Korean Job Discussion Forums

[madowlspeaks]

So I am thinking of going this year, but am also pondering how to put up with the hoards of people. Has any ever gone? If so, where is the best/least crowded location? Is it worth going and fighting the crowds? Thanks
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=790394

[laynamarya]

We went two years ago. It was insane. It took twenty minutes to get out of the subway station and another thirty or so to get to the riverside. We went to Ichon station, thinking it would be less crowded...

The fireworks were amazing, of course, but there was no space to stretch out, lots of folks smoking and standing up to take pictures, and little kids yelling "I can't see!" in Korean every five seconds. It was pretty cold, too. You'll need a blanket. Also snacks. Lots of snacks.

The good part was, the fireworks were set off in three sessions, so about twenty minutes of fireworks, a ten minute pause, when lots of people left, twenty minutes of fireworks, another pause, more folks leaving, and then the finale. So, by the end, the visibility was much better, and the best fireworks were set off.

But the way home was even worse. The line to get into the subway station was so long that we ended up walking an hour to get to a station that was less crowded. We got home around 2 AM.

If you want to go, I recommend finding some tall building nearby and watching from the window.

[furtakk]

There are an absurd amount of people. Ive never tried but Id think across the river would be your best option. The biking/running paths have seating and a clear
view. No idea if itll be busy there as well though.

[GoldMember]

How is a "Fireworks festival" different from an "International fireworks festival"?

[JustinC]

[atwood]

Go very, very early. Stake out a spot with a blanket or chairs or whatnot. The subway scene is intense, especially since Koreans think the solution to such a situation is just to push and push and push. People were getting crushed, especially children.

And you couldn't take the subway back, had to walk across the bridge and quite a bit farther to find transportation.

If you go, go early, The only positive I remember is that the beer was fairly cheap.

[fosterman]

what about standing on the bridge?

[deizio]

We had a decent spot last year, subway to Mapo and walk south towards the river. Cross the footbridge, look left and spot the grass slope leading down from the road to the cycle paths and riverside. At first glance it looks like the elevated highway will be in the sightline but if you sit at the top of the slope with your back to the road barrier you can see everything.

Crazy busy all around but the hill is pretty steep so not too many people were sitting around us. Once we were settled in we could just chill, pop open the maehwasu and enjoy the show.

[Savant]