Photo from the 2024 Seoul International Fireworks Festival — shown here to illustrate the show itself, since 2026 event photos aren’t published yet.
The Seoul Yeouido Fireworks Festival — officially the “Seoul International Fireworks Festival with Hanwha” — returns on September 5, 2026, filling the sky over the Han River with synchronized fireworks and music from three countries. This guide covers the confirmed schedule, the best places to watch from, and how to actually get there once roads start closing.
Quick answer: date, time, location
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Pre-festival | September 4, 2026 (Friday), 13:00-19:00, food trucks until 22:00 |
| Main event | September 5, 2026 (Saturday), 13:00-22:00 |
| Fireworks show | 20:00-21:10 on September 5 |
| Venue | Yeouido Hangang Park (between Mapo Bridge and the Han River Railway Bridge) and Ichon Hangang Park across the river |
| Admission | Free at the public riverbank; Nodeul Island has separate paid reserved seating |
| Host / organizer | Hosted by Nodeul Island, presented by Hanwha, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and SBS as partners |
Full schedule: pre-festival and main show
September 4 is a lower-key preview day with citizen-participation programs and food trucks, running from 13:00 to 19:00 (food trucks stay open until 22:00). It does not include a fireworks show of its own.
The main fireworks show on September 5 is split into three timed segments by team:
| Team | Start time | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (Pyrotex Fireworks) | 20:00, about 15 minutes | “Bloom Again” |
| United States (Ace Pyro) | 20:20 | “Beyond the Dark” |
| Korea (Hanwha) | 20:40, about 30 minutes | “Starry Night — Puzzle of Light” |
The full show wraps up by roughly 21:10, with the festival grounds staying open until 22:00.
Best viewing spots
Yeouido Hangang Park itself is the default choice — it faces the fireworks directly and puts you closest to the live music — but expect it to be the most crowded spot by far. If you’d rather have breathing room, several nearby viewpoints offer a clear view without the density.
| Spot | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Yeouido Hangang Park | Closest and most direct view, plus live music from the venue; also the most crowded location |
| Ichon Hangang Park | Across the river; good for shots that include the fireworks’ reflection on the water |
| Nodeul Island | Paid reserved seating with a guaranteed sightline, run by the event’s host organization |
| 63 Building area | Elevated view from the Yeouido side, away from the densest riverbank crowd |
| Seonyudo Park | A quieter island park slightly downstream with an unobstructed river view |
| Wonhyo Bridge, south end | Street-level view near one of the main road closures; arrive early since this area shuts to traffic |
Getting there and road closures
Driving is not realistic on the day — the main approach roads close for the event, and parking near Yeouido fills early regardless. Public transit is the practical option.
Wonhyo Bridge closes in stages: a partial closure on September 4 (09:00-17:00), then a full closure from September 5 at 09:00 through September 6 at 03:00, followed by another partial closure the morning of the 6th. Yeouidong-ro, from the south end of Mapo Bridge to the area in front of the 63 Building, closes entirely from 15:00 to midnight on September 5.
For the subway, avoid Yeouinaru Station, which may itself be closed or heavily restricted between roughly 19:00 and 22:00 on the day of the show. Use Yeouido Station (Lines 5 and 9) or Saetgang Station (Line 9 and the Sillim Line) instead, and consider Mapo Station (Line 5) as a walk-in alternative. Seoul is adding extra trains that evening — about 18 additional runs on Line 5 and 65 on Line 9 — and roughly two dozen bus routes will run on detours. Han River ferry service is also expected to be reduced or suspended for the evening.
See our guide to more things to do along the Han River →
What to bring and general tips
Arrive several hours before the 20:00 start if you want a spot at Yeouido Hangang Park itself — the riverbank fills up long before the show starts. A picnic mat, portable phone charger, and something to sit on make the wait more comfortable.
Food trucks operate at the venue, but lines get long once the crowd builds, so eating beforehand is worth considering. Keep valuables close and agree on a meeting point with your group in advance — phone signal can get congested with the crowd size, and finding people after the show ends is harder than it sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yeouido Fireworks Festival free?
Yes, general viewing along Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Park is free. Nodeul Island offers separate paid reserved seating for guaranteed unobstructed viewing.
What happens if it rains?
Large-scale fireworks festivals in Seoul have historically proceeded through light rain, with postponement reserved for severe weather; check the official festival page on the day for any last-minute changes.
How early should I arrive at Yeouido Hangang Park?
Most visitors aiming for a spot directly at the park arrive in the mid-afternoon, several hours before the 20:00 start, since the closest sections fill first.
Can I drive and park near the venue?
It isn’t recommended. Yeouidong-ro closes to all traffic from 15:00 on the day of the show, and nearby parking fills quickly — the subway is the more reliable option.
Conclusion
If crowds aren’t a concern, Yeouido Hangang Park itself gives the most direct view and the best access to the festival’s live music. If you’d rather have more space, Ichon Hangang Park, Seonyudo Park, or the 63 Building area all offer a clear sightline with fewer people. Either way, plan around the subway, not a car, and get there well before the 20:00 start.
Information in this guide was checked against the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official festival and traffic-control pages as of September 2026.
Check the official Seoul festival page
Sources and References
- Seoul Metropolitan Government – 2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival traffic control notice: news.seoul.go.kr
- Seoul Festival Portal – official festival listing: festival.seoul.go.kr