Max Studer of Switzerland won the men's ITU Tongyeong World Cup event in South Korea ©ITU

Japan's Ai Ueda and Switzerland's Max Studer won the women's and men's International Triathlon Union (ITU) Tongyeong World Cup events respectively in South Korea.

It was the 17th and penultimate race of the the ITU's second tier circuit, with 61 men and 51 women competing. 

Ueda finished the race in 59mins 39secs, with Sandra Dodet of France coming in second with a time of 59:59 and American Renee Tomlin placing third in 1:00:01. 

"This is the first time that I have got a top place on the podium in Tongyeong, I am so happy," Ueda said.

"Thank you to everyone, yesterday was my 35th birthday so this is a big present for me."

Studer won the men's race in 53:56 to secure his first ITU World Cup title. 

France's Felix Duchampt came second with a time of 53:57 and Eli Hemming of the United States finished third with 54:01.  

Japan's Ai Ueda won the women's race at the ITU Tongyeong World Cup in South Korea ©ITU
Japan's Ai Ueda won the women's race at the ITU Tongyeong World Cup in South Korea ©ITU

"It was amazing, I was not expecting such a good race," Studer said. 

"I am really happy.

"I am on my way to Australia to spend my time with my coach over the winter so it was amazing to come here.

"To finish on the first spot on the podium like this is amazing."

The race took place at Triathlon Square in Tongeyong Donam-dong.

Participants swam 750 metres, cycled 20 kilometres and finished with a 5km run.