부산시보

(Picture : The Busan International Fireworks Festival lights up the sky every year for one brilliant night.)

Nov. 2 sees the return of the Busan Fireworks Festival.

The upcoming event will be held in Gwangalli  with a salute to the historic ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, which will also begin in November. Leaders from all 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will gather in Busan to further diplomatic and economic relations. It is a monumental occasion, and the fireworks festival will be appropriately grand.

There will be more to do at this year's event than in previous ones. At 2 p.m., visitors can go to the festival's special event hall for busking and miming, as well as magic and bubble shows. At 6 p.m., an expert will host an in-depth talk and go into detail about the different types of fireworks. Citizens will also be able to share their own stories, and a lucky few will have their tales somehow expressed through the loud, fun and explosive show. 

The main event of the evening, that is, the actual fireworks display, will begin at 8 p.m. Renowned Italian company Parente Fireworks Group will kick things off with a 15-minute showcase before a 10-minute break. From 825 to 9 p.m., the Busan Multi-Fireworks Show will fire everything it has for a colorful night. It will illuminate the city's skies at Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Dongbaekseom Island and the sea around Igidae. The festival will use fireworks greatly increased in size, which should only add to the overall spectacle. Leading up to the festival, public transportation can be extremely crowded, but it is an event worth experiencing.

Great venues, great views

Paying to see the show isn't the only option. There are plenty of places to enjoy the festival for free. 

▶ Millak Waterside Park

With a clear view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and fewer people than on the beach, Millak Waterside Park is a great choice to see the fireworks. 

How to get there : Millak Station (metro line 2), exit 1. Take bus of 210 and get off at Millak Waterside Park stop. 

▶ Jangsan Mountain 

Similar to Geumnyeonsan and Hwangnyeonsan mountains, you can access the top of Jangsan by hiking. There is no access by vehicle. Regardless, Jangsan Mountain provides a great spot to watch the fireworks.

How to get there : Jangsan Station (Metro line 2) exit 10 or 12. Walk straight for 20 minutes until you reach Daecheon Park. The trail to the mountain is there. 

▶ Mipohang Port 

Mipohang Port is located at the end of Haeundae Beach, so visitors can enjoy a view that stretches from Marine City to Gwangandaegyo Bridge, which is a perfect spot for the festival.

How to get there : Haeundae Station (Metro line 2), exit 3.