26-Day Urban Spring Festival Packed with Performances and Interactive Experiences Carousel and aerial-swing attractions are stealing the spotlight 1,200-Drone Spectacle Draws International Visitors |
Seoul Spring Festival signature show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
“This festival is the highlight of my trip to Korea.”
On opening day, a German family visiting Yeouido Hangang Park called the Seoul Spring Festival the highlight of their trip.
Seoul is hosting the Seoul Spring Festival along the Han River parks from April 10 through May 5. Performances and hands-on programs are centered on Yeouido, Ttukseom and Banpo Hangang Parks and at seven Han River piers.
A visitor to the Seoul Spring Festival on April 10 takes a commemorative photo / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
On the 10th, opening day, visitors both domestic and international streamed into Yeouido Hangang Park.
Carousel and aerial swing above the Han River
Carousel and aerial swing above the Han River
This year the festival moved from Seoul Plaza to the Han River for the first time, introducing interactive programs that let visitors experience the river in fresh, playful ways.
Carousel / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
The festival’s centerpiece is a carousel installed right on the riverbank. Each ride fits up to 40 people, so lines move quickly — a big win for families. Buckled in, riders enjoy roughly three minutes of twirling with sweeping views of the Han River and Yeouido skyline.
“We saw it as we walked by, the line moved fast, and it’s free, so we rode several times,” said 14-year-old Lee Ha-on, who came with friends. “I’m really glad we came to the Han River today,” she added with a smile.
“My child hasn’t been to an amusement park yet, so I’m thrilled we could ride the carousel together,” said 34-year-old Seo Ju-in, who was visiting with a child.
A visitor trying the Joy Swing aerial ride / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
On the rooftop above the Yeouido Han River boat pier, a giant 'Joy Swing' sends riders dangling toward the water, offering a thrilling new perspective on the river. Staff secure safety gear, seat riders, and then push the chair outward toward the Han River.
Trying the Joy Swing aerial ride / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
“It didn’t look that exciting at first, but when it swung toward the river it was unexpectedly thrilling,” one rider said after trying the Joy Swing. For safety, riders under 140 cm (about 4 ft 7 in) are not permitted.
The aerial swing is part of the festival’s \"7 Emotions\" program. Participatory activities run at seven Han River boat piers — Yeouido, Ttukseom, Magok, Mangwon, Jamwon, Oksu and Jamsil — with themed attractions like trampoline bungee, Han River climbing, and air ball pools at each pier.
Treasure Hunt, an interactive program at the Seoul Spring Festival / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
Festivalgoers can participate in a Treasure Hunt: collect stickers at each pier and exchange them for prizes.
“My first drone show” — a drone spectacle that wowed international visitors
“My first drone show” — a drone spectacle that wowed international visitors
As evening fell, the festival shifted into its show-stopping highlights.
Signature Show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
The night kicked off with a Signature Show around the carousel, staged in two six-minute sets at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. Seoul’s mascot Haechi and a troupe dubbed the “Brave Citizens” ignited the performance with a ceremonial flare, and fireworks and lasers exploded against the carousel backdrop.
Then, over at Mulbit Square, the Han River Drone Light Show took center stage. Many festivalgoers staked out prime spots during the day to make sure they had the best view. The fact that it’s free and open to the public only added to the buzz.
Spectators gathering to watch the drone light show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
Mayor Oh Se-hoon appeared at the drone light show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
Before the drone show, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon made a surprise appearance. “Hasn’t Seoul become a lot more fun?” he asked, promising, “We’ll work to make Seoul enjoyable 365 days a year.”
Han River drone light show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
Around 8:30 p.m., roughly 1,200 drones painted the sky above the Han River. They formed images like BTS’s BT21 characters and Seoul landmarks, while BTS songs played in the background, adding to the atmosphere. The show is part of the 'BTS The City' tie-in and was designed to draw international tourists.
The crowd included visitors who had come to Korea for concert dates. Sotiria, who traveled from Greece, said, “I went to the BTS concert yesterday (April 9). After the show, I searched for things to do before heading home and found this festival on Seoul’s Instagram. I liked that the drone show included so many BTS elements.”
Visitors watching the drone light show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
Two travelers from Brunei said, “We saw BTS yesterday too, and because BTS songs played throughout the drone show, we sang along and had a great time.”
A family from Germany who brought their teenage children called it their “first drone show” — surreal and unforgettable. “Tonight is our last night in Korea, and this drone show was the highlight of our trip,” they said.
The Han River Drone Light Show will run at Yeouido Hangang Park on April 10, at Ttukseom Hangang Park on April 25, and at Jamsil Hangang Park on May 5. The April 25 show will feature LINE Friends characters, and the May 5 show will be Star Wars–themed.
Key programs and schedule for the Seoul Spring Festival
Key programs and schedule for the Seoul Spring Festival
Foreign tourists watching the Han River Drone Light Show / Photo: Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
The city has lined up a variety of programs across the 26-day festival.
Starting April 11, outdoor reading spaces will be set up every Saturday and on May 3 and 5 as part of the Reading Han River Park program.
From April 25, the festival will offer the \"Real Han River Ramen\" experience — participants cook and eat ramen 11 meters above the river. Weekends also feature participatory events like rooftop Sunset Parties and Healing Camps.
On May 2, the city will hold a Han River Pajama Sleepover contest, and on May 3 it will stage \"Wonder Show,\" a large-scale performance blending traditional Korean music, classical music, dance and K-pop.
Ji-eun Kim, Travel+ reporter
