People gathered around the Han River in Yeouido, Seoul to watch the Seoul World Fireworks Festival at 7:30 p.m. on 6th October. The flames of the color burst into the temple, and whenever black skies were exposed, exclaiming, “It’s touching” and “Beautiful.”
According to Hanwha Group, the Seoul World Fireworks Festival, under the theme of ‘The Dreaming Moon,’ was attended by about 1 million people in the Han River, including Yeouido. Even after 7:20 p.m., the opening time of the event, there was no room for citizens to enjoy the festival at nearby subway stations.
For about an hour and 20 minutes, various types of fireworks were performed. Several small, silvery-glossed flames burst at the same time. A huge spark appeared in the sky that changed from red to orange and again to light blue. Small exclamation turns into huge cheers as the sparks that burst into a series of ‘dududu’ sounds were seen in the black sky at once. Some citizens even gave a standing ovation.
Songs like popular kpop songs, which continue to flow as the fireworks unfold, have not only entertained the eyes but also the ears of citizens. One citizen danced when Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ appeared.
Citizens who settled in Hangang Park enjoyed their leisure while watching fireworks. There were many family members and lovers, ranging from a young couple who burned their young children on the shoulders and hugged each other to a couple looking up at the sky. I was also seen in my teens or 20s, where I was lying on a mat with my friends. Foreigners were also noticed occasionally.
“The sound of a firestorm is scary but pretty,” said Kim Na-eun, 26, who came with a college friend.
Yoo Hyun-mi, 59, who was enjoying the fireworks with her husband, said, “I had a hard time on the way, but it was worth it.”
However, after the event ended at 8:40 p.m., the citizens left behind garbage such as disposable containers and plastic bags. Some people took a mat, but left a toilet paper and an envelope containing food. A group of 700 employees from Hanwha Group’s affiliates picked up leftover garbage at the park, but it seemed difficult to collect it quickly in a large park.
From 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., police controlled the two-way street ahead of the 63 Building from the southern tip of Mapo Bridge. In addition, some 1,440 companies have deployed their careers.
Fire authorities and police said, “There have been cases where ambulances were sent due to personal chronic diseases such as low blood pressure, but there were no safety accidents related to the festival.”
Previously, Hanwha considered postponing or canceling the fireworks festival due to the rainstorm caused by the 25th typhoon ‘KONG-REY’. However, during the time of the fire, the event was held as scheduled, as it was expected to escape from the direct and indirect effects of the typhoon.
