The Seoul Metropolitan Government organized its third [1] annual power-nap contest on Saturday, May 2, 2026 [2], at a Han River park.

The event aims to raise awareness about chronic sleep deprivation and the pervasive overwork culture in South Korea [2]. By turning rest into a public competition, officials intend to spotlight the health risks associated with the nation's lack of sleep.

Hundreds of young Seoulites participated in the 90-minute event [2]. The contest challenged participants to achieve the most effective power nap under public observation. While many younger citizens joined the fray, the competition saw an unexpected outcome when a man in his 80s [3] emerged as the winner.

The event is part of a broader effort by the city to address the systemic pressures that lead to sleep deficiency. South Korea is known for high-pressure work and education environments, factors that often push citizens to sacrifice rest for productivity.

Organizers used the gathering to promote the benefits of short, strategic naps to improve mental clarity and physical health. The choice of a public park for the venue served to normalize the act of resting in a society where sleeping during the day is often viewed as a sign of laziness [2].

This year's contest marks the third [1] time the city has hosted the event, signaling a continuing government interest in public health initiatives that target the psychological toll of urban living. The presence of diverse age groups, from young professionals to the elderly, suggests that sleep deprivation is a cross-generational issue in the capital.

“The event aims to raise awareness about chronic sleep deprivation and the pervasive overwork culture in South Korea.”

This initiative reflects a growing recognition by the Seoul Metropolitan Government that the nation's productivity-driven culture has created a public health crisis. By gamifying sleep, the city is attempting to shift the cultural perception of napping from a liability to a health necessity, acknowledging that chronic exhaustion impacts both the youth and the elderly.