Seoul International Fireworks 2026: Times, Free Viewing & Transit Guide

One of Korea's biggest nights of the year is here: the Hanwha Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026. The main show lights up the Han River on Saturday, September 5 at 8:00 PM in Yeouido — and general viewing is free. Over a million people come every year, so the key to enjoying it is knowing the road and subway closures and planning your trip in and out. Here's what to know.

The essentials

Event	Hanwha Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026 (22nd edition)
Theme	"Your Infinite Colors" — teams from Korea, the USA and the UK
Main show	Sat, Sep 5 · 8:00 PM–9:20 PM (UK 8:00, USA 8:20, Korea/Hanwha finale from 8:40)
Festival hours	Sep 5, 1:00 PM–10:00 PM (plus a Sep 4 eve program)
Where	Yeouido Hangang Park (Mapo Bridge–Hangang Railway Bridge)
Price	Free for general areas (Yeouido, Ichon). Nodeul Island has separate paid seating.

Road closures — don't drive

Yeouido is almost entirely closed to traffic on show day, so public transit is the only realistic option.

• Wonhyo Bridge (원효대교): fully closed Sep 5, 9:00 AM – Sep 6, 3:00 AM.
• Yeouido-ro (여의동로, Mapo Bridge south end – 63 Building): closed Sep 5, 3:00 PM – midnight.
• 24 bus routes are detoured around the closed sections.
• Shared bikes/scooters (Ttareungi & private PM) rentals are suspended Sep 4, 8 AM – Sep 6, 7 AM.

Subway — the smart way in and out

The city is adding trains (Line 5 +18, Line 9 +65) and extra safety staff at 21 nearby stations. But the closest stop, Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), gets dangerously crowded — trains may skip it or close its exits when it's too packed.

🚇 Use these instead if Yeouinaru is closed: Yeouido Station (Lines 5/9), Mapo Station (Line 5), or Saetgang Station (Line 9 / Sillim Line). Expect long queues right after the show — consider walking one stop or waiting out the peak (roughly 10–11 PM).

Tips to enjoy it

• Arrive early. For a good free spot at Yeouido or Ichon Hangang Park, come by early afternoon — by 4 PM at the latest.
• Food trucks run Sep 4–5, 1–10 PM near the Water Stage; temporary toilets and first-aid stations are set up across the area.
• Air quality: smoke can raise fine-dust levels briefly. Kids and anyone with respiratory issues may want a KF80 mask.
• Official app "Orange Play" offers location-based help and live show music; you can also watch the live stream on Live Seoul and Hanwha TV if you can't make it.
• Han River Bus is suspended or shortened Sep 3–5, and water routes are controlled — check before any river activity.

FAQ

What time do the fireworks start?

The main show runs Sep 5, 8:00 PM–9:20 PM: the UK team opens at 8:00, the US team at 8:20, and Korea's Hanwha closes with a ~30-minute finale from 8:40.

Is it free? Do I need a ticket?

General viewing at Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Park is free. Only Nodeul Island's dedicated zone requires a paid ticket.

Which station should I use?

Yeouinaru (Line 5) is closest but may be skipped or closed when overcrowded. Yeouido (5/9), Mapo (5) and Saetgang (9/Sillim) are reliable alternatives.

Can I drive or park?

No. Yeouido is under near-total traffic control on show day, so driving and parking are effectively impossible. Take the subway.

Sep 5, 8:00 PM · Yeouido · Free

Take the subway, arrive early, and enjoy the show over the Han River.
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※ Informational post based on Seoul city announcements (mediahub.seoul.go.kr, Sep 2, 2026), Hanwha's official notice and Korean media. Times and controls may change — check official channels (Seoul TOPIS, hanwhafireworks.com) before you go.
Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Hanwha Seoul International Fireworks Festival.