2,000 People Applied to ‘Do Nothing’ in South Korea's Most Bizarre Competition
South Koreans compete to see who’s best at doing absolutely nothing
When the idea of writing a book on ‘doing nothing’, came to me in 2023, I had no idea that there were already people around the world who had commenced promoting the concept of ‘doing nothing’. Although in its infancy state at the moment, I believe it will soon turn into a trend, while helping millions of people lead healthier and stress-free lives.
The Space Out Competition, held in South Korea every year, is a contest to see who can be in a state of ‘doing absolutely nothing’ the longest without losing focus or dozing off.
Since the first competition was held two years ago, it's evolved into a full-on pageant with a panel of judges and a set of strict rules—no phones, no talking, no checking your watch, no dozing off. In 2004, more than 2,000 people signed up for the 70 contestant slots this year, and a few qualifying rounds were conducted to select the best candidates. The 117 contestants selected ranged from a child in second grade to people in their 60s.
A whistle blows to signal the beginning of the competition, at which point competitors go into intense concentration and space out in different ways, such as by blurring their eyes' focus. During the 90-minute-long event, contestants are banned from doing anything other than ‘spacing out’. If you fall asleep, start laughing, or use technology, you're disqualified. Contestants' heart rates are checked every 15 minutes to ensure that they are in a state of chill; the person with the most stable heart rate wins. Onlookers vote for their 10 favorite contestants. There's a live sportscaster who narrates the event to onlookers. If contestants feel discomfort—say, if someone gets thirsty or needs to use the bathroom—they can hold up one of several cards to make a request.
Visual artist Woopsyang created the Space-Out Competition in an effort to dispel the stigma attached to dozing off. The event has drawn attention from all around the world, spreading the message that taking a break is just as important as any other activity. It acts as a peaceful protest against the fast-paced nature of contemporary life.
?Though amusing, the tournament serves as a metaphor for raising global awareness of the necessity for brain rest and renewal in order to properly process information, manage stress, and develop memories. And it's growing: only a year ago, Beijing hosted the inaugural International Space Out Competition, which drew 80 competitors.
Speed skater Kwak Yoon-gy took part in the Space-out competition in 2024. “I have competed five time for fhe Olympics, and have never taken a proper rest while training for 30 years,” said the 34-year-old short-track specialist, who took third place.
“I heard this place is where I can clear my mind and rest at least during this time, so I came here thinking, ‘Wow, this is what I needed so much.’”
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The tournament is part of a global discussion on the value of rest &?relaxation, not just in South Korea. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the brain needs?periods of rest to allow for information processing, memory development, and the reduction of stress and burnout that result from being constantly connected to both our work and social lives. Particularly in South Korea, the population is among the world's most stressed-out (the highest rates of suicide in the industrial world), as the New York Times famously put it: "on the verge of a national nervous breakdown."
In addition to the competitive aspect, WoopsYang said she views the event as performance art. To emphasize the contrast between a group of people doing nothing at all and the chaos of the city around them. The competition is held during a busy part of the day (this year, it was on a Monday morning) in a busy part of the city (the first one was held in Seoul's city hall; this year, ?in a large public park). "The best way to view this competition is from one of the surrounding tall buildings, looking down," WoopsYang stated. "You'll be able to see a small patch of stillness amidst all the hectic movement."
In order to make the gathering of people gathered together appear like "a miniature version of the entire city," WoopsYang also invites entrants to come dressed in attire that represents their line of work, such as suits, lab coats, or uniforms. The idea is to show that while burnout can affect anyone, taking a break can be beneficial for everyone. "I also try my best to choose the most diverse pool of people possible during the final stages of the qualifying rounds, in the hopes that it'll allow every group in the city to be represented," she stated.
- Patric Rozario
You can order a copy of ‘The Miracle of Doing Nothing’ from Amazon:
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