Pohang Fireworks Festival

Festivals in Korea always draw large crowds, and the summer 2011 Pohang Fireworks Festival was no different.  After a week of anticipation to escape Daegu for the weekend with a group of good friends we cancelled last minute due to the weather.

 Based on a second last minute decision we hopped on a bus spur of the moment Saturday afternoon and made our way to Pohang. We arrived with no plans, grabbed 2 taxis, and headed to the beach. We got stuck in traffic for an hour only to find out we were in the middle of the annual parade.

Our friendly taxi driver indicated to us that we could walk to the beach so we got out and began to walk with the parade.  It was composed of traditional Gukak musical dancers and performers, clowns, Koreans wearing traditional masks and clothing; all intermixed with military personnel (both US and Korean) as well as marching bands. After an extensive search for a cheap love motel we finally settled in and headed to the beach for drinks and dinner, of course including the traditional Korean snack Bundaegi; roasted silk worm larvae.

Hundreds of thousands of people already had every part of the beach covered with blankets like a patchwork blanket. There was no sand to even be seen down the entire stretch of Korea’s longest beach. The fireworks commenced with a display from Poland. It was a good thing Poland didn’t show up to compete because it was extremely amateur.

The main contest began, starring Portugal, China, South Korea and Australia. Each country showcased their newly designed fireworks in proper New Years Eve, Grand Finale style. The sky illuminated in an impressive hour long display over the industrious port city. The only thing lacking was the “Ooo’s” and “Ahh’s” of firework goers.

An unexpected day of chaos quickly turned into a tranquil night of fireworks and drinks on the beach with great friends!