The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is set to illuminate the skies above the Han River this weekend, representing one of the city's most eagerly awaited autumn celebrations. The spectacular event is expected to draw over one million spectators to the capital, while simultaneously creating significant traffic challenges throughout the area.

The 2025 edition of the festival, organized by Hanwha Group in collaboration with SBS and supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will take place on Saturday at Yeouido Hangang Park. This year's event has been rescheduled from its traditional slot on the first Saturday of October due to the Chuseok holiday falling during the first week of the month. Since its inaugural launch in 2000, the festival has evolved into a signature cultural event that consistently attracts more than one million visitors annually.

The day's festivities will commence at 1 p.m. with an array of booths, interactive experiences, and entertainment activities hosted by Hanwha and its partners throughout the Yeouido area. These pre-show activities are designed to engage visitors and build excitement before the main event begins later in the evening.

The highlight of the festival, the main fireworks display, is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will feature breathtaking presentations by professional pyrotechnic teams from Italy, Canada, and Korea. Italy will open the evening's performances with a spectacular show choreographed to the memorable music of renowned composer Ennio Morricone. Following the Italian presentation, Canada will present a superhero-inspired showcase set to exciting blockbuster film scores. Korea will conclude the night with an impressive presentation titled 'Into the Shining Time,' which traces the flow of time using an innovative new artistic storytelling technique.

A major highlight of this year's show is the debut of a revolutionary decalcomania staging effect, which has been expertly engineered around Wonhyo Bridge and extends from Mapo Bridge in the west all the way to Hangang Railway Bridge in the east. This cutting-edge display utilizes mirrored fireworks technology to create a synchronized, immersive spectacle that allows spectators positioned across various locations throughout the city to experience the same stunning visual effects. The innovative technique showcases both creative design excellence and advanced pyrotechnic technology.

For optimal viewing experiences, organizers recommend several prime locations throughout the city. Yeouido and Nodeul Island offer close-up immersion opportunities for those wanting to experience the fireworks at close range. For visitors preferring sweeping skyline views, N Seoul Tower on Mount Nam and Bugak Skyway provide elevated vantage points that showcase both the fireworks display and the city's impressive urban landscape.

To safely accommodate the massive crowds expected to attend, both Hanwha and local government authorities are implementing comprehensive safety measures throughout the event area. Hanwha plans to deploy an impressive 3,500 staff members along with 1,200 company employees who will serve as volunteers to assist visitors and maintain order. The organization will also utilize advanced CCTV monitoring systems and specialized crowd management applications to track congestion levels in real time and respond quickly to any developing situations.

Additionally, the Yeongdeungpo District Office will mobilize 325 personnel specifically dedicated to providing traffic control services and medical assistance throughout the event. These officials will be strategically positioned at key locations to ensure smooth crowd flow and immediate response capabilities for any emergencies that may arise.

Significant traffic restrictions will be enforced throughout the Yeouido area starting in the afternoon and continuing until late evening hours. These measures will include complete road closures near major bridges to ensure public safety and facilitate crowd movement. City officials are strongly urging all visitors to utilize public transportation systems and to make advance preparations to avoid the heavy traffic conditions that are anticipated throughout the festival area and surrounding neighborhoods.