Up to 35 Times Higher... Ultrafine Dust Warning Follows Spectacular Fireworks Festival

Ultrafine Dust Levels Soar Near Festival Site After Large-Scale Fireworks
Organizers and Seoul City Recommend Spectators Wear Masks

The "2025 Seoul International Fireworks Festival," one of Seoul's signature autumn events, will take place on September 27 at Yeouido Hangang Park. With approximately 1 million spectators expected to gather, there is a need for caution as ultrafine dust concentrations have been observed to spike sharply following the large-scale fireworks display.

During the fireworks show, the concentration of ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5) in nearby areas rises to dozens of times higher than usual. According to a domestic research team’s analysis of the 2023 Yeouido fireworks festival, the concentration surged up to 35 times the normal level at its peak, exceeding the "very poor" air quality standard by more than four times. A similar phenomenon was observed at the Busan Fireworks Festival.

Fireworks decorate the night sky at the "2024 Seoul International Fireworks Festival" held at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

These elevated ultrafine dust concentrations can persist for up to three hours and may spread to neighboring areas depending on the wind. Experts warn that even short-term exposure to high concentrations of ultrafine dust can put a strain on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable.

Environmental organizations have consistently pointed out the air pollution issues caused by fireworks. The animal rights group Kara stated, "Chemicals and fine dust produced during the combustion of fireworks can cause long-term harm to both animals and humans," and argued that "environmentally friendly alternatives must be explored."

In response, the event organizer Hanwha Group emphasized, "We are prioritizing safety and the environment above all else." According to an air quality impact assessment conducted last year by a research team at Chungbuk National University, major substances such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide remained below national standards, and although fine dust levels spiked immediately after the event, they stabilized within about three hours.

Hanwha Group also stated, "We are selecting fireworks that produce less smoke and debris, and we are recommending that spectators wear masks rated KF80 or higher."

Additionally, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will advise attendees to bring masks on the day of the event. Immediately after the festival, around 1,200 volunteers and citizens will participate in the "10 Minutes Slowly" campaign to collect trash and debris.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.