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As the 2026 Yeouido Fireworks Festival approaches, the annual battle for prime seating has begun once again. Scheduled for September 5, this year's festival is expected to attract a large crowd, similar to last year. Over one million spectators visited Yeouido last year, and a similar turnout is anticipated this year.
A franchise cafe located in Yeouido Hangang Park sold seats with a good view of the fireworks for up to 300,000 won, but they sold out in just 30 seconds. One customer who used the cafe stated, "I think it's worth about 300,000 won if I can watch comfortably."
Hotel accommodation prices have also skyrocketed. Major hotels in Yeouido have raised their prices by at least 60% and in some cases, more than double, while on second-hand trading platforms, a hotel stay voucher is being sold for 1.1 million won. A hotel representative explained, "There will be a pool party at the infinity pool where fireworks can be viewed, including a dinner buffet and unlimited drinks." However, the city of Seoul has announced that all vessel operations in Yeouido will be prohibited on the day of the fireworks festival for safety reasons.