SIHEUNG, South Korea – July 17, 2025 – Surfing’s global spotlight returns to South Korea as the World Surf League (WSL) announces the highly anticipated Siheung Korea Open Qualifying Series (QS) event, taking place at the state-of-the-art Siheung Wave Park from July 18 to 20, 2025. This year marks a significant upgrade for the event, moving from a QS 3000 in its 2023 debut to a prestigious QS 6000, solidifying its position as a marquee competition on the regional surfing calendar.

The Siheung Korea Open will be co-sanctioned with both the Australia/Oceania and Asia regions, attracting over 150 of the Asia Pacific’s top up-and-coming surfers. These athletes will be battling for crucial QS rankings points, all with their sights set on qualifying for the 2026 Challenger Series. In addition to the QS 6000, the event will also feature an Asia Region Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1000, further expanding the competitive scope.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Siheung Korea Open back in 2025, and even more thrilled to see it elevated to a QS 6000,” said Ty Sorati, WSL APAC Tour Director. “The success of the 2023 event proved that South Korea is not only ready to embrace professional surfing but also ready to host world-class events. With the increase in points and prestige, this event will play a key role in shaping the QS rankings across two regions.”

The Siheung Korea Open holds a unique distinction as the only WSL Qualifying Series event in Asia to be held in a wave basin. This innovative venue guarantees consistent and perfect conditions, offering a truly level playing field for all competitors, a significant advantage over unpredictable ocean swells.

Jinsoo, President of event partner Mirunamu, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s return and growth. “We are honoured to welcome back the WSL to Siheung,” he stated. “The growth in scale and significance of this event in just two years speaks volumes about the global surf community’s enthusiasm for South Korea. We look forward to showcasing not only the high-performance potential of Siheung Wave Park, but also the vibrant culture and hospitality of our city.”

Beyond the intense competition, the 2025 Siheung Korea Open promises a vibrant atmosphere with an Opening Ceremony on July 18th, followed by a “Party Summer Beat Festival” featuring a lineup of global and top Korean DJs.

As in its inaugural year, the event is set to receive extensive media coverage. It will be broadcast live on Korea’s major television networks, MBC and OBS, and streamed globally via www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL YouTube channel, and the WSL App, ensuring surf fans worldwide can catch all the action.

The 2025 Siheung Korea Open QS 6000 and LQS 1000 events will run from July 18 to 20, 2025, at Siheung Wave Park, marking another milestone for surfing in South Korea.