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2026 Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s International Surfing Competition to Open Tomorrow (June 20) at Songjeong Beach

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Park Heong-joon, announced that the 17th Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s International Surfing Competition 2026 will be held at Songjeong Beach from June 20 to June 21.

The competition is hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and organized by the Busan Surfing Association. It has been held annually since 2009 to promote surfing culture and expand participation in marine leisure sports.

Songjeong Beach is a premier surfing destination blessed with ideal natural conditions that allow surfing year-round. Through this competition, Busan is expected to further strengthen its status as a global marine leisure tourism city.

Since surfing was adopted as an official Olympic event beginning with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, global interest in the sport has grown significantly. In Korea as well, the number of surfers and demand for surfing experiences and related tourism activities have continued to increase steadily.

Now in its 17th year, the competition is expected to attract approximately 350 domestic and international athletes and surfing enthusiasts, who will showcase dynamic performances against the scenic backdrop of Songjeong Beach.

The opening ceremony and preliminary rounds will take place on June 20, while the finals, awards ceremony, and closing ceremony will be held on June 21.

The competition will feature a total of 23 events across 13 divisions, including general, youth, and junior categories in surfing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Medals and prize money will be awarded to first-, second-, and third-place finishers in each event.

Events will include shortboard competitions, which use short and highly maneuverable boards; longboard competitions, characterized by longer boards and smooth movements; and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), in which competitors paddle while standing and ride waves.

During the allotted competition time, athletes ride multiple waves, and judges determine rankings by combining each competitor’s two highest scores. Evaluations are based on overall performance, including wave selection, degree of difficulty, execution, speed, and creativity.

A variety of interactive side events open to all citizens will also be held throughout the competition period.

Activities at Songjeong Beach will include keyring-making workshops, face painting, CPR training, and the Patagonia Worn Wear Repair Truck, creating a vibrant marine leisure culture festival centered on surfing.

The Patagonia Worn Wear Repair Truck is a mobile repair workshop that provides free clothing repair services to help people extend the life of their garments rather than discard them.

Following the competition, participants will take part in a beach cleanup activity known as beachcombing. The initiative aims to raise awareness of marine environmental conservation and conclude the event in a meaningful way by promoting a sustainable event culture.

Na Yun-bin, Director General of the Tourism and MICE Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “Songjeong Beach is one of Busan’s most representative surfing destinations, offering excellent conditions for surfing throughout all four seasons and attracting surfers from across the country year-round.”

He added, “I hope that not only the athletes competing in the event but also local residents and visitors will come to the venue and experience the dynamic appeal of surfing firsthand.”