Hours before the first fireworks were set to light up Seoul's night sky, crowds carrying picnic mats, food and folding chairs began filling Yeouido Hangang Park on Saturday.
The annual spectacle transformed not only the riverside but also nearby subway stations, restaurants and convenience stores as the city prepared for one of its biggest nighttime events.
This year's festival features fireworks displays presented by South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom. The festival is being held across the Yeouido Hangang Park area between Mapo Bridge and Hangang Railway Bridge.
Long lines formed outside restrooms, convenience stores and food outlets as spectators waited for the show, scheduled to run from 8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. Many had arrived early to secure an unobstructed view of the fireworks over the Han River.
Crowd-control personnel were deployed at Yeouinaru Station and around the festival grounds as the number of visitors continued to grow throughout the day. Traffic restrictions were also introduced near Yeouido to manage congestion and ensure pedestrian safety.
Jointly organized by Hanwha Group and broadcaster SBS with support from the Seoul city government, the festival began in 2000 by Hanwha Group. It has since grown into one of Seoul’s signature autumn events, drawing more than 1 million spectators in a typical year.
yunapark@heraldcorp.com
