Zoning Out In Style: South Korea Hosts Quirky 'Space-Out' Competition Every Year To Combat Burnout

What happens when you are overworked and stressed-out? ¡®Burnout¡¯ is a real struggle that many professionals face in their daily lives. The best way to deal with it is to take a break and rejuvenate.

South Korea came out with a ¡®hatke¡¯ solution back in 2014. It entails numerous individuals, ranging from medical professionals, office employees to students, gathering on damp yoga mats and engaging in a "Space-out Competition." The sole requirement of this contest is to remain completely idle and motionless, avoiding any activity other than simply gazing into the void, all while ensuring not to drift off into sleep.

This was launched by local artist Woopsyang in 2014 as a form of visual art.

Concept Behind This Zoning Out Competition

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The concept behind this event was to emphasize that idleness shouldn't be perceived as unproductive time but rather as a vital respite from constant busyness. Event organizers keep track of participants' heart rates to identify the winner, who is determined based on maintaining the most consistent heart rate throughout the competition.

This event holds particular significance in South Korea, a country renowned for its rigorous work ethic. Despite the implementation of a 52-hour workweek limit in 2018, issues of overwork and fatigue persist. In the previous year, there was considerable resistance against a proposal to extend the maximum workweek to 69 hours, underscoring the ongoing battle against work-related stress.

Students in South Korea also experience significant pressure, driven by an intense "education fever" that demands extended study hours and enrollment in private academies. These efforts are aimed at securing coveted university admissions and lucrative job prospects in competitive fields.

Also Read: Millennial Rebellion? All You Need To Know About New Viral Workplace Trend ¡®Quiet Vacationing'

Space Out Competition Was Introduced To Combat Burnout

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In a survey conducted in 2022, it was discovered that one out of every three young South Koreans between the ages of 19 and 34 had encountered burnout. This phenomenon was primarily attributed to career-related anxiety and an overwhelming workload.

The event held on Sunday offered a rare chance for individuals to detach from their regular activities. Previously held in cities like Tokyo, Taipei, Beijing, and Rotterdam, the competition has attracted a global audience. This year, despite the rainy weather in downtown Seoul, participants from countries such as France, Nepal, South Africa, Vietnam, and Malaysia joined in.

Armed with umbrellas and rain ponchos, participants, including some adorned in traditional Korean garments like the 'gat' hat, either lay flat or assumed meditative stances, fully embracing the event's ethos.

Who Won This Year's Space Out Competition?

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Valentina Vilches, a Chilean psychology consultant residing in South Korea, emerged as the victor of the competition. She was awarded a golden trophy inspired by Rodin¡¯s The Thinker and the Pensive Bodhisattva, a revered South Korean cultural artifact.

For many others, the competition offered a valuable reprieve from the fast-paced demands of urban life in a city known for its intense competitiveness.