This year's Seoul International Fireworks Festival is set for Sept. 5, with teams from Korea, the United States and Britain preparing showcases unique to their respective countries.

The festival, hosted by Hanwha Corp. and held annually along the Han River since 2000, is one of Seoul's largest single-day events and is free to attend. It is expected to draw more than a million visitors, many of whom gather at Yeouido Hangang Park to take in the lightshow in full. Anticipation is already evident: Starbucks seat packages at Yeouido Hangang Park offering panoramic views of the fireworks — priced at up to 300,000 won ($220) — sold out in 30 seconds.

Here is a complete guide to the event.

When is the festival happening?

The festival runs on Sept. 5 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the fireworks shows taking place from 8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.

Britain's Pyrotex Fireworx opens the program from 8 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., followed by the United States' Ace Pyro from 8:20 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. Korea's Hanwha Corp. closes the night with the finale display from 8:40 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. A five-minute break separates each performance.

A pre-festival event is scheduled for Sept. 4, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yeouido Hangang Park, featuring drone shows and smaller fireworks displays.

How to get there

Visitors can take Seoul Subway Line 5 or 9 to Yeouido Station — one of the closest stations to the park that will remain operational — and walk to the venue along demarcated paths. Around 5,000 personnel will be deployed on site for safety and crowd control.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will restrict access to roads around the venue to help manage crowds, and visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation given the limited parking available.

In anticipation of heavy congestion, Line 5 trains will not stop at Yeouinaru Station, the station closest to the venue. Traffic on Yeouidong-ro — the road stretching from 63 Building to Mapo Bridge — will be completely blocked as early as 3 p.m. Guidelines on the day itself are subject to change, and other nearby roads may also be closed depending on traffic conditions.

In previous years, festival-goers began forming lines as early as noon. Arriving before 2 p.m. is recommended for the best spots.

How to get the best view

Many festivalgoers seek unobstructed views by watching from elevated areas. Although some visitors attempt a bird's-eye view from the two bridges spanning Yeouido Hangang Park, organizers have advised against this. Mapo and Wonhyo Bridges offer a scenic overlook of the show, but foot traffic on the bridges may be limited for safety reasons.

Organizers also asked attendees to avoid blocking paths to prevent congestion. Setting up tents on the premises is banned and may result in fines.

Visitors who prefer to avoid the heavy crowds at Yeouido Hangang Park can watch the show from Ichon Hangang Park across the river, Banpo Hangang Park or Sayuksin Park. Reservations are required to enter Nodeul Island Park this year.

What should I pack?

While picnic kits can be rented from vendors at Yeouido Hangang Park, the sheer volume of attendees may lead to early shortages, so bringing your own is recommended. The most useful items are a small picnic blanket or personal mat to sit on, along with bug spray.

Visitors are also advised to pack power banks, an emergency kit and weather-ready items such as a fan, parasol or sunscreen. Initial forecasts call for warm conditions with cloudy skies, but given Seoul's unpredictable weather, attendees should check updates from the Seoul Metropolitan Government or Hanwha Corp.

Food services in the area may not be readily available because of the high foot traffic. Preparing picnic food and a thermos of refreshing drinks will make the experience more enjoyable.

After the show

Organizers ask attendees to clean as they go, with designated "clean zones" available throughout the venue for disposing of trash.

Yeouinaru Station will remain closed for a full hour after the show ends, so many attendees will head to Yeouido Station for public transportation. Smaller stations such as Saetgang Station may be less busy and easier to reach as they lie farther from the venue.

Those unwilling to queue for a crowded subway can simply stay a little longer — East Yeouido has many restaurants and bars open through the night.

Finally, attendees are asked to follow public safety rules and be considerate of others so that the festival can be a safe and memorable experience for everyone.