Participants get into the zone during Seoul's annual Space-Out Competition at Jamsu Bridge in Banpo Hangang Park, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

A signboard for participants in Seoul's annual Space-Out Competition, Sunday, read, “I needed some time to rest.”

Marking the 10th anniversary, this year's competition saw an expansion as the Seoul Metropolitan Government included 10 additional teams, aiming to accommodate more participants.

A total of 77 teams, comprising 117 individuals, took part in the competition, held at Jamsu Bridge at Banpo Hangang Park. This impressive turnout came after approximately 2,800 teams initially applied, resulting in a highly competitive ratio of 35 teams for one spot.

The rules were demanding with participants having to maintain stillness and silence for 90 minutes. Checking one's phone, nodding off or sleeping, laughing or chatting, singing or dancing and consuming food other than the provided beverages led to disqualification.

The championship winner was determined based on the stability of their heart rate graph among the top 10 vote recipients from the audience. Every 15 minutes, participants' heart rates were checked, with a more stable or decreasing reading receiving higher favorability in the evaluation.

Members of the public vote for participants on a signboard, which explains each entrant's motivation for participating in the event, at Jamsu Bridge at Banpo Hangang Park, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

Woopsyang, a visual artist behind this competition, explained her motivation for creating such an event, highlighting the value of "doing nothing" in today's hectic society.

“People are glued to their smartphones from morning until night, leaving no real downtime. The constant influx of information in our stress-filled, competitive world prompted me to organize this competition as a means for people to find a moment of rest,” she said.

“I remember the anxiety I felt when I allowed myself to do nothing during that time,” she said, reflecting on her own experience with burnout syndrome as a visual artist about 10 years ago.

This experience led her to ponder why doing nothing seemed so unsettling. Then she realized that many individuals around her were struggling and overworking.

Recognizing the unrelenting pace of modern life, she conceived the idea of creating a space for people to momentarily pause their busy routines and simply "space out."

Many participants expressed their motives for joining the competition on the board, highlighting a common desire to escape the busyness of daily life and seek rest, mirroring Woopsyang's intention for the event.

One international participant, who joined the event with his son and wife, wrote a message on the board: “I want to tell my son that it is okay to space out and take time for your health.”

People wearing unique costumes participate in the competition at Jamsu Bridge, Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap

Participants from diverse professions, such as data linguists, flight technicians and firefighters, donned uniforms reflective of their respective jobs during the competition. Others showcased their individuality by wearing unique outfits like sauna outfits, prison uniforms and even watermelon costumes.

Around 4:17 p.m., the competition started with the sound of a whistle, prompting participants to slide into deep concentration, each spacing out in their own unique manner, for instance, blurring the focus of one's eyes.

Participants were only allowed to request water, massages or convey any discomfort by utilizing colored cards.

The competition saw its first elimination, 35 minutes after the competition started.

“I believed victory was assured, but the intense sunlight made it more challenging than I expected,” said Hong Ji-woo, a 24-year-old college student.

A firefighter from Gyeonggi Province participated with his two children.

“With spring comes a surge in fires and emergency calls. I was constantly on edge, but this competition provided a rare opportunity to recover and rejuvenate,” he said.

Kwak Yoon-gy, a former national team short-track speed skater, participates in Seoul's annual Space-Out Competition. Yonhap

The participation of renowned figures like former national team short track speed skater Kwak Yoon-gy, a K-pop girl group "Billie" member Tsuki, and YouTuber Kim Min-woo, known as "Mimiminu," also garnered attention.

Kwak joined the competition with fellow short track athletes Park Jong-hyun and Seo Bum-seok, and secured third place.

“After competing at the Olympics five times and engaging in competitive sports, I sought nothing more than rest. This event offered a chance for complete relaxation,” Kwak said after winning the prize.

"A ringing bell signifies the beginning or the final lap in short track, so my heart was pounding at the very last moment when the bell rang to notify the end of the competition," he said, expressing regret.

Kim, known for his perseverance in entering Korea University after five attempts, resonated with the competition's aim of highlighting the value of time doing nothing and resting, amid ever-present societal demands.

Meanwhile, Kim Hyun-ji, who works at a hospital in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, secured second place, and freelance announcer Kwon So-ah won first place.

"I often find myself zoning out while riding the subway or bus. So I tried to space out just like I usually do," Kwon said.

The competition's global reach has been steadily expanding. The inaugural international version of the event took place in Beijing in 2015. It was held in Tokyo last year. The international competition is also scheduled to take place in Hong Kong this October.

Woopsyang attributes the competition's international appeal to a shared understanding of the value of taking time out to do nothing.

"I used to believe that Korea is the busiest and most competitive society. However, after speaking with participants from around the world, I realized that many share a common sentiment of being too overwhelmed with busyness, unlike in the past," she said.

Her ultimate vision is to establish an international spacing-out day, creating a performance of a moment where the world collectively pauses even if it is only for a short amount of time.

"Imagine a brief moment where everyone across the globe stops and rests by doing nothing. It will also contribute to alleviating stress," she said.