Firework displays are something we all love to watch in the dark winter months, and especially at the turning of the new year. Around the world, every country puts on their biggest and best firework display as the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve. Korea is no exception to this, but you can actually visit firework displays throughout the entire year in Korea. So don’t feel you have to wait until the New Year. We’ve put together the biggest and most famous displays for you in this article, but if you’re visiting Korea at any point in 2020 theres bound to be a display somewhere.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival (서울세계불꽃축제)
Dates: Early October
Location: (Eng) 330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Kor) 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330
Admission: Free
Seoul International Fireworks Festival is held every year in Yeouido Hangang Park. It is Korea’s largest annual firework display and takes part during October. The festival is sponsored by Hanwha and is usually put together with the help of international collaboration. In 2019 the festival was created with the help of artists from China, Korea and Sweden. The fireworks are accompanied by an amazing light show, which makes use of video, music and lasers. Once the display is over there is a a DJ set and party held for the rest of the evening. The festival is a short walk from Yeouinaru Station on Seoul Subway Line 5.
Busan Fireworks Festival (부산 불꽃축제)
Dates: Early November
Location: (Eng) 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Kor) 부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동)
Admission: Free
Every Autumn Busan hosts its famous firework festival. The huge firework display is best witnessed from Gwangalli beach but with that also comes huge crowds, where over 1 million people visited the firework festival last year. If you prefer to see the fireworks from some less crowded spots, consider checking out nearby Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, along with Dongbaekseom Island and Igidae Coastal Park which also offer great views of the firework displays. As well as the fireworks there will also be cultural events and laser light shows held at the festival. Gwangalli beach can be reached by taking Busan Subway Line 2 to Gwangan Station (광안역).
Pohang International Fireworks Festival (포항 국제불빛축제)
Dates: Late May to early June
Location: (Eng) 11, Munye-ro 170beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Kor) 경상북도 포항시 남구 문예로170번길 11 (해도동)
Admission: Free
The international fireworks festival is held along Yeongildae Beach (영일대해수욕장) in Pohang. Pohang is sometimes coined the ‘city of light and fire’ because of this famous festival. During the festival, there are a series of light parades, street performances, food stalls and more. The festival is free and suitable for all ages. So if you’re visiting the south-east of Korea this June, the firework festival is worth a visit. To reach Pohang from Seoul, you can take the high speed KTX train from Seoul Station to Pohang Station. From Pohang station take a local bus to Yeongildae Beach bus stop.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival (경주 벚꽃 축제)
Dates: Early to mid April
Location: (Eng) Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Kor) 경상북도 경주시 신평동
Admission: Free
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the newer festivals to be held in Korea so if visiting Gyeongju you can expect less crowds than the larger festivals. The festival includes various performances as well as fireworks held at night. The festival can be reached by taking a bus from Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) to Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal (경주시외버스터미널). From the Intercity Bus Terminal take Bus No. 10 or 18 and get off at Bomun Lake Resort (보문관광단지).
Jeju Fire Festival (제주 들불축제)
Dates: Early March
Location: (Eng) San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Ayeol-eup Jeju-si, Jeju-do (Kor) 제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8
Admission: Free
The Jeju Fire Festival is an annual festival which is held to ask for a good harvest and for good health in the coming year. The festival is very traditional and great for anyone looking to escape the city and experience the beautiful Korean countryside. Everything from concerts and fireworks to amazing traditional food is on offer at the festival – there’s even a cafe dedicated to foreign tourists to help with any questions you may have or if you simply want more information. A traditional folk market is held showcasing local agriculture and products too. If you’re in Jeju this March, the festival is definitely worth a visit. The festival can be reached by taking a bus from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal (제주시외버스터미널), bound for Pyeonghwa-ro Road (평화로길). Alight the bus at Hwajeon Village (화전마을). During the festival period a shuttle will run from Hwajeon Village directly to the festival.
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Featured Image: ©fudowakira0, 27.10.19, pixabay.com
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