Busan Fireworks Festival Draws 1.17 Million, Culminates in Spectacular Display
Busan, South Korea – November 16, 2023 – A record 1.17 million people gathered across Busan’s Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, and Igidae areas on November 15th for the 20th annual Busan Fireworks Festival, a 13.7% increase from the approximately 1.03 million attendees last year.the festival concluded with a grand finale featuring fireworks synchronized to “Golden” by Huntress, the girl group featured in the Netflix animation ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters,’ and the illumination of Gwangan Bridge.
This year’s festival was structured around three acts – Memories, Today, and Wind – and featured fireworks displays set to popular songs by artists including BTS, IU, and Blackpink, described as a “curtain of light.” Additional fireworks barges were deployed to Igidae and Dongbaek Island, expanding viewing locations beyond Gwangalli Beach.
Busan City and the Busan Police Agency deployed approximately 7,000 personnel to manage crowds, designating 42 priority management areas including Gwangalli Beach and the city railway station. The Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters reported 85 rescue operations as of 9 p.m., with six visitors transported to hospitals for minor injuries such as abrasions and complaints of abdominal pain or dizziness. Announcements were made in both Korean and English to accommodate foreign tourists.
