So due to my extreme lack of dedication and time, I wouldn't be able to document the things I have done here on exchange in the order of time. So I'll do away with the dates and everything shall be a THROWBACK. What's a throwback? I don't really know how the term is coined but it exists as a hashtag on instagram and you use it to indicate something you posted did not happen on the same day.
Seoul International FireWorks Festival
This was a huge event.
Decided to go solo on this one because I had many errands to run that day (for myself) and photography was my sole purpose so I didn't want people to wait for me as I crouch with a camera to my face.
So firstly, I went to the IFC Mall near Yeouido to look for some Autumn/Fall/Winter jackets. I knew Hollister had a sale when I passed the one at the Sinsa branch but didn't have money in my wallet back then :'( Came to this branch at IFC Mall because Yeouido was where the fireworks will be held too.
Decided to go solo on this one because I had many errands to run that day (for myself) and photography was my sole purpose so I didn't want people to wait for me as I crouch with a camera to my face.
So firstly, I went to the IFC Mall near Yeouido to look for some Autumn/Fall/Winter jackets. I knew Hollister had a sale when I passed the one at the Sinsa branch but didn't have money in my wallet back then :'( Came to this branch at IFC Mall because Yeouido was where the fireworks will be held too.
IFC actually stands for International Finance Center and it's located in Yeouido. Just so happens they also had the money to build a huge mall so they did. This mall is of epic proportions and they house several international brands that are mostly hard to find in other parts of Seoul, like Pull & Bear and Hollister. To get here, just find Exit 3 in Yeouido Station and follow the underpass' signs towards IFC Mall!.
I entered Hollister looking for the sale items but couldn't find it, they only had the 150,000w jackets that were too expensive compared to the 80,000w one I saw at Sinsa. Fortunately many of the staff (Esp managers) at Hollister outlets here are Korean Americans so they speak perfect English. Apparently sale items are not on display for some reason and the nice lady went to the back of the store to bring out a few selections.
I got this really solid windbreaker for windy and chilly weather for 60,800w and another jacket with artificial fur for 80,900w. For me this was quite a good buy because I've seen more expensive brandless windbreakers elsewhere and THIS IS FROM HOLLISTER. Getting these two within the price of that 150,000w jacket on sale sorta means it's cheap too I guess.
I entered Hollister looking for the sale items but couldn't find it, they only had the 150,000w jackets that were too expensive compared to the 80,000w one I saw at Sinsa. Fortunately many of the staff (Esp managers) at Hollister outlets here are Korean Americans so they speak perfect English. Apparently sale items are not on display for some reason and the nice lady went to the back of the store to bring out a few selections.
I got this really solid windbreaker for windy and chilly weather for 60,800w and another jacket with artificial fur for 80,900w. For me this was quite a good buy because I've seen more expensive brandless windbreakers elsewhere and THIS IS FROM HOLLISTER. Getting these two within the price of that 150,000w jacket on sale sorta means it's cheap too I guess.
When I was done with IFC Mall it was about 3pm. Apparently Koreans flock to the fireworks location as early as 3 hours before the show. I had nothing to do at that moment and didn't mind wasting my life away finding a good spot so I went.
The International Fireworks Festival is held annually in front of the 63 building near the Hangang River.
This is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seoul's cityscape and stands at 250 metres high. It is also apparently the tallest gold cladded structure in the world. (Look at the reflection of the sky on the building.) It has an observation deck on the 60th floor and it also houses an IMAX Theater as well as an Oceanarium called 63 Sea World.
Arriving at the venue I got a shock. Take a look at this :
Arriving at the venue I got a shock. Take a look at this :
People were sitting and lying down on the steep slopes lining the Hangang. Every single patch of grass was eventually taken up by a butt. Tents were pitched on these slopes and all the Koreans came prepared with picnic mats and blankets to sit on. I found myself a small patch of grass and sat amidst the sea of Koreans on a 45 degree slope.
Found a rock and started digging into the slope to make sort of like a seat for myself so that I have a grip on the slope. Eventually everyone around me started digging into the slope. *Trendsetter*
Everyone was out here in the cold wind trying to find a comfortable spot to view the fireworks and it's heartwarming to see strangers helping each other out. Some were even sharing food and here that ajusshi was helping carve a seat into the slope.
Behind me sat an English teacher who kinda overheard me making a phone call in English. She came all the way from Busan to watch the fireworks as well and she shared food and translated what the emcees were saying for me as well.
The weather turned really cold all of a sudden. No joke. Strong winds at a temperature of 16 degrees. The Koreans came prepared with windbreaks and huge blankets. LUCKY FOR ME, I JUST BOUGHT MINE HOURS AGO. I never felt so relieved. I would have to leave if I didn't have anything to combat the harsh winds. Lent the 2nd coat to that English Teacher as well because I'm such a nice person and she didn't have enough to keep warm.
The show started at 730pm and teams presenting the fireworks were from UK, France, China, South Korea.
Forgot to bring my Class 10 SD card so videos I took were all very short and I kinda got lazy to keep taking pictures of the fireworks so I didn't have a lot. For fireworks I feel only being there will get you the full experience.
Video :
Behind me sat an English teacher who kinda overheard me making a phone call in English. She came all the way from Busan to watch the fireworks as well and she shared food and translated what the emcees were saying for me as well.
The weather turned really cold all of a sudden. No joke. Strong winds at a temperature of 16 degrees. The Koreans came prepared with windbreaks and huge blankets. LUCKY FOR ME, I JUST BOUGHT MINE HOURS AGO. I never felt so relieved. I would have to leave if I didn't have anything to combat the harsh winds. Lent the 2nd coat to that English Teacher as well because I'm such a nice person and she didn't have enough to keep warm.
The show started at 730pm and teams presenting the fireworks were from UK, France, China, South Korea.
Forgot to bring my Class 10 SD card so videos I took were all very short and I kinda got lazy to keep taking pictures of the fireworks so I didn't have a lot. For fireworks I feel only being there will get you the full experience.
Video :
Post by Edison Ang.
Journey back after the show was crazy. Imagine about a million people trying to get into the subway. The roads were not for cars but for humans that night. Poor drivers were stuck in their cars as the sea of humans walked around them leaving them with no choice but to wait. So have this in consideration if you're visiting Seoul for this festival next year.