Ahead of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, a citizen has sparked buzz online by releasing a 3D map featuring prime viewing spots they tracked down on foot over three years.
The citizen who created the service, identified as A, posted on social media (SNS) on Aug. 31, asking, "If I share the best spots for the fireworks festival, would that be inconsiderate?"
A said they hesitated to make public the viewing locations they had kept to themself, thinking it could make it harder for them to use those spots in the future.
The change of heart came from a family they encountered at last year's fireworks festival. A wrote, "Seeing a father next to me last year bouncing a child in his arms and stamping his feet made me rethink my decision not to share the prime spots," adding, "If it were you, would you share the prime spots?"
As of 4 p.m. on the 4th, the post had surpassed 1.28 million views. Users reacted with comments such as "I'm so curious. Please share," and "I've never managed to see it properly, but this time I really want to take my child so they won't be disappointed."
Some also lamented that the prime-spot information was becoming widely known. One user commented, "Please take it down now. Let me be the only one to see it."
A's web service "Fireworks Festival Map (Spotts Fireworks)" lets users see at a glance the best viewing spots around Yeouido and the Han River.
When you select a viewing location, a 3D map opens, and you can preview from that spot which direction the fireworks will appear from and how far away they will seem. It allows users to compare sightlines and distances by location without going on-site.
It also provides information on restrooms, kiosks, and traffic controls. According to a use case registered on the Seoul Open Data Plaza, the service includes information on 47 prime viewing spots around Yeouido and the Han River.
Real-time congestion levels can also be checked. According to the Seoul Open Data Plaza, the service uses Seoul's real-time urban data to regularly collect congestion levels for nine areas: Yeouido Hangang Park; Yeouido; Noryangjin; Nodeul Island; Ichon Hangang Park; Banpo Hangang Park; Yanghwa Hangang Park; Mangwon Hangang Park; and Yeouiseo-ro.
Among these, 21 key prime spots show current congestion in four tiers and provide time-by-time congestion forecasts. The aim is to help users avoid crowds and choose relatively less busy viewing locations.
Each location also has a community feature where users share on-site conditions. They can report how crowded it is now, whether the fireworks are clearly visible, or tip off new viewing spots.
Meanwhile, "Hanwha-sponsored Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026" will, for the first time this year, include a pre-event and run for two days, Oct. 4–5, around Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Park. On the 4th, citizen participation programs will be held, and on the 5th, the main fireworks show will feature three countries—Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom. General admission is free, while Nodeul Island will operate as a paid venue.