Busan, South Korea – As the crisp autumn air sets the perfect scene, Busan is ready to ignite the night sky with its 19th annual Busan Fireworks Festival on November 9, a dazzling celebration promising to captivate attendees and announce Busan’s ambitious stride towards becoming a global tourism hub. The festival, held at Gwangalli Beach, promises a fresh blend of visual artistry, intricate pyrotechnics, and community spirit, all designed to make an unforgettable impact.
The event, which draws over a million attendees each year, has become a hallmark of Busan’s cultural calendar. This year’s theme, “Attraction, Excitement, Resonance,” echoes both the emotional and visual journey that the city intends to take viewers on—a journey enhanced with new pyrotechnic elements that will make this year’s festival a landmark event.
This year’s festival is set to be especially memorable, with exciting new additions to its already iconic lineup. Festival organizers have elevated the show’s visual scale with unique fireworks exclusive to Busan: the famous “Niagara” display will be joined by the debut of “Wave” fireworks, which mimic flowing waves cascading over Gwangandaegyo Bridge, symbolizing Busan’s dynamic rise on the global stage. Also debuting this year are “Parachute” fireworks, a slow descent display that adds a poetic flair to the evening sky.
Furthering Busan’s message as a growing “Global Hub City,” the festival will also feature “text fireworks,” spelling out this aspiration in a memorable, sky-lit fashion. The show begins at 7 p.m.—an hour earlier than in past years—to allow attendees to enjoy the display without late-night travel challenges, ensuring families can fully enjoy the evening.
The fireworks are only part of the attraction; this year’s festival is embracing multimedia storytelling by enhancing Gwangandaegyo Bridge’s scenic LED lighting. A countdown will mark the start of the show, and as fireworks fill the sky, the bridge will illuminate with choreographed lights to complement the bursts above. Organizers have taken extra care to create a performance that combines pyrotechnics, lighting, and storytelling, creating a grandiose experience that can only be found in Busan.
The day will be filled with more than just nighttime fireworks. Beginning at 2 p.m., visitors can participate in various “Fireworks Street” activities along Gwangalli Beach, including busking, chalk art, and mini-games designed for all ages. An interactive “Fireworks Talk Show,” held from 6 to 6:50 p.m., will invite visitors into the world of pyrotechnics, featuring Kim Ju-sik, head fireworks designer at Hanwha, who will reveal behind-the-scenes insights and the artistic vision driving this year’s event.
The main show kicks off at 7 p.m. with a 15-minute performance by China’s “FireShow社,” known internationally for their vibrant pyrotechnic displays. Following this, Hanwha’s multi-act performance “Autumn Night Story” will celebrate the themes of “Attraction, Excitement, and Resonance” with a dynamic, 35-minute display of colors and formations. The night will end on a heartwarming note with the “Curtain Call” fireworks at 7:55 p.m., a tribute to the efforts of event staff and the loyalty of festival-goers, with an eye toward the festival’s 20th anniversary next year.
With a turnout expected to exceed one million, safety remains a top priority. City officials have mobilized a team of 6,700 personnel, including police, firefighters, and medical staff, who will monitor designated safety zones and ensure the crowd’s smooth flow. Advanced CCTV systems, clearly marked emergency routes, and crowd capacity limits will be enforced across 42 priority zones, with additional security in place along Gwangalli Beach’s 16 entry and exit points.
In response to heightened safety concerns, the city has taken measures to provide a seamless and secure experience for all. Pre-event safety checks will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Safety, and in case of emergency, evacuation routes will be readily accessible. Attendees are encouraged to follow security guidelines and cooperate with staff instructions throughout the evening.
City officials have implemented a comprehensive crowd management and transportation plan to accommodate the festival’s massive attendance. Public transportation will be reinforced, with additional subway trains at key stations near the event site and extra buses serving 21 routes until midnight. In the case of heavy crowds, select subway stations may opt for non-stop operations, bypassing especially crowded areas to keep passenger flows safe and efficient.
Additionally, traffic controls will be in effect from November 4 through November 9, including partial closures on Gwangandaegyo Bridge for setup. On the day of the festival, traffic will be restricted from 3:30 p.m. along key access roads, including Gwangalli Beach Road and parts of Gwangnam-ro, to facilitate pedestrian safety. City officials urge festival-goers to utilize public transit and allow extra time for travel.
In a move to ensure a positive experience for locals and visitors alike, the city has taken steps to prevent price gouging during the festival. Hotels, restaurants, and vendors in the area are being monitored for fair pricing, and violations will result in administrative actions. In addition, city officials encourage attendees to participate in eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction and responsible behavior, helping to keep Busan’s beautiful beach clean and welcoming.
For those unable to attend in person, the city will live-stream the event on its official YouTube channel, “BusanTube,” and in partnership with local broadcasters MBC Busan and KNN. This allows viewers from all over South Korea—and around the world—to enjoy the fireworks and the vibrant atmosphere that makes Busan such a unique destination.
Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon extended a warm invitation to both locals and visitors. “This year’s Busan Fireworks Festival reflects our city’s character and ambitions. Through this unique celebration, we are showcasing not only our artistry and beauty but also our collective aspiration to become a global tourism hub,” he stated. The mayor encouraged visitors to use public transportation and adhere to safety guidelines, emphasizing the importance of a respectful and friendly atmosphere.
“We hope everyone will work together to create a safe and memorable experience for all. Let’s keep our beaches clean, respect one another, and enjoy this amazing event,” the mayor added, underscoring the city’s ongoing commitment to a welcoming, eco-friendly, and sustainable festival experience.
