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▶ Dates: July 24 (Thu) – July 27 (Sun), 2025
▶ Location: Hyeongsan River Mouth & Yeongildae Beach, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
▶ Highlights: Fireworks competitions, drone shows, laser art, waterfront concerts, street parade
▶ Official Website: festival.phcf.or.kr
The Pohang International Fireworks Festival is one of South Korea’s most dazzling night-time festivals, transforming the sky above the East Sea into a living canvas of light. Hosted annually in the coastal city of Pohang, this summer event merges cutting-edge fireworks, music, multimedia performances, and the natural beauty of the beach and sea. Launched in 2004, the festival has grown into a major international fireworks competition, attracting pyrotechnic teams from around the world. With Yeongildae Beach as the main viewing area and the Hyeongsan River as a backdrop, the event is a true feast for the senses. Visitors come not only for the explosions of color but also for the unique blend of art, culture, and maritime charm that only Pohang can deliver.
Fireworks Shows & Programs: Where Light Meets Art
The festival’s main draw is the International Fireworks Contest, featuring elite teams from countries like Japan, China, Italy, and the U.S., who choreograph massive fireworks displays synced to dramatic soundtracks. Each team has a designated night to perform their show, culminating in a grand finale by Korea’s own pyrotechnic masters. Beyond traditional fireworks, the festival includes drone light shows, laser mapping on water screens, and synchronized fountain and flame displays that turn the night into a digital wonderland. Attendees can enjoy the shows from both designated beach viewing zones and casual picnic spots across the river. The event also features themed nights such as “Romantic Night,” “Family Night,” and “Ocean Tech Night,” giving each evening a unique personality. Interactive booths and LED zones along the beach let visitors create their own mini light experiences. According to the official site, the firework shows are paired with live music, storytelling elements, and 3D effects projected onto mist, making it one of the most advanced pyrotechnic shows in Asia.
Night Atmosphere & Local Culture: Pohang After Dark
What makes the Pohang Fireworks Festival truly special is its connection to the city’s identity. As a coastal and industrial port city, Pohang is known for its marine heritage and modern development—and this festival celebrates both. The beach transforms into a neon-lit hub of activity with night markets, food truck zones, busking stages, and beachfront bars open well past midnight. Visitors can sample local delicacies like grilled squid, seafood skewers, and Pohang mulhoe (spicy cold raw fish soup). The surrounding streets host parades and light processions, as well as pop-up exhibitions and cultural booths. Yeongildae Pavilion, lit up with LED and laser, becomes a glowing cultural landmark for evening strolls and photography. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike find themselves immersed in the rhythm of summer nightlife, set against crashing waves and crackling lights. For those who want a quieter view, observation decks near POSCO or the Skywalk offer stunning elevated angles of the festivities. The warm sea breeze, glowing sand, and symphony of color make it a multi-sensory escape.
Summary & Travel Guide
The Pohang International Fireworks Festival is more than just a light show—it’s an immersive nightscape filled with energy, innovation, and emotional storytelling. Perfect for summer travelers looking for unique photo ops, cultural fusion, and ocean breezes, the festival is easily accessible by KTX or express bus from major cities like Seoul and Busan. Arrive early to secure a good beach spot, and bring a picnic mat, light jacket, and portable battery. Accommodation options range from beachfront hotels to guesthouses, and many local restaurants extend hours during the event. Visit the official website for nightly program details, safety tips, and real-time updates. Whether you're drawn by fireworks, beach vibes, or Korea’s coastal charm, Pohang will light up your summer night.