The rhythmic beat of wooden drums echoed along Busan’s Suyeong River on Thursday, as hundreds of paddlers took to the water, launching the 14th Korea Open Busan International Dragon Boat Race alongside the 17th Busan Mayor’s Cup Dragon Boat Race. Running through Aug. 24 at APEC Naru Park, the dual five-day regattas bring together roughly 850 elite paddlers and club athletes from around the globe and across Korea. Organized directly by the Busan Metropolitan Government and hosted by the Sea Scouts of Korea Busan Council, the high-energy event aims to showcase the city's vibrant aquatic assets while reinforcing its broader push to establish itself as a premier destination for international eco-tourism and marine leisure. Official racing action kicks off Friday morning following a grand opening ceremony that features the traditional Dotting the Dragon's Eye ceremonial ritual, in which painted eyes on the vessel's ornate dragon head are filled in to symbolically awaken the craft and wish paddlers safe passage across the water. The international lineup features 19 competitive teams and r