2026 dates in Korea
| Festival | Date | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul International Fireworks Festival | Sat, September 5, 2026 (over) | Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Parks | Fireworks 8:00–9:10 pm, about one million visitors expected (Seoul city) |
| Busan Fireworks Festival | Sat, November 7, 2026 | Gwangalli Beach, Igidae, Dongbaek Island area | Busan Festival Organizing Committee |
For the Seoul show, the city closed the main road on Yeouido from 3 pm to midnight, added extra subway runs and warned that crowded stations might be skipped. Most big displays elsewhere, from New Year’s Eve shows to national-day fireworks, run the same way, so check the organizer’s transport notice on the day.
Watching with less crowd
- From the side, not the front — the front fills first, but shells burst high and are visible from riverbanks or hills a few kilometers away. You lose the music, not the view.
- Use the next station over — the station closest to the venue is the first to be closed after the show. Plan to walk one or two stops.
- Leave ten minutes early — you give up the finale but save a lot of waiting. Someone will post the finale online.
- With kids or older relatives — put a note with your phone number in their pocket or on a wristband.
Before you go
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Power bank | Photos, video and maps drain the battery fast |
| Mat and a warm layer | Evenings by the water get cold, especially in autumn |
| Ear plugs | Close spots are loud, especially for children |
| Trash bag | Bins overflow quickly |
| Mask | Seoul city warns that firework smoke briefly raises fine dust |
When you can’t go
If the crowd is too much or the date doesn’t work, the Android app Wish Fireworks puts a small fireworks show on your phone. It is not a video: each burst is drawn live as particles, so no two launches look exactly alike.
Write a wish, pick a color
On the Launch tab, write a one-line wish (up to 40 characters) and pick a Color of your heart: Love, Hope, Luck, Calm, Dream or Passion. Leave the burst shape on Random or choose Peony, Willow, Ring and so on.
Launch it
Tap Launch it and a rocket whistles up and bursts at the top. Tap anywhere on the sky to burst a firework right there. Sound and vibration can be turned off in settings.
The sample wish in the screenshots below is written in Korean; your own wish appears in whatever language you type.
FAQ
Are fireworks shows cancelled for rain?
Light rain usually doesn’t stop them; strong wind or bad weather can. Check the organizer’s official channels on the day.
How do I get good photos of the show?
See filming fireworks on your phone for settings.
Wish Fireworks
No sign-up, and your wishes stay on your phone. Free on Android.