The Space-Out Competition, where participants sit still for 90 minutes without sleeping, talking, or using phones, is growing worldwide.
Started in Seoul in 2014 by artist Woopsyang, it challenges hustle culture. Recent events in Hong Kong and Melbourne highlight its rising popularity. The contest promotes mindfulness and rest in fast-paced societies.
Hong Kong’s Champion Shares Experience
In October 2024, a Hong Kong educational psychologist won the local Space-Out Competition. Held in a busy mall, she sat on a yoga mat, dropping her glasses down her nose to appear spaced out.
Judges measured her heart rate every 15 minutes. She found the 90-minute stillness a luxury, helping her manage a busy life with two kids. Her win earned a trophy modeled after Rodin’s
Melbourne’s Unique Twist with Costumes
Melbourne hosted its first Space-Out Competition in June 2025 during the Rising Festival. Participants dressed as their professions, adding a creative flair.
Winner Amelia, a puppeteer, sat in a pool of water as a “fountain” to lower her heart rate. Cold water helped her stay calm despite freezing conditions. The event drew attention for its blend of art and relaxation.
Seoul’s 11th Edition Draws Huge Crowd
On May 11, 2025, Seoul’s Jamsu Bridge hosted the 11th Space-Out Competition. Over 4,500 teams applied, but only 126 participants competed.
A punk band, Pogo Attack, won by maintaining the steadiest heart rate. Spectators voted for their favorite contestants, adding a subjective element. The event continues to challenge South Korea’s high-pressure culture.
Philosophy Behind Doing Nothing
Woopsyang created the competition to combat burnout after her own struggles. She believes pausing together reduces anxiety about idleness. The contest reframes “doing nothing” as valuable, not lazy.
Participants like speed skater Kwak Yoon-gy, who placed third in Seoul, joined to find rest after years of intense training. It’s a statement against constant productivity.
Space-Out has spread to cities like Beijing, Rotterdam, Taipei, and Tokyo. It resonates in cultures valuing mindfulness, like Dutch niksen or Italian dolce far niente.
Social scientists note that intentional idleness boosts creativity and mental health. However, studies show many struggle with inactivity, with some preferring mild electric shocks over sitting still. The competition offers a safe space to embrace calm.
