Doing Nothing is Now a Sport in South Korea
In a city known for its relentless pace, Seoul hosts one of the most unusual competitions in the world: the Space-Out Competition. Launched in 2014, it challenges participants to do absolutely nothing for 90 minutes. Phones are put away, conversations stop, and success depends on maintaining a steady heart rate and calm presence. Every 15 minutes, judges check heart rates, the crowd votes, and the contestant who remains the most composed wins.
Sitting Still Just Became Serious Business
In South Korea, “hustle” involves long work hours, competitive schooling, and a non-stop social culture that pushes many toward burnout.
Artist Woopsyang created the Space-Out Competition to express a feeling many shared but rarely admitted — that doing nothing isn’t wasted time, it’s a luxury. Her approach made stillness public, measurable, and a competitive endeavor. Watching participants sit motionless in uniforms or business suits against the backdrop of a restless city made the message impossible to miss.
By spacing out on a sports-style stage, contestants poke at the assumption that value comes only from doing.
The Rules of Stillness
When contestants sign up, they commit to silence and stillness for a period of 90 minutes. They’re monitored every 15 minutes for heart rate, and must avoid falling asleep, checking their watches, or using their phones. A human scoreboard of votes and biometric data decides the winner.
A contestant can hold coloured cards to signal mild needs, such as water, a fan, a massage, or to exit. However, a single misstep means they’re out. In 2025, over 4,500 teams applied for 80 spots, resulting in a 57:1 selection rate.
More Than Just a Crowd-pleaser
The benefits of the competition go beyond a trophy. Researchers have noted that periods of “doing nothing” activate the brain’s default mode network, which is linked to creativity, self-reflection, and stress reduction. One participant said that simply being still beside thousands of others created a sense of shared relief.
The Crowd, The Costumes, The Surprise Champions
Image via iStockphoto/Artmim
Participants show up in everything from lab coats and military uniforms to llama costumes. Some dress to entertain or distract, while others use props to stand out. The spectacle only underscores how seriously people take the challenge.
Winners often say the hardest part isn’t staying still—it’s resisting the impulse to move, react, or think about what comes next. One champion credited slow abdominal breathing for keeping their heart rate steady. For an event devoted to doing nothing, it’s drawing remarkable attention for what it reveals about rest, focus, and modern life.