By Honorary Reporter Martina Marrandino from Italy
Photos = Martina Marrandino

The majestic Seoul International Fireworks Festival on Oct. 8 finally returned for the first time in three years following the COVID-19 epidemic.

Since 2000, the festival at Yeouido Hangang Park has brightened the sky above the capital with spectacular and colorful explosions. Along with the Pohang Fireworks Festival and Busan Fireworks Festival, the Seoul event is considered one of the country's top three for fireworks.

Hosted by Hanwha Group, this year's Seoul festival was held in front of 63 Square (formerly the 63 Building) from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Every October, countries take part in the event on a rotating basis under a theme, with Korea, Italy and Japan participating this year under the theme "We Hope Again."

Fireworks cover the sky over the Hangang River in Seoul.

As my country was taking part in this year's festival, I couldn't miss this event so I went to the park. Because of large crowds expected at the park, the Seoul city government cordoned off surrounding roads and enhanced the operation of subways and buses for public convenience and safety. 

Despite the massive influx of people, the event ran smoothly and safely. A handful of spots along the river allowed enjoyment of the fireworks in relative tranquility: Ichon Hangang Park, Nodeul Island, Seonyudo Park and N Seoul Tower (formerly Namsan Tower).

A variety of fireworks impressed visitors to this year's Seoul International Fireworks Festival.

The festival's organizers also prepared a host of activities for visitors like busking, play zone and street food from food trucks. The fireworks began at 7 p.m. with a stunning opening ceremony lasting around 20 minutes. The Japanese team displayed its fireworks first, followed by the Italian and Korean teams. 

All three teams displayed amazing performances of pyrotechnics of varying forms, sizes and colors. Just after the final fireworks, a DJ electronic dance music show entertained the audience until 9:30 p.m.

Yeouido Hangang Park offered a spectacular view of the festival's fireworks.

It was great to attend this spectacular event after a long time. I hope that everyone who looked at the sky lit by a thousand shades of fireworks received a bit of relief from the burden of daily life. The fireworks also symbolized joy and hope for a quick return to normal life.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.