[Report] Packed with mats even in the scorching 30-degree sun... Yeouido heats up before the flames

[Financial News] On the afternoon of the 5th, Yeouido in Seoul was packed with people whose destination was clearly the same, starting from the subway station. Citizens holding hands with children and partners, dressed in light clothing and carrying hand fans, mats, and drinks, headed toward Han River Park. As bus operations in the Yeouido area were controlled and rerouted early on, crowds flocked to the subway; as if unfamiliar with the densely packed passengers, some citizens even took out their mobile phones to photograph the scene inside the station.
With this year's Seoul International Fireworks Festival held about three weeks earlier than last year, the midday heat was even more intense. Although the temperature in Yeouido-dong rose to around 30 degrees Celsius around 2 p.m. that day, the stream of spectators did not stop.
Foreigners visiting the park were also noticeable. A couple in their 20s from Taiwan said, "We knew that the fireworks festival was being held while we were in Seoul, so we included it in our itinerary," adding, "We were surprised that there were far more people than we expected, but we are looking forward to seeing the fireworks over the Han River in Seoul."
Although there were still hours left until the fireworks began in earnest, Yeouido Hangang Park was already packed with mats and folding chairs. According to the on-site congestion guide provided by Hanwha, zones A, B, C, E, and G were all marked as "very crowded" as of 3 p.m. Spectators lined up to take spots not only along the riverside and slopes but also on the lawns further back.
Any place that offered shelter from the sun immediately became another "prime spot." Inside the E-Land Cruise terminal, citizens sat on railings, walls, and the ground around the stairs to find shade. Throughout the park, people holding parasols, umbrellas, and portable fans lay on mats to endure the long wait.
Mr. Hwang (60s) from Gwanak-gu also packed a mat and food and secured a spot early. He smiled and said, "I came with friends I've known for a long time thinking we could enjoy the view together. Although the weather is hot, time flies by quickly while we wait and talk."
The crowds spread beyond Han River Park. Convenience stores and cafes near the park were packed, and as people flocked in, customers extended to the shopping areas of nearby apartment complexes. Long lines formed at some franchise coffee shops as people waited to order. In the nearby commercial district, businesses were notable for increasing stock of related products, such as picnic mats and ice, and extending their operating hours later than usual to capitalize on the fireworks festival boom.

The "competition for prime spots" continued online right up until the day of the event. Posts flooded second-hand trading platforms offering already secured seats for free, claiming that plans had been canceled at the last minute. One seller even offered to give away a spot for free, calling it "the best seat I waited 40 hours for."
On the other hand, there were still transactions where people tried to transfer seats for money. On this day, a post appeared stating, "A seat secured since 5 AM," offering to transfer a four-person seat by the Han River for 100,000 won.
The police and the organizers set out to manage safety, anticipating that approximately 530,000 people would flock to the Yeouido area on this day. The police deployed over 4,700 personnel, including riot police and wide-area preventive patrol units, from the eve of the event to the main event, and aerial observation vehicles and police dogs were also stationed at the venue.
Vehicle traffic on Yeouidong-ro between the southern end of Mapo Bridge and the 63 Building was completely restricted from 3 p.m., and traffic on Wonhyo Bridge was also restricted for the installation and dismantling of fireworks. Subway Line 5 Yeouinaru Station is scheduled to pass through without stopping from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

[email protected] Choi Seung-han Reporter