Busan International Fireworks Festival 2024

One of the most spectacular events in Busan, the annual Busan Fireworks Festival, is coming up again this year at Gwangalli Beach. The whole bay lights up with fireworks for an hour. It's a must see if you live near Busan. If you don't, it might even be worth traveling to Busan for.

Last year I watched from Dongbaek Island, which was great because it’s less crowded and free. This year however, I decided to experience it up close from Gwangalli Beach. I went ahead and bought tickets, and yes, they’re expensive, but I think it'll be worth it to experience it once. Here’s everything you need to know.

As you might expect, the festival can get pretty packed. Expect large crowds, especially at Gwangalli Beach. People start arriving at the beach and other popular spots early in the day.

If you don’t have a ticket for the beach, it’s a good idea to claim your spot several hours before the fireworks begin. If you’re someone who doesn’t like too much hustle and bustle, consider watching from a quieter spot.

Expect to see amazing fireworks synchronized with music, with a stunning display of colors and lights over the water. It’s an hour-long show, but you’ll want to stick around to catch the grand finale.

Here are the top spots for viewing the fireworks that’ll give you slightly different experiences:

If you want to be in the center of it all, Gwangalli Beach is the place to be. As the official venue, you'll get a prime view of the fireworks exploding right above the water with the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge as the backdrop. With a ticket, your seating is guaranteed, so you won’t need to arrive too early. However, since this spot draws the biggest crowds, it’s still a good idea to get there with enough time to settle in before the show begins.

For a panoramic view of the entire coastline, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is a fantastic choice. From the mountain, you can watch the fireworks light up the entire bay. This is a great option for those looking to avoid the beach crowds. However, parking is very limited, so it’s essential to arrive early.

For a quieter, more scenic experience, Igidae Coastal Park offers a peaceful spot to enjoy the fireworks. It’s less crowded than Gwangalli Beach but still provides a stunning view of the show over the water. Plus, it’s a nice spot to enjoy a bit of nature before the show.

If you're looking for a calmer, family-friendly spot, Dongbaek Island, next to Haeundae Beach, is an excellent choice. This area offers plenty of space for families and is very relaxed compared to Gwangalli. Though it’s further away from the main event, the view of the fireworks over the water is still spectacular. Last year, I arrived fairly late and still managed to find a great spot with a fantastic view.

For those of you attending with children, Dongbaek Island is a fantastic option. It's not as crowded as Gwangalli Beach, so you can enjoy the show without the stress of dealing with massive crowds. Plus, the open space provides room for kids to move around, and it’s relatively easy to get to.

Date: November 9, 2024 (Saturday)

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Gwangalli Beach, Suyeong-gu, Busan

The fireworks show lasts for an hour, but festivities throughout the day make it worth arriving early. Viewing spaces will be available from 10:00 AM on the day of the event, with ticket holders being allowed entry from 3:00 PM.

While you can watch the fireworks for free from various spots, you’ll need a ticket for the best, guaranteed views at Gwangalli Beach. The official English website lacks even the most basic information. For the most up-to-date information you have to visit the Korean website and use Google Translate to navigate through the pages.

Luckily, you don’t have to search any further, because here’s all the key information you need for ticket purchases:

Available starting August 21, 2024. These seats are limited. (Already sold out at the time of writing)

• S grade (Chair Only): 56,000 won (20% off).

On sale from September 2, 2024 - November 8 (or when the tickets are sold out) at the following prices:

• R Grade (Table + Chair): 100,000 won
• S Grade (Chair Only): 70,000 won

Seating is reserved, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can buy tickets at Yes24. Cancellation is only available by contacting the Yes24 customer center and returning your ticket before 5:00 PM on November 8. Purchasing or selling tickets on any secondary market is prohibited and the ticket holder will be held responsible.

At noon D-1 the organization will decide whether to hold, postpone or cancel the event in accordance to the weather conditions. Ticket holders will be notified through the official channels. If the event is canceled, you will get a full refund.

Arrive Early: Wherever you decide to watch the event, plan to get there early. If you have a ticket for Gwangalli Beach, it’s to avoid the massive crowds. If you watch it in one of the other locations, it’s to claim a good spot.

Use Public Transportation: Parking and driving are a nightmare, so take the subway. The nearby Geumnyeonsan and Gwangan subway stations are convenient and only a small walk.

Bring Essentials: Pack some snacks, a blanket to sit on, and a light jacket. It’s November, and the evening can get pretty chilly.

Stay Safe: Wherever there’s massive crowds it can get dangerous quickly. Follow any directions given by event staff, and always prioritize safety over convenience.

The Busan International Fireworks Festival is truly a highlight of the year and a must-see for anyone living in, or visiting Korea. Whether you’re in the heart of the action at Gwangalli Beach or enjoying a quieter spot, this is the perfect event to enjoy with your family or a date. Be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the show.