History was made at the 2025 Siheung Korea Open, held at the state-of-the-art Wave Park South Korea on July 20th. The competition, featuring the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 6000 and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1000 events, saw Kanoa Hee-Jae etch his name into Korean surfing folklore as the first ever Korean surfer to win a WSL event. His victory was a landmark achievement, not only for him, but for the entire Korean surfing community.
The Wave Park South Korea, a rapidly emerging hub for competitive surfing in Asia, provided the perfect stage for this momentous occasion. The controlled environment of the wave pool ensures consistent, high-quality waves, allowing surfers to showcase their skills without the uncertainties of the ocean. This event, part of the burgeoning WSL Asia Tour, continues to provide valuable opportunities for up-and-coming surfers from across the region to compete against international talent.
Beyond Hee-Jae’s remarkable win, the Siheung Korea Open showcased exceptional talent across all divisions. The event served as a testament to the growing popularity and skill level of surfing within Korea, further solidifying Wave Park South Korea’s position as a premier surfing destination. The future of Korean surfing looks brighter than ever, with Hee-Jae’s victory inspiring a new generation of surfers.