Early August in Korea – Don’t Miss the Fireworks Festival by the Han River (Aug 2–4)!

I recently visited Korea in early August and was lucky enough to catch one of the most exciting summer events — the Seoul Summer Festival (서울 썸머페스티벌). One of the highlights is the fireworks show by the Han River, usually held around August 2nd to 4th at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul.

On the night of the show, thousands of people gather by the riverside with picnic mats, snacks, and drinks. Everyone chills while waiting for sunset, and when the fireworks begin, it’s a truly magical moment against the Seoul night sky.

If you want a good spot, try to arrive around 5–6 PM, because after 7 PM, it gets extremely crowded. Also, don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent, a fan or mini fan, and stay hydrated — daytime temperatures can hit up to 35°C 

Pro tip: If you’d prefer to avoid the biggest crowds, you can head to other Han River parks like Ttukseom or Banpo — they offer great views of the fireworks with fewer people.