, settling in to pass the time with naps and snacks while awaiting the spectacular display.
Early Arrivals Secure Prime Viewing Spots
Attendees were keen to secure the best vantage points, with many making their way to the park from the early morning hours. Kim Byung-jun, a 15-year-old from Incheon, expressed his excitement, stating, “I’ve wanted to come here for so long, but this is my first time at the fireworks festival. We hurried here early this morning to get a good seat.”
Jin Du-hee, 41, arrived at Yeouido Hangang Park at 7 AM with her father, Jin San-seok, 80, and husband, Edward, 50. “I’ve been coming to the fireworks festival with my parents every year since I was young,” she shared. “That’s why my elderly father is also eagerly waiting here since early this morning.” Jin emphasized the personal significance of the event, calling the Seoul International Fireworks Festival a “very precious memory for our family.” Having lived in Australia, she noted, “I’ve been to countless fireworks festivals in Melbourne and Sydney, but the fireworks festival in Korea is uniquely grand and beautiful.”
Creating Lasting Family Memories
The Kim Soo-hyun family, including his wife Bang Young-mi, 44, and son Kim Ji-won, 12, arrived at the park at noon. Originally from Dongtan, the family had set out early that morning. “We came when our son was seven, so it’s been almost ten years,” Mr. Kim recalled. “It brings back so many memories. Our son really wanted to come again, so we happily came together.” Young Kim Ji-won eagerly added, “I can’t wait for the moment the fireworks go ‘bang!'” The Kim family planned to enjoy the Han River scenery and delicious food while waiting for the 8 PM show.
Photography Enthusiasts Prepare for the Show
High school students with a passion for photography also flocked to Hangang Park, armed with professional cameras to capture the vibrant pyrotechnics. Lim Hak-ryu, a 17-year-old student from Yeoncheon, arrived at 6 AM with his friends. “We came early to get a prime spot for taking photos,” he explained. Lim and his friends meticulously set up their professional DSLR cameras and tripods, preparing for the optimal shooting conditions.
“I think timing is the most crucial element when photographing fireworks,” Lim noted. “This is my first time photographing fireworks, and I want to get it right.” He also expressed anticipation for a specific segment of the show: “I heard the British team has prepared a fireworks show synchronized to the music ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters.’ I really like that song, so I have high expectations.”
Safety and Crowd Management Measures in Place
With the massive influx of attendees, authorities implemented extensive crowd control measures. Safety officials were stationed throughout the park, guiding the flow of people and reminding spectators to keep moving along designated pathways. Announcements such as “Please do not stand still” and “Please use the right-side pathway” were made frequently to manage the dense crowds.
Nearby apartments and officetels in Yeouido also took measures to manage the influx of vehicles, with some posting signs prohibiting visitor parking on the event day. One officetel near the park entrance displayed a banner stating, “No vehicle entry for visitors on the day of the fireworks festival.”
Authorities had projected an attendance of approximately 530,000 people for the festival. The police significantly increased their personnel by 26% compared to the previous year to ensure effective crowd management. A police official urged, “We ask for the public’s cooperation with traffic control so that everyone can enjoy the festival with peace of mind.” The official added, “We will strive to ensure everyone returns home safely after the event concludes.”
A Night of Dazzling Spectacle
As evening descended, the sky above Hangang Park illuminated with a breathtaking display of fireworks. The festival, a highlight of Seoul’s cultural calendar, offered a dazzling spectacle that brought together people from all walks of life, creating cherished memories against the backdrop of the city skyline.
