Travel
Urban surfing thrills at Wave Park: Just one hour from Seoul — an artificial surf-themed park on Geobukseom Island in Siheung, Gyeonggi-do
Korea Tourism Organzation
May 20, 2025
Wave Park, a surfing theme park (Credit: Wave Park)
Planning a surfing trip to Yangyang or Busan this summer? Hold on! Just an hour’s drive from Seoul, there’s a place where you can ride the waves without heading to the coast. Located in Siheung, Gyeonggi-do, Wave Park is a massive artificial surfing park featuring a wave pool that measures 220 meters long and 240 meters wide, generating up to 1,000 waves per hour.
Wave Park is a theme park located on Geobukseom Island — a turtle-shaped artificial island that is part of Siheung’s marine leisure complex. Popular among both domestic and international visitors, it offers not only surfing, but also diving, water activities, and even caravan accommodations.
The world’s largest artificial surfing theme park, Wave Park, kicked off its 2025 Surf Zone season on April 26. The park features Surf Cove — the main surf pool— as well as Surf Village, a land-based training area. It also includes Surf Stage, where various music performances and events are held, and the Land Surfing Zone, where visitors can practice using land surfing boards on solid ground.
2025 Surf Zone Information
Operating period: April 26 – October 31, 2025
Operating hours: 10:00-18:00
* Entry begins at 09:00 and closes at 19:00
* Surf Zone operating hours will be extended with the opening of the Mio Costa Zone (Wave Pool) starting June 6.
Family-Friendly Fun at Mio Costa Zone
Mio Costa Zone offering kids’ surfing experiences (Credit: Wave Park)
The Mio Costa Zone offers more than just surfing, featuring Mio Pool for kids’ surfing lessons, the Kids & Turtle Pool with giant tubes, an emergency escape slide, rappel diving, a recreational pool for children’s scuba diving experiences, and an island-style hot spa.
Easy and Safe Surfing for Beginners
Visitors enjoying water activities (Credit: Wave Park)
Wave Park places the highest priority on customer safety. To ensure this, only certified personnel with licenses and certificates from training institutions accredited by the Korean Coast Guard are assigned throughout the park. Lifeguards also undergo intensive in-house training based on scenario simulations to strengthen their emergency response capabilities. In addition, the park operates a 24/7 water treatment system, including filtration and UV-based automatic sterilization, to maintain clean and safe water quality.
Surfing gained widespread attention after being added as an official event in a major international sports competition held in Tokyo in 2020, leading to a rise in public interest. Wave Park offers a group PT (Personal Training) program designed to help beginners develop their surfing skills. Under the close guidance of professional surfer coaches, participants can take lessons tailored to all levels—from beginner to advanced.
In addition, events such as the Siheung Mayor’s International Surfing Competition and the WSL (World Surf League) Siheung Korea Open will provide a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors to Geobukseom Island and Wave Park.
How to Reach Wave Park by Public Transportation
- Take Bus No. 28 or 29 from the Jeongwang Station Transfer Center (Seoul Subway Line 4) Bus Stop, and get off at the MTV Wake Park main entrance.
- Take Bus No. 99-3 from Oido Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) Bus Stop, and get off at the MTV Wave Park main entrance.
Recommended Destinations in Siheung, Gyeonggi-do
Geobukseom Island, home to Wave Park, is a theme park where you can easily spend the whole day. If you have some extra time, why not explore other nearby attractions? Here are some top spots you can reach within a 30-minute drive.
Oido Island (오이도)
Oido Island (Credit: KTO Photo Korea, photo by Lee Beom-su)
Although called an “island,” it’s a landmass bordered by sea on three sides. It is famous for kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) and jogaegui (grilled clams), with plenty of well-known local restaurants. A favorite spot in Siheung, known for stunning sunsets and its iconic red lighthouse.
Siheung Gaetgol Eco Park (시흥 갯골생태공원)
Siheung Gaetgol Eco Park (Credit: Korea Tourism Organization (Photo Korea - Dodream))
A serene natural retreat teeming with life. This eco-friendly park is home to salt-tolerant halophytes and various natural monuments.
Wolgot Harbor (월곶포구)
(Wolgot Harbor)
Looking for a romantic date spot? Take a walk along the Wolgot Harbor coastline. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and cafés by the water.
Shinsegae Simon Siheung Premium Outlets (신세계사이먼 시흥 프리미엄 아울렛)
(Shinsegae Simon Siheung Premium Outlets)
Siheung’s premier destination for both shopping and relaxation. This multi-complex shopping resort delights visitors with its exotic exterior.
* This column was last updated in May 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.
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