'WSL Siheung Korea Open' to Be Held at Turtle Island in Siheung from July 18 to 20

The World's First Artificial Pool QS 6000-Point Competition

The "World Surf League (WSL) Siheung Korea Open" will be held over three days from July 18 to 20 at Siheung Wave Park, a marine leisure complex located on Turtle Island in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province.

Um Gye-yong, Director of Culture and Sports at Siheung City, announced this during a press briefing on July 1.

This tournament is the first WSL-sanctioned international surfing competition to be held in an artificial pool as a Qualifying Series (QS) 6000-point event. The competition will feature the Shortboard QS 6000-point category and the Longboard QS 1000-point category. Previously, in 2023, Siheung City hosted a Shortboard QS 3000-point event at Siheung Wave Park.

A total of 232 athletes from 16 countries are expected to participate in the tournament. The preliminary rounds will begin on July 18, followed by the main rounds on July 19 and the finals on July 20. Athletes Park Sujin, Lee Nara, and Lim Sujeong, who are affiliated with the Siheung Sports Association, will also compete in the event.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the tournament, the city will open Siheung Wave Park to the public for free during the event and will host a variety of related activities. On July 16, prior to the opening, an art performance will be held. On July 18 and 19, the "2025 Siheung Summer Beat Festival," a DJ festival, will take place, featuring top domestic DJs as well as university student DJs.

Around the venue, there will be a food zone organized by the Turtle Island Merchants Association, a flea market led by local merchants, a marine sports experience zone, and a busking zone. On July 20, the closing ceremony, a DJ celebration party, and traditional performances are scheduled to take place.

For the convenience of visitors, the city plans to secure parking for 1,616 vehicles, including the Siheung Wave Park parking lot and nearby public parking facilities.

Director Um stated, "We will do our utmost to successfully host the tournament, revitalize the stagnant Turtle Island commercial district, and contribute to the development of the domestic marine tourism industry."