South Korea’s “Space Out” Contest Rewards You for Doing Nothing

Yes, you just read that right! You can “space out” for money!

South Korea is flipping the script, again, with its famously bizarre “Space Out” Contest. Yes, you read that right. For 90 full minutes, participants compete by doing the least humanly possible: absolutely nothing. And the best at zoning out? They win.

The Art of Zoning Out, Literally!

Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and visual artist Woopsyang, the Space-Out Contest isn’t just a quirky social experiment. It’s a gentle rebellion against burnout culture. First launched in 2014, the contest was born from Woopsyang’s personal struggle with mental fatigue. Realizing how exhausting it was to constantly be “on,” she decided to celebrate the lost art of doing nothing, not scrolling, not chatting, not even meditating. Just existing.

The event has since turned into a curious yet meaningful cultural statement, attracting hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators. This year, the contest returned to Nodeul Island in Seoul on April 21, offering urbanites a rare excuse to unplug without guilt.

How Does One Win at Doing Nothing?

It might sound easy, but the competition is surprisingly intense, in the chillest way possible. Participants sit quietly for 90 minutes, and their vital signs, including heart rates, are monitored to ensure they remain calm and unengaged. Judges also check for signs of movement, eye contact, and interaction with others. The winner? The person who remains the most blissfully and biologically “unbothered.”

Audience members play a role, too. They vote on which contestant looks the most serene, zoned out, and at peace. It’s a vibe-based competition if there ever was one.

Why Do We All Secretly Need This?

The Space-Out Contest is a much-needed palate cleanser for the brain in a society that equates idleness with laziness. South Korea, known for its fast-paced work and academic environments, has been grappling with issues like burnout and overwork for years. The contest is a soft but powerful reminder: rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

While it might look silly on the surface, the event touches on a universal feeling: we’re all tired. And more than that, we’re tired of feeling guilty for resting.

Would You Space Out for Glory?

If you’ve ever been told to “get your head out of the clouds,” this is your chance to prove them wrong, or at least, earn a trophy for staying there. The Space Out Contest doesn’t just challenge the body, it challenges a mindset. In a time when wellness is often monetized and productivity is glorified, this event invites people to reclaim their peace.

So if you’re burned out, tired, or just really, really good at staring into the void, South Korea might have the perfect competition for you. Who knew zoning out could be such a win?

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