Festival guide

Busan Fireworks Festival 2026 Guide — Date, Best Viewing Spots, Paid Seats & Subway Tips

Saturday, November 7, 2026 · Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge

By Busan.net editors · Published Oct 25, 2026 · Updated Oct 26, 2026 · 한국어로 보기

The 21st Busan Fireworks Festival takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, around Gwangalli Beach, Igidae and Dongbaek Island. According to the official timetable, an invited overseas show starts at 7 p.m., the main Busan Multi Fireworks Show runs 7:25–7:55 p.m., and it all ends at 8 p.m. Viewing from the beach is free; paid seats cost 100,000 won (R) and 70,000 won (S). This guide covers the best free spots, this year's official road closures (Gwangan Bridge from November 2) and how to get there and back by subway.

Fireworks bursting over Gwangan Bridge above Gwangalli Beach at night — Illustrative image — Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge on fireworks night. Not an actual photo of the event.

At a glance

Date	Saturday, November 7, 2026 (evening)
Place	Gwangalli Beach, Igidae and Dongbaek Island (main stage: Gwangalli, Suyeong-gu). Fireworks are launched from Gwangan Bridge and the sea in front of it.
Show time	7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (teaser fireworks from 6 p.m.)
Edition	21st. This year's show is billed as marking the 21st anniversary of Gwangan Bridge.
Cost	Free to watch from the beach and around. Paid seats: R 100,000 won, S 70,000 won
Organizers	Busan Metropolitan City · Busan Festival Organizing Committee

The organizers have published this year’s official timetable and road-closure plan, and the schedule and closures below follow them (checked October 26, 2026). Extra subway service and the live-stream channel have not been announced yet, so those parts still describe last year; we will update them when they are.

Schedule — what time to go

This is the official 2026 timetable from the Busan Festival Organizing Committee (subject to change):

1–4 p.m.	Fireworks Street — busking, chalk art and activity booths along the beach
6–6:50 p.m.	Prologue — teaser fireworks and citizen messages on the bridge
6:50–7 p.m.	Opening ceremony
7–7:15 p.m.	Invited overseas show — this year a team from China (SUNNY)
7:15–7:25 p.m.	Intermission (10-minute system check)
7:25–7:55 p.m.	Busan Multi Fireworks Show — the 30-minute main show, with the “Niagara” cascade off the bridge and 25-inch shells
7:55–8 p.m.	Curtain call — a thank-you display for citizens and staff

The highlight is 7:25–7:55 p.m. Don’t leave during the 10-minute break after the overseas show. There is no official program between 4 and 6 p.m., which is when most people go for food or the restroom.

For a free front spot on the beach, many people arrive between noon and 2 p.m. The organizers cap the number of people on the beach and close entrances step by step when it gets too full. All roads around the venue close from 5 p.m. (see below), so aim to reach Gwangalli by 4 p.m. at the latest.

Paid seats — R and S

R seat	100,000 won · table + chair
S seat	70,000 won · chair only
Location	On the sand in front of the Aqua Palace and Homers hotels, Gwangalli Beach
Where to buy	NOL Ticket (formerly Interpark Ticket) and the BNK Busan Bank mobile app

A 10% discount this year is only for Busan residents with ID, so most visitors pay the full price. Early-bird tickets sold out within a minute, and regular tickets go quickly as the date gets closer — if you want a seat, check now. Bring your ID/passport on the day.

Best free viewing spots

You don't need a paid seat. The closer you are to straight-on, the more crowded it gets; move to the side and you'll have more room. Check the map, then the details for each spot.

