Crowd control introduced in Seoul ahead of fireworks festival
In Seoul, South Korea, visitors began gathering at Yeouido Hangang Park several hours before the start of the International Fireworks Festival. People arrived with picnic mats, food and folding chairs to secure spots overlooking the Han River.
Queues and traffic restrictions
As The Korea Herald reports, queues formed near restrooms, shops and food establishments in the event area. Many spectators arrived early, seeking to secure an unobstructed view of the fireworks over the Han River.
Staff were on duty at Yeouinaru Station near the festival venue and throughout the site to control the flow of people. Traffic restrictions were also introduced near the Yeouido area to reduce congestion and ensure pedestrian safety.
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Festival programme
This year's festival featured fireworks displays presented by South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom. The event takes place in the Yeouido Hangang Park area between Mapo Bridge and the railway bridge across the Han River. The show was scheduled to start at 20:00 and end at 21:10.
The festival is jointly organised by Hanwha Group and broadcaster SBS, with support from the Seoul city authorities. Hanwha Group launched the event in 2000. Since then, it has become one of the notable autumn events in South Korea's capital and, in a typical year, attracts more than one million spectators.
