Spectacular 'Fireworks Show' in Yeouido Draws Cheers from 1 Mln Spectators

연합뉴스 / 2024-10-05 21:04:07

▲ The crowd capture fireworks on their mobile phones at the '2024 Seoul World Fireworks Festival' held at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul on Oct. 5, 2024, in this photo provided by a spectator. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- "Wow, it's beautiful! Like diamonds!"

On the evening of the 5th, the night sky over the Han River in Seoul became a canvas for vibrant fireworks, each drawing clear lines, creating a masterpiece. Every time fireworks burst into the sky with a "bang" and rained down like a spectacular shower, gasps and cheers erupted from the crowd.

To enjoy the 'Seoul World Fireworks Festival 2024,' families, couples, and friends gathered at Yeouido Hangang Park, immersing themselves in the breathtaking scenery and the charm of the autumn night.

At around 7:26 p.m., when the first fireworks from the Japanese team shot up into the sky following the host's countdown, thunderous applause and cheers filled the park. As gigantic fireworks continued to explode without pause, the pitch-black night sky soon lit up as if numerous lamps had been switched on.

The Japanese team presented fireworks under the theme 'Colorful Spatial Art,' featuring traditional Japanese hues, followed by the American team, which expressed freedom and dreams through bolder, more vibrant fireworks under the theme 'Dreaming of California.'

As the "rain of fireworks" descended from the sky, spectators exclaimed in awe with phrases like "Wow" and "That’s amazing!" Many attendees couldn’t take their hands off their smartphones, eagerly capturing the fleeting beauty of the fireworks.

The cool, 21-degree Celsius temperature also made it the perfect weather to enjoy the festival.

▲ Fireworks light up the autumn night sky at the '2024 Seoul World Fireworks Festival' held at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul on Oct. 5, 2024, in this photo provided by a spectator. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Kim Hye-kyung (37), who attended with her elementary school-aged son, said, "I've been watching this for years, and it's always so beautiful. Last year, I took some great photos, and I hope to get another one this year," she said with a smile. As a seasoned attendee, Kim had brought a folding chair to secure a comfortable viewing spot.

Kim (64), who was standing and quietly watching the fireworks with her husband, said, "I was debating whether to come or not, but I’m glad I did," her face filled with emotion.

Jung Seung-eun (43), who came with her 7-year-old daughter, Kim Bo-jung, said, "It felt like starlight or the Milky Way was pouring down." Kim shyly added, "It’s so pretty and fun."

Another popular viewing spot, Ichon Hangang Park, was packed with people from the early hours of the evening. By 6:40 p.m., the northern end of Hangang Bridge was already so crowded that movement was nearly impossible.

The construction site near the north end of Hangang Bridge, where a right turn into Gangbyeonbuk-ro was being made, turned into an impromptu viewing theater. The narrow traffic island and spaces lined by safety barriers were also packed with spectators.

A construction site official explained, "We’ve postponed construction due to the fireworks festival and deployed staff for safety management."

Many attendees traveled from other regions to Seoul to enjoy the festival, and foreign tourists were also seen among the crowd.

Shin Eun-jung (43), who came from Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, with her family, was impressed after watching the Japanese team's display, saying, "It was so amazing. I saw fireworks shaped like cats and cherry blossoms, which seemed to embody the team's unique theme."

Sankit Patel (36), who is from India and has been living in Korea for two months for work, traveled two hours to the festival with his 8-year-old son. "This is the largest fireworks display I've ever seen, but I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t get closer. Even though carrying my son on my shoulders is tiring, I’m happy to create a lifelong memory for him," he said with a big smile.

The organizers estimated that about 1.07 million spectators enjoyed the festival around the Han River.

With more than a million people gathered, police and local government officials worked diligently to prevent accidents and manage safety. Whistles from traffic controllers could be heard everywhere, and security personnel and police guided people entering the park with instructions like, "Please keep moving for smooth passage."

Announcements repeatedly broadcast across the park urged spectators not to move from 7:20 p.m. for safety reasons. The police deployed 2,417 officers in total for crowd control and set up metal fences along the lower lanes of Mapo and Hangang Bridges to help manage foot traffic.

In cooperation with the event’s organizer, Hanwha, as well as the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, Yeongdeungpo and Yongsan Districts, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the Seoul city government set up a comprehensive safety command center at the venue and increased safety personnel by 28% compared to last year. Drones were also used for real-time traffic and safety monitoring.

Due to the sudden influx of spectators, access to Noryangjin Sa-yuksin Park was restricted from 5:30 p.m., followed by Noryangjin Fish Market, Yongyangbongjeojeong Park, and Noryangjin Soccer Field. Starting at 6 p.m., Line 5 subway trains did not stop at Yeouinaru Station and passed through without stopping.

The Seoul city government fully closed Yeouidong-ro (from the southern end of Mapo Bridge to the area in front of the 63 Building) from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the day of the festival. Buses and other vehicles were rerouted, and subway lines 5 and 9 increased their operations by 18 and 52 additional trains, respectively.

After the event, the city concentrated 26 bus routes passing through Yeouido Transfer Center, Yeouido Station, and Yeouinaru Station between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to help disperse the crowd quickly.