Oh Se-hoon inspects Yeouido Han River Park on Thursday ahead of two-day event

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon conducts an on-site safety inspection at Yeouido Han River Park on Thursday ahead of the Seoul World Fireworks Festival. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon conducts an on-site safety inspection at Yeouido Han River Park on Thursday ahead of the Seoul World Fireworks Festival. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon toured Yeouido Han River Park on Thursday morning ahead of the Seoul World Fireworks Festival, conducting an on-site inspection focused on crowd management, safety support plans and facility conditions at the event's main venue.

Now in its 22nd year, the "Seoul World Fireworks Festival 2026 with Hanwha" draws more than 1 million visitors annually. This year, for the first time, the event will run over two days — a preview on Friday and the main show on Saturday.

Oh first reviewed overall safety arrangements at the park entrance, including plans to strengthen zone identification, disperse crowds and control traffic. He then moved into the festival grounds, where he checked the installation of viewing stands in the fireworks-viewing zone, visitor access controls and pedestrian flow, safety fencing, and the placement of restrooms and waste bins.

"Since the fireworks festival is being held over two days for the first time this year, we expect larger crowds than ever — not only Seoul residents but also foreign tourists," Oh said. "The city, police, fire department and district offices will work together to ensure there are no gaps in safety management."

"We will do our utmost until the very end so that everyone can enjoy the festival safely and take home happy memories, with the understanding and cooperation of our citizens," he added.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is rolling out a comprehensive plan covering transportation, safety and visitor services for the festival. The city will set up a joint safety command center in cooperation with Hanwha Group, the fire and disaster headquarters, the Yeongdeungpo, Yongsan, Dongjak and Mapo-gu district offices, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, deploying 6,800 safety personnel and implementing road closures and public transit adjustments.

Bus services on 26 routes passing through the Yeouido transfer center and Yeouido Station will be increased during the peak crowd hours of 7 to 8 p.m. and again from 10 to 11 p.m. as crowds disperse after the show. On the subway, Line 5 will add 18 extra runs and Line 9 will add 65 around the main event. Han River ferry services will be suspended or shortened for safety reasons.


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