A scene from the WSL Siheung Korea Open International Surfing Competition held two years ago in 2023. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SIHEUNG, July 18 (Korea Bizwire) — The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Korea Open officially opened Friday at Wave Park in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, launching three days of high-level international competition. The event marks a historic milestone as the world’s first WSL QS6000 tournament held in an artificial wave pool, drawing 192 athletes from 16 countries — the largest in its history.
The high-profile event holds particular significance as it offers qualifying points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making it a focal point for surfers worldwide. Among the elite participants are Bronson Meydi, Indonesia’s first WSL world titleholder; Saffi Vette, a Paris 2024 Olympian; and Japan’s national team member Shino Matsuda, part of a rising generation of global surf talent.
Competitors are battling in two categories: the Shortboard Qualifying Series (6,000 points) and the Longboard Qualifying Series (10,000 points). Representing countries such as Japan, Australia, the U.S., and New Zealand, the field includes 180 international surfers and 12 Korean athletes.
Alongside the competition, Siheung is hosting the 2025 Siheung Summer Beat Festival featuring top DJs including Park Myung-soo and Soda, as well as student performers. The closing ceremony on July 20 will include a DJ party and traditional Korean performances.
To accommodate visitors, the city has opened Wave Park free of charge and organized a variety of cultural and recreational experiences on Turtle Island, including marine sports, art performances, flea markets, and photo zones. Free shuttle buses and 2,700 parking spaces have been provided, with medical staff, safety officers, and interpreters on site.
The tournament is being broadcast live to 130 countries via WSL’s official YouTube channel and domestic networks such as OBS Gyeongin TV and MBC Sports+. Organizers anticipate more than 15,000 visitors at the venue.
“This international surfing event is a turning point in Siheung’s vision to become a global marine tourism city,” said Mayor Lim Byeong-taek. “We hope it becomes a vibrant festival where citizens and visitors can come together.”
Image credit: Yonhap, NBN/ photonews@koreabizwire.com