Viewing spotPaid seatsSubway stationLocations are approximate

1. Gwangalli Beach — Straight-on · very crowded · Google Maps · Kakao Map
2. Millak Waterfront Park — Angled view · sit on steps · Google Maps · Kakao Map
3. Igidae (Dongsaengmal) — Side view from the south · Google Maps · Kakao Map
4. Hwangnyeongsan Beacon — City lights from above · Google Maps · Kakao Map
5. Dongbaek Island (Nurimaru) — Far side · less crowded · Google Maps · Kakao Map
6. Marine City waterfront — Skyscrapers and fireworks · Google Maps · Kakao Map
Paid seats (in front of Aqua Palace / Homers Hotel) — R and S seat areas · Google Maps · Kakao Map
Gwangan Station (Line 2) — About 10 min walk to the beach · Google Maps · Kakao Map
Geumnyeonsan Station (Line 2) — About 10 min walk to the beach · Google Maps · Kakao Map

1. Gwangalli Beach — straight-on, most crowded

Gwangan Bridge and fireworks seen head-on from Gwangalli Beach — Illustrative image — from Gwangalli Beach you face Gwangan Bridge and the fireworks head-on. Not an actual photo of the event.

Good for: First-timers who want the full, loud, front-row experience
Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Gwangan or Geumnyeonsan Station, then about a 10-minute walk. City buses along Gwangnam-ro are rerouted in the evening, so the subway is the most reliable option.
Stay warm: The sand gets cold — bring a mat plus a cushion, a blanket and hand warmers. You'll sit for hours.
Food: Nearby shops and restaurants get long lines from the afternoon. Bring fish-cake soup (eomuk) in a thermos and gimbap or rice balls.
Watch out: Toilet lines are long. Agree on a meeting point with your group.

2. Millak Waterfront Park — angled view, sit on the steps

Fireworks over Gwangan Bridge seen at an angle from the steps of Millak Waterfront Park — Illustrative image — at Millak Waterfront Park you sit on seaside steps and see the bridge at an angle. Not an actual photo of the event.

Good for: People who want to sit comfortably right by the sea
Getting there: Walk about 15 minutes east along the beach from Gwangalli. Millak Subyeon-ro closes to cars from 5 p.m.
Stay warm: The sea wind hits directly — windbreaker, hat and a cushion for the steps.
Food: The raw-fish market area (Millak Hoe Center) is next door and many people take sashimi to go. Drinking alcohol is banned in the park.
Watch out: Step edges are dark and slippery; keep children away from the water side.

3. Igidae Coastal Trail — side view, best for photos

Gwangan Bridge and fireworks seen from the side on the rocks of the Igidae coastal trail — Illustrative image — from Igidae the bridge and fireworks stretch across one wide frame. Not an actual photo of the event.

Good for: Photographers and couples who don't mind a short walk
Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Kyungsung Univ.·Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station, then bus or taxi to the Igidae entrance (Dongsaengmal) and walk in. Igidae Park-ro becomes one-way (or fully closed if crowded) from 5 p.m., so go early.
Stay warm: Strong wind on the rocks — gloves, scarf and something to sit on. Bring a flashlight for the dark trail back.
Food: Almost no shops nearby. Buy hotteok, fish-cake skewers and hot drinks on the way.
Watch out: Wear sneakers. Don't climb beyond railings or onto the rock edges.

4. Hwangnyeongsan Beacon — fireworks over the city lights

Busan city lights and distant fireworks seen from the Hwangnyeongsan beacon — Illustrative image — from Hwangnyeongsan you look down on the city lights with the fireworks beyond. Not an actual photo of the event.

Good for: Night-view lovers who want to avoid the crowds
Getting there: The road up the mountain closes to cars from 2 p.m. (earlier if busy). Be ready to hike up from the Geumnyeonsan Station side (around an hour uphill).
Stay warm: Much colder than the beach — dress for winter: padded jacket, gloves, ear warmers, and a spare layer.
Food: Nothing to buy on top. Bring a thermos of tea or soup and snacks.
Watch out: The way down is dark and busy. Bring a flashlight and non-slip shoes.

5. Dongbaek Island / Haeundae — the calmer far side

Distant fireworks over Gwangan Bridge seen from the Dongbaek Island shore — Illustrative image — from Dongbaek Island the fireworks look smaller but it is calmer. Not an actual photo of the event.

Good for: Families with children and older visitors
Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Dongbaek Station, about a 15-minute walk. The Haeundae side is less affected by the Gwangalli road closures.
Stay warm: Windy coastal path — hats and gloves for kids, a wind cover for strollers.
Food: Easy to buy food around Haeundae Market. Warm mulddeok (rice cake skewers), fish cakes or hotteok travel well.
Watch out: The fireworks look small from here.

