The Seoul Metropolitan Government held its third annual power nap contest at Yeouido Hangang Park on April 20, 2025 [1], [2].
The event serves as a public awareness campaign to spotlight South Korea's chronic sleep-deprivation crisis [2], [3]. By encouraging citizens to nap in a public setting, city officials aim to draw attention to the health and social impacts of a culture characterized by long working hours and high stress.
The competition began at 3 p.m. [1] along the banks of the Han River. Hundreds of young Seoulites participated in the event [6], many of whom arrived wearing sleep-themed costumes to add a festive element to the public demonstration of rest.
Judging the contest required participants to maintain a state of sleep despite the outdoor environment. A man in his 80s emerged as the winner of the competition [5].
Organizers designed the contest to be both a quirky attraction and a serious commentary on public health [2], [3]. The use of the park, a popular leisure destination, allowed the government to reach a wide demographic of residents who struggle with insufficient rest.
While the event featured lighthearted costumes and public napping, the underlying goal remains the promotion of better sleep hygiene across the city [2]. The Seoul Metropolitan Government continues to use these annual gatherings to challenge the societal norms that prioritize productivity over essential biological needs.
“The event serves as a public awareness campaign to spotlight South Korea's chronic sleep-deprivation crisis.”
The contrast between the event's whimsical nature and its somber purpose reflects the difficulty of addressing systemic burnout in South Korean society. By gamifying rest, the city government is attempting to destigmatize napping and sleep during the day, signaling a shift toward prioritizing public health in a region known for some of the world's longest working hours.
