21st Busan Fireworks Festival

The 21st Busan Fireworks Festival is one of South Korea's biggest fireworks shows. It takes place on Saturday 7 November 2026 around Gwangalli Beach in Busan, with the main show over the sea and Gwangandaegyo Bridge from 19:00 to 20:00. Pre-events start in the afternoon. It suits families, couples, photographers and tour groups visiting Korea in autumn.

About the Busan Fireworks Festival

The festival is hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and organised by the Busan Festivals Organization. The fireworks are launched over the water in front of Gwangalli Beach, with the lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge (also called Gwangan Bridge) as the backdrop. Viewing areas run around Gwangalli Beach, Igidae and Haeundae.

According to Busan Metropolitan City, the 2026 programme includes:

• Fireworks Street: a beachside "booknic", a Black Eagles air show, activities and busking performances;
• Fireworks Prologue: radio-style music with stories and song requests sent in by citizens;
• Invitational Fireworks Show: a show by an invited team from China;
• Busan Multi-Fireworks Show: the main show, followed by curtain-call fireworks.

Busan Fireworks Festival 2026 date and venue

• Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
• Pre-events: 14:00 to 19:00, including preview fireworks and messages on the bridge from 18:00
• Opening ceremony: 18:50
• Main fireworks: 19:00 to 20:00
• Venue: around Gwangalli Beach, Igidae and Haeundae, Busan

Most viewing along the beach is free, while the organiser offers paid reserved seats in some years. Check the official Busan Fireworks Festival website for seating, safety notices and transport changes on the day.

How to get to Busan for the Busan Fireworks Festival

Gimhae International Airport (PUS) serves Busan with flights from many Asian cities. Many long-haul visitors arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul and then take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Busan Station, or a domestic flight to Gimhae.

On festival day, the subway is the best way to reach the beach. Gwangan and Geumnyeonsan stations on Busan Metro Line 2 serve Gwangalli. Roads near the beach close in the afternoon and trains get very crowded after the show, so plan to arrive early and leave slowly. For a trip to Busan for the Busan Fireworks Festival, check the official entry requirements for Korea for each traveller.

Where to stay

Hotels in Gwangalli and Suyeong offer the closest views, but rooms facing the sea are booked very early. Haeundae is a good alternative with many hotels and part-views of the show. Centum City and Seomyeon are well connected by subway and often easier to book.

The festival is one of Busan's busiest nights of the year, so book early and reserve rooms for the night of 7 November and the nights around it.

Planning a group trip to the Busan Fireworks Festival

A group tour to the Busan Fireworks Festival fits well into an autumn Korea itinerary. Tips for agencies:

• Timing: plan the group's arrival in Busan by the morning of 7 November and keep the evening free.
• Viewing: decide early between free beach areas, paid seats if offered, or a hotel with sea views.
• Transport: use the subway and walking routes; coaches cannot get close to the beach on the night.
• Extras: add Haeundae, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market and a day in Seoul.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Busan Fireworks Festival 2026?

The 21st Busan Fireworks Festival is on Saturday 7 November 2026. Pre-events run from 14:00 and the main fireworks run from 19:00 to 20:00, according to Busan Metropolitan City.

Where is the best place to watch?

The main viewing area is Gwangalli Beach, facing Gwangandaegyo Bridge. Igidae and parts of Haeundae also have views. Arrive early, as the beach fills up hours before the show.

Do I need a ticket for the Busan Fireworks Festival?

Watching from public areas is generally free. Any reserved seating is sold through official channels, so check the official website for the latest seating information.

Which airport is closest to Busan?

Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is the closest. Visitors arriving at Incheon (ICN) can take the KTX train from Seoul to Busan Station.

How do I get to Gwangalli Beach?

Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Gwangan or Geumnyeonsan station and walk to the beach. Expect road closures and heavy crowds in the evening.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Busan Fireworks Festival 2026 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.