6. Marine City waterfront — skyscrapers and fireworks

Fireworks over Gwangan Bridge with the skyscrapers of Marine City — Illustrative image — Marine City pairs high-rise night views with the fireworks. Not an actual photo of the event.

Good for: Night-photo fans; couples who want to wait in a café nearby
Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Dongbaek Station, 10–15 minutes on foot. Marine City 1-ro closes from 4 p.m.
Stay warm: The breakwater is windy. Many wait in a café and step out just before the show.
Food: Plenty of cafés and convenience stores, but they get busy — buy drinks and snacks early.
Watch out: Don't climb onto the breakwater or beyond railings.

Spot	View	Crowds	Nearest station
Gwangalli Beach	Straight-on	Very crowded	Gwangan · Geumnyeonsan
Millak Waterfront Park	Angled	Crowded	Gwangan
Igidae	Side (south)	Medium	Kyungsung Univ.
Hwangnyeongsan	From above	Medium	Geumnyeonsan (uphill walk)
Dongbaek Island	Far side	Less crowded	Dongbaek
Marine City	Far side	Medium	Dongbaek

Window seats at cafés, restaurants and hotels around Gwangalli are usually sold separately in advance. Conditions differ by venue.

Road closures — leave the car

Driving to Gwangalli on festival day is very hard. Below is the official 2026 road-closure plan from the organizers. Closures may start earlier or extend further depending on traffic.

Gwangan Bridge — partial closures from Monday, November 2

Upper deck (Haeundae → Nam-gu)	Nov 2–4: one lane (lane 4) every night 8 p.m.–6 a.m. Nov 5, 8 p.m. – Nov 6, 9 a.m.: one lane Nov 6, 9 a.m. – Nov 7, 3:30 p.m.: two lanes (lanes 3–4)
Lower deck (Nam-gu → Haeundae)	Nov 4, 9 a.m. – Nov 7, 6:30 p.m.: lane 1 Nov 7, midnight – Nov 8, 6 p.m.: lane 1 (teardown)
Full closure (Nov 7)	Upper deck 3:30 p.m.–midnight, lower deck 6:30 p.m.–midnight — both directions

Saturday, November 7 — three stages around the venue

Stage 1, from 10 a.m. — Gwanganhaebyeon-ro beach road (Eonyang junction – Mannam Square, 0.82 km)
Stage 2, from 2 p.m. — Hwangnyeongsan-ro up to the beacon (may close earlier if busy)
Stage 2, from 4 p.m. — the rest of the beach road and the one-way street behind it, Marine City 1-ro, and the Hwangnyeongsan ring road (5.5 km)
Stage 3, from 5 p.m. (buses still allowed) — Gwangnam-ro (KBS junction – Millak Bridge, 3.3 km), Millak Subyeon-ro, the extended beach road, and Igidae Park-ro (one-way, fully closed if crowded)
From 6 p.m. — Gwangnam-ro closed to buses too; 11 bus routes detour via Suyeong-ro
From 7:30 p.m. — Gwangan-ro (Gwangan Station – beach junction) and Namcheonbada-ro (Geumnyeonsan Station area)

All closures last until the crowds have cleared after the show. Public car parks near Gwangalli and Millak fill up in the morning. If you must drive, park far away and take the subway.

By subway — getting there and getting out

Get off at Gwangan or Geumnyeonsan Station on Metro Line 2 and walk about 10 minutes to the beach. Last year extra trains ran after the show and the last train was extended; when stations get too crowded, trains may skip Gwangan, Geumnyeonsan or Suyeong for safety.

If you head straight to the station when the show ends, you can queue for over an hour. It is often faster to walk one or two stops to Namcheon, Suyeong or Millak Station, or to have dinner nearby and leave after 9:30 p.m. Taxis are almost impossible to get right after the show.

Getting around Busan: a T-money or Cashbee card works on the metro and buses; buy and top up at convenience stores (top-ups are usually cash). Naver Map and Kakao Map give better directions in Korea than Google Maps. New to Busan? See our Getting to Busan guide.

