Competition of Stillness: Embracing Silence in South Korea
Joining a unique gathering in Seoul, participants engage in a silent challenge on yoga mats, embracing the art of doing nothing. This event offers a blend of physical tranquility, artistic expression, and a break from the intense competitiveness of South Korean society.
Over the weekend, a group of over 100 individuals came together on yoga mats to participate in a unique event in Seoul. This event serves as a combination of physical challenge, art piece, and escape from the pressures of South Korea's competitive society.
The Space-out competition, which takes place annually on Sundays, tests participants on their ability to zone out for 90 minutes without dozing off, using their phones, or engaging in conversation.
Participants have their heart rates monitored, and spectators vote for their top 10 contestants. The one with the steadiest heart rate out of the 10 wins the trophy.
Speed skater Kwak Yoon-gy, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, was one of the participants.
Speed skater Kwak Yoon-gy takes part in the annual Space-out competition held on Sunday in Seoul.
Speed skater Kwak Yoon-gy takes part in the annual Space-out competition held on Sunday in Seoul.
Charlie Miller/CNN
“I tried out for the Olympics five times 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 came to this place hoping to find some peace and relaxation during this time. I thought to myself, "Wow, this is exactly what I needed."
The city government hosted a competition that attracted over 4,000 applicants. From this large pool, 117 contestants were chosen, ranging from a second-grade child to individuals in their 60s.
Many participants saw it as a way to relieve burnout and stress, especially in a country known for high academic pressure and the need to achieve success.
26-year-old YouTuber Kim Seok-hwan shared, "I used to be constantly stressed and worried, so I decided to join the competition to relax and clear my mind from all the negativity."
26-year-old YouTuber Kim Seok-hwan zones out as he participates in the annual Space-out competition held on Sunday in Seoul.
26-year-old YouTuber Kim Seok-hwan zones out as he participates in the annual Space-out competition held on Sunday in Seoul.
CNN
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Space-out competition, founded by a visual artist, who goes by the pseudonym Woopsyang, after she suffered severe burnout.
She remembered feeling anxious about not being busy like others, realizing that her anxiety stemmed from comparing herself to them.
She then had a revelation that those busy people might also crave moments of relaxation and doing nothing like her. Woopsyang decided to turn this realization into a friendly competition, imagining how nice it would be if everyone could pause and relax together at the same time and place.
The Space-out competition was founded by a visual artist who goes by the pseudonym Woopsyang, after she suffered severe burnout.
The Space-out competition was founded by a visual artist who goes by the pseudonym Woopsyang, after she suffered severe burnout.
CNN
Competitive idling “overturns the social convention that spacing out is a waste of time in today’s busy society and turns it into a valuable activity,” she said.
“This contest tells you that spacing out is no longer a waste of time but a time that you really need.”
The competition is also performance art, she said.
"According to Woopsyang, while the contestants remain stationary inside the competition venue, the audience is always on the move. She aims to highlight the visual difference between a group that is inactive and a group that is bustling."
The competition is performance art that shows a "visual contrast between a group that does nothing and a group that is busy."
The competition is performance art that shows a "visual contrast between a group that does nothing and a group that is busy."
Charlie Miller/CNN
Since the inaugural Space-out competition in Seoul in 2014, it has grown globally, with events now held in cities like Beijing, Rotterdam, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
This year, the competition in Seoul was won by Kwon So-a, a freelance announcer who juggles multiple jobs. She proudly took home a trophy shaped like the famous Auguste Rodin sculpture, "The Thinker."
Freelance announcer Kwon So-a won this year's competition in Seoul and took home a trophy shaped like Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Thinker."
Freelance announcer Kwon So-a won this year's competition in Seoul and took home a trophy shaped like Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Thinker."
In Korea, people feel pressured to constantly stay busy to keep up with the competitive environment. Kwon, aged 35, believes that it is important for everyone to set their own pace and sometimes take a break to slow down.
Taking a break and doing nothing is beneficial for both your mental and physical health. Your body needs to relax, and this can only happen when your brain is relaxed as well.
It is important for people to take breaks and space out to allow their bodies and minds to relax.
Kim Hwa-jin and CNN’s Charlie Miller contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
This article highlights the growing recognition of the importance of mental health and the need to combat burnout and stress in a society known for its competitive and high-achieving culture. The Space-out competition provides a unique and creative way for individuals to challenge societal norms and prioritize relaxation and well-being.
The competition, now in its tenth year, has evolved into a global phenomenon, demonstrating the universal appeal of its message. By turning the act of "spacing out" into a competitive event, it challenges the stigma surrounding inactivity and encourages participants to embrace moments of stillness and introspection. The competition serves as a powerful reminder that taking breaks and slowing down is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, and it promotes a shift in societal attitudes towards self-care and the pursuit of inner peace.
