Busan's Spectacular Fireworks Festival Lights Up Ahead of 2030 World Expo Decision

BUSAN - In anticipation of the decision for the 2030 World Expo host city, Busan Metropolitan City prepares to dazzle the world with the 18th Busan Fireworks Festival on November 4th.

The festival, set against the picturesque backdrops of Gwangalli Beach, Igidae Park, and Dongbaekseom Island, aims to showcase Busan's charm and its capability to host a safe and mesmerizing Expo. The event is expected to strengthen the city's bid fervor, rallying citizens behind the "Busan Is Ready" mantra.

In this year's grand showcase, attendees can anticipate a plethora of unique pyrotechnic attractions. Leading the way is an exclusive 25-inch super-sized firework display, a rarity in pyrotechnic presentations. Adding to the visual marvel, signature firework displays will be set against the backdrop of the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge, creating a breathtaking panorama. Enhancing the viewer's experience, three strategically chosen viewing locations have been designated: the Gwangalli Beach, the vibrant Haeundae Beach, and the scenic Igidae Park. To further heighten the anticipation, certain firework sequences have been pre-announced. Additionally, in a heartwarming touch, a special segment has been dedicated to showcasing fireworks stories, personally submitted by the residents of Busan, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration.

The festivities will kick off with a Firework Street event from 2 pm to 6 pm, offering daytime entertainment, followed by a Firework Talk Show, the opening ceremony, the main Busan Multi-Firework Show, and culminating in a curtain call firework display as a token of gratitude to attendees and festival staff.

This year, the festival promises a more immersive experience. The city will abandon the traditional format of foreign-invited fireworks and instead present a cohesive story throughout the show. Enhanced pyrotechnic quality will deliver crisper colors and a grander scale, solidifying Busan's reputation as the host of Korea's premier multimedia firework extravaganza. With over a million attendees expected, enhanced safety measures will be in place to ensure a zero-incident event.

Those unable to attend in person can still enjoy the festival through live broadcasts on YouTube and radio, available on channels such as MBC Busan, and KNN.

Park Heong-joon, the Mayor of Busan, commented, "The Busan Fireworks Festival, occurring a month ahead of the 2030 World Expo decision, will serve as a testament to Busan's allure and capability to host the Expo. We hope the night sky of Busan, illuminated by dreams of hosting the Expo, resonates with the hearts of people worldwide."

Event Details:

• Date: November 4, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 9:05 pm
• Location: Gwangalli Beach, Igidae, and Dongbaek Island
• Program: Pre-event (Firework Busking, Firework Talk Show, Opening Ceremony) and Main Event (Busan Multi-Firework Show and Curtain Call Firework)
• Budget: KRW 2.816 billion (City funds: KRW 1.7 billion, Self-funding: KRW 1.116 billion)
• Host/Organizer: Busan Metropolitan City / Busan Cultural Tourism Festival Organizing Committee

Schedule:

• 2:00-6:00 pm: Firework Busking
• 6:00-7:50 pm: Firework Talk Show
• 7:50-8:00 pm: Opening Ceremony
• 8:00-9:00 pm: Busan Multi-Firework Show
• 9:00-9:05 pm: Curtain Call Firework
• 9:05 pm onwards: Event conclusion and venue cleanup.