▲ This undated Yonhap file photo shows surfers in the South Korean waters. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 19 (Yonhap) -- Busan will hold the 17th Busan Metropolitan City Mayor's Cup International Surfing Competition at Songjeong Beach from June 20-21, city officials said Friday.

Songjeong Beach is one of South Korea's best-known surfing destinations, offering natural conditions suitable for surfing throughout the year.

About 350 athletes and surfing enthusiasts from home and abroad are expected to take part in the competition.

The opening ceremony and preliminary rounds will be held on June 20, followed by the finals, awards ceremony and closing event on June 21.

The competition consists of 23 events across 13 categories in surfing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), with divisions for adults, youths and children.

Events include shortboard competitions, which use smaller and more agile boards; longboard competitions, characterized by smooth and flowing movements; and stand-up paddleboarding, in which competitors ride waves while standing and paddling.

During a designated time period, competitors ride multiple waves, and judges determine the rankings based on the combined scores of each surfer's two highest-scoring rides.

Judging criteria include wave selection, technical difficulty and execution, speed and creativity.

Various side events, including key chain-making activities, face painting and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training sessions, will also be offered during the competition.

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