Welcome to the 'space out competition' of South Korea where people do absolutely nothing

Participants do nothing at the space competition in South Korea. (Image: @thespaceoutcompetition/Instagram)

Scores of participants, from doctors to office workers to students, sit silently on wet yoga mats, staring into space in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea in a "space-out competition" where the only rule is to do absolutely nothing — without falling asleep.

The participants took to the grounds near the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace just a couple of days ago. Launched in 2014 by local artist Woopsyang, this competition has gained considerable traction over the years.

Intended as a form of visual art, the event emphasises that idleness is not a waste of time but a necessary break from relentless activity. Organisers monitor participants' heart rates to determine the winner, who is the contestant with the most stable heart rate.

The significance of this event is particularly notable in South Korea, a nation known for its demanding work culture. Despite a 52-hour workweek limit introduced in 2018, overwork and exhaustion remain prevalent. Last year, a proposal to extend the maximum workweek to 69 hours met with significant opposition, highlighting the ongoing struggle with work-related stress.

Students also face immense pressure, fuelled by an "education fever" that requires long hours of study and attendance at private academies, all in pursuit of prestigious university placements and top-tier job opportunities.

A 2022 survey found that one in three young South Koreans aged 19-34 had experienced burnout, with career anxiety and excessive workload being major contributors.

Sunday's event offered a rare chance for participants to unplug. The competition has previously been held in cities like Tokyo, Taipei, Beijing, and Rotterdam, attracting a global mix of participants. This year, contestants from France, Nepal, South Africa, Vietnam, and Malaysia braved the rain in downtown Seoul.

Equipped with umbrellas and ponchos, participants, some donning traditional Korean attire like the 'gat' hat, lay flat or assumed meditative positions, fully embracing the event's philosophy.

The winner of the competition was Valentina Vilches, a Chilean psychology consultant living in South Korea. She received a golden trophy inspired by Rodin’s The Thinker and the Pensive Bodhisattva, a South Korean national treasure.

For others, the competition provided them with a much-needed break from the bustle of a hectic work schedule in a city renowned for its competitiveness.