KOREA
Having trouble figuring out where to watch this year's fireworks display? The City of Busan lays out some alternative places if you don't want to mess with the large crowds, or can't afford the high-priced seating at the bars or grandstands on Gwangan Beach.

Having trouble figuring out where to watch this year's fireworks display? The City of Busan lays out some alternative places if you don't want to mess with the large crowds, or can't afford the high-priced seating at the bars or grandstands on Gwangan Beach. ()

The 15th Busan Fireworks Festival will be held in the waters off Gwangan-ri, Busan, on the 2nd of next month.

This year’s festival will be held under the theme of “Companion, Peace” wishing for the success of the Korea-ASEAN special summit held in Busan.

The festival will be narrated by Busan-born actor Jo Jin-woong조진웅 and accompanied by various multimedia including 25-inch super-size fireworks which can only be seen at the Busan Fireworks Show.

Curtain call fireworks will also be tried for the first time so that the visitors can also enjoy them on their way back home.

To ensure public safety at the festival, the city will hold a briefing session on its progress to check safety measures with the police, firefighters and local government officials.

Paid seats can be bought online including Interpark.

Great Places to Check Out the Fireworks

One of the biggest events of the city’s calendar each year, it’s time to start thinking where you might want to catch this year’s fireworks — whether you want to find some real estate on the beach, hit a cafe along Gwangan Beach road, or if you’re lucky enough to have a friend with a great view of the bridge. For those looking for an alternative place to beat the crowds, the City of Busan has given a few options of where to check out the 13th anniversary of the fireworks.

Great Places to Check out the Fireworks

1. Beacon Mound on Mount Hwangnyeong

First off, Beacon Mound on Mount Hwangnyeong overlooks a sweeping view of Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge. From the mound, one can take in the whole of Busan, including Haeundae-gu (district), Seomyeon-gu and Dongnae-gu, not to mention Gwangalli Beach’s night view. Throngs of people also flock to Beacon Mound to take pictures of the fireworks festival.

2. Jangsan (Mount Jang)

From this location, one can revel in the resplendent curves of Gwangan Bridge. One sweeping view encompasses the night views of Gwangan Bridge, Marine City and Centum City. It is a perfect venue to enjoy the fireworks festival in the city. However, cars are not allowed, so walking to the location is the only option.

3. Millak Waterfront Park

Another perfect location is Millak Waterfront Park, at the far eastern side of Gwangalli Beach. It is a little tucked away from the main area of the beach, so it is less crowded. The perk here is that one can view the fireworks closer than from Gwangalli Beach.

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