The 2024 Korea Open in Seoul offers $922,573 in prize money, with players fighting for their share from September 16th to 22nd.
The Korea Open is one of the tournaments with a relatively long tradition, as it was first held back in 2004, when Maria Sharapova lifted the trophy at the tournament. Since then, numerous other editions of the tournament were held, including one ATP Tour event in 2022.
After the tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became a WTA 125 event in 2021. In 2022, it was upgraded to a WTA 250 tournament, and in 2024, the Korea Open in Seoul will debut as a WTA 500 event.
That means that the tournament is that much more attractive for players, not only because of the prize money involved but also because of the points on offer.
Last year, Jessica Pegula, who has Korean roots, won the title in Seoul after beating Yue Yuan, 6-2, 6-3, in the final match of then-WTA 250 tournament. This year, she will be attempting to defend her trophy, and untraditionally, she can add to points earned last year.
Even if the American player loses in the final this year, she will earn more points than she did in 2023, when the tournament was a WTA 250 event. The runner-up this year will get 325 WTA ranking points and $87,655, while the winner will take home $142,000 alongside 500 points.
But upgraded level means also upgraded competition, and that's something that Pegula will have to deal with on her title defense, as the World No. 1 player is also set to come to Seoul.
Iga Swiatek is among the players on the entry list, as are the likes of Elena Rybakina, Daria Kasatkina, Emma Navarro, and Liudmila Samsonova, who will all be contenders for the title.
On top of that, the likes of Diana Shnaider and Marta Kostyuk have displayed sensational form in 2024, so it wouldn't be surprise if either of them had a deep run at the 2024 Korea Open.
However, all of the players will likely take it one step at a time, and the first step will be rewarded with 1 WTA point and $8,860 in prize money, which will be given to the players eliminated in the first round.
Those who advance past this stage will be awarded heavily, as the second-round exit guarantees 60 ranking points and $13,170. The quarter-finalists at the 2024 Korea Open will get $24,200 in prize money and 108 points.
Players that make it to the last four in Seoul will all get 195 points and $51,205 in prize money. The full overview for the prize money and points awarded at the 2024 Korea Open in Seoul can be seen below.
2024 Korea Open Seoul WTA Prize Money & Points Distribution:
| Points | Prize Money | |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | 500 points | $142,000 |
| Finalist | 325 points | $87,655 |
| Semi-finalists | 195 points | $51,205 |
| Quarter-finalists | 108 points | $24,200 |
| 2nd round | 60 points | $13,170 |
| 1st round | 1 point | $8,860 |
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