Travel
What to expect at the 19th Busan Fireworks Festival on Nov. 9
haps magazine korea
November 4, 2024
(Image: City of Busan)
Busan’s highly anticipated 19th Fireworks Festival will light up the sky on November 9 at Gwangalli Beach, drawing locals and tourists alike to witness spectacular displays with a focus on safety and crowd management.
As part of Busan’s vision to become a global cultural hub, this year’s festival is backed by an advanced safety protocol to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The city of Busan, along with co-hosts like the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and BNK Financial Group, has implemented an expanded security framework.
Safety measures include the deployment of over 6,700 personnel, 42 designated safety zones, and carefully managed entry and exit points.
The fireworks show will also start earlier this year, beginning at 7 p.m., allowing ample time for attendees to return home safely.
Highlights of this year’s event
Not only the iconic Niagara Falls fireworks, this year also has new displays such as wave and text fireworks, and Korea’s first parachute-style fireworks.
The 60-minute fireworks show will incorporate multimedia elements on Gwangan Bridge, including LED lighting and storytelling features.
In addition to the main event, festival-goers can enjoy pre-show programs:
Fire Street (2 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Featuring interactive performances, busking, and chalk art, offering fun for all ages.
Fireworks Talk Show (6 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.): A segment with Hanwha Fireworks Designer Kim Ju-sik on fireworks production, as well as citizen-submitted stories.
Overseas Fireworks Showcase (7 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.): China’s Fire Show Company will bring their unique fireworks designs to Busan’s night sky.
Busan Multi Fireworks Show (7:25 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.): Hanwha Corporation will present a theme of “Autumn Night’s Tale” with three acts: Warmth, Thrill, and Resonance.
The festival will conclude with a “Curtain Call Fireworks” display at 7:55 p.m., expressing appreciation to the event staff and attendees.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
The city has reinforced emergency measures, including designated emergency exits, additional medical booths, and ambulance stations.
CCTV monitoring and real-time crowd assessments will be conducted, and access to Gwangalli Beach will be restricted if the crowd exceeds safe capacity.
To prevent overcrowding on public transit, extra subway and bus services will be provided, and crowd control measures will be implemented at stations and bus stops near the event.
The city has also taken steps to prevent price gouging at local accommodations and restaurants. Violations can be reported to the “1399 Civil Complaints Center” for immediate action.
For further details on the Busan Fireworks Festival, visit the official website of the Busan Culture and Tourism Festival Organizing Committee (www.bfo.or.kr), or watch the live broadcast on YouTube through Busan’s official channels and local broadcasters.
Festival Schedule
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Main Events: Fire Street (2 p.m.), Fireworks Talk Show (6 p.m.), Fireworks Display (7-8 p.m.)
Location: Gwangalli Beach and surrounding areas