Watching from a boat

Gwangan Bridge and fireworks seen from a yacht off Gwangalli — Illustrative image — watching from a boat off Gwangalli. Not an actual photo of the event.

You can also watch from a yacht or cruise boat off Gwangalli. Prices jump on festival day: a 2024 report put them at roughly 170,000–250,000 won per person, versus 20,000–30,000 won for an ordinary weekend tour. In 2025 the coast guard caught boats carrying far more passengers than allowed, so ask how many people will be on board, check for life jackets and insurance, and know when the boat returns. The November sea is much colder than the beach.

Hotels — book early, watch the price

Rooms with a view of the fireworks sell out first and prices soar. In 2025 many Gwangalli rooms were listed at around 1 million won for festival night, and there were reports of guests being asked to pay extra after booking. Check the refund rules and that there are no extra charges, and keep screenshots. Staying a few subway stops away — Seomyeon, Nampo, Busan Station or Haeundae — is much cheaper.

What to bring and safety

Warm clothes, blanket, hand warmers — November nights by the sea are cold and you'll wait for hours.
Mat and cushion — the sand is cold.
Power bank — mobile networks slow down in big crowds.
Snacks and water, and a bag for your trash.
With children: write your phone number on a wristband or inside their clothes.

Around a million people come every year. In narrow streets, on stairs and at subway exits, don't stop or push. If the crowd starts to push you, keep your arms in front of your chest and move out diagonally. Follow staff instructions — closures are for safety. Drones may be restricted around the venue.

Can't go? Watch the live stream

Watching the fireworks festival live stream on a living room TV — Illustrative image — watching the live stream at home. Not an actual broadcast screen.

In 2024 and 2025 the YTN YouTube channel streamed the whole show live in 4K. This year's broadcast plan hasn't been announced yet — on the day, search YouTube for “부산불꽃축제 생중계” (Busan Fireworks Festival live).

Don't confuse it with other fireworks

Busan Fireworks Festival — Nov 7, Gwangalli and Gwangan Bridge. The big one, once a year.
Dadaepo fireworks — in August at Dadaepo Beach, on the first night of the Busan Sea Festival.
Yeongdo Bridge Festival & Busan Mackerel Festival — smaller fireworks on Oct 30, at Yeongdo and Songdo Beach.
Gwangalli M Drone Light Show — every Saturday evening over Gwangalli (a drone light show, not fireworks).

FAQ

When is the Busan Fireworks Festival 2026?

Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Gwangalli Beach. Per the official timetable, teaser fireworks start at 6 p.m., the opening at 6:50 p.m., an overseas show at 7 p.m., and the 30-minute main Busan Multi Fireworks Show at 7:25 p.m.; it ends at 8 p.m.

How much are paid seats?

R seats (table and chair) cost 100,000 won and S seats (chair only) 70,000 won, sold on NOL Ticket (formerly Interpark) and the BNK Busan Bank app. The 10% discount is only for Busan residents.

Can I watch for free?

Yes. Gwangalli Beach, Millak Waterfront Park, the Igidae Coastal Trail, Hwangnyeongsan, Dongbaek Island and the Marine City waterfront are all free. For the beach, arrive by early afternoon.

When is Gwangan Bridge closed?

On November 7 the upper deck (Haeundae → Nam-gu) closes from 3:30 p.m. and the lower deck (Nam-gu → Haeundae) from 6:30 p.m., both until midnight. Some lanes are also closed from the night of November 2 to November 8 for stage setup and teardown.

Which subway station is closest?

Gwangan or Geumnyeonsan Station on Metro Line 2, about a 10-minute walk to the beach. After the show, walk to Namcheon, Suyeong or Millak Station to avoid the longest lines.

What happens if it rains?

Plans can change with the weather. Check the Busan Festival Organizing Committee notice the day before and on the day.

Is it the same as the fireworks in August?

No. The August fireworks at Dadaepo Beach are part of the Busan Sea Festival. The Busan Fireworks Festival is in November at Gwangalli. The Saturday drone show at Gwangalli is a drone light show, not fireworks.