Dragon boat races bring summer thrills to Busan's Suyeong River

Busan city will host the 14th Korea Open Busan International Dragon Boat Festival and the 17th Busan Mayor's Cup Dragon Boat Competition from Thursday through Monday at APEC Narupark along the Suyeong River. The city is organizing the event in partnership with the Korea Sea Scout Federation's Busan chapter.

Dragon boat racing is a team water sport in which crews of 12 to 20 paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer. The sport pairs "paddlers," who drive the boat forward, with a "drummer" at the bow who sets the rhythm and pace — making teamwork and coordination essential. It is a non-motorized, eco-friendly sport that demands unity from its participants.

Dragon boats are decorated with dragon heads at the bow and tails at the stern. Since the sport was adopted as an official event at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, it has grown from a regional tradition into a globally popular pursuit.

The official competition runs Friday and Saturday, with about 850 athletes taking to the Suyeong River. The Korea Open Busan International Dragon Boat Festival — divided into open, women's and mixed categories — will draw 19 teams and about 500 competitors from 11 countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada, competing in 12-seat and 22-seat races over 200-meter and 300-meter courses.

The Busan Mayor's Cup will feature about 350 members of dragon boat clubs from across the country, competing in 12-seat, 300-meter races split into a general mixed division and a youth open division.

The opening ceremony will be held Friday morning on the main stage at APEC Narupark, featuring an official declaration and an opening performance called "Hwaryongjomjeong" to mark the start of the competition. Throughout the event, residents can take part in hands-on activities including bracelet-making and instant photo printing.

A Busan city official said the event is expected to help establish Busan as a world-class marine leisure and tourism destination, and urged residents to show their support and take part.