Tickets for paid seating at the 19th Busan Fireworks Festival, set to illuminate the night sky on November 9, have become available for purchase as of 2 p.m. Monday, according to Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Culture and Tourism Festival Organizing Committee.

The festival offers two types of paid seating: R seats, which include both a table and chairs, and S seats, which provide only chairs. These reserved areas are positioned on the beach in front of the Aqua Palace Hotel and Homers Hotel in Gwangalli. Ticket prices are set at 100,000 won (approximately $75) for R seats and 70,000 won for S seats.

Tickets can be acquired through the official ticket distributor, YES24, as well as the Busan Bank mobile banking app. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be reinvested into enhancing the festival’s fireworks display, improving spectator facilities, and ensuring overall event safety and quality.

The early bird tickets, which were released on August 21, sold out within about 20 minutes, highlighting significant public interest. Last year, the festival saw all 8,200 paid seats sell out, indicating a strong demand.

Initiated in 2005 to commemorate the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the Busan Fireworks Festival has evolved into a major annual event in Busan, attracting approximately 1 million visitors each year. This year’s festival promises an upgraded fireworks show featuring the iconic Gwangan Bridge, ensuring a breathtaking display.

The event will be held at Gwangalli Beach and Dongbaek Island, starting with pre-events such as the Fireworks Street, Fireworks Talk Show, and the opening ceremony, leading up to the main attractions including the International Invitational Fireworks Show and the Busan Multi-Fireworks Show.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com