Sleeping For Glory: Why This Asian Country Is Hosting Nap Contests

Last Updated:May 03, 2026, 08:18 IST

Seoul Metropolitan Government hosts third annual power nap contest at Yeouido Hangang Park, with 170 participants highlighting South Koreas growing sleep deprivation concerns

Around 170 people took part in a unique “power nap" contest along the Han River in Seoul on May 2, highlighting the growing concern over sleep deprivation in South Korea.

The event, held at Yeouido Hangang Park, is now in its third year and was organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government as part of efforts to promote rest in a fast-paced urban environment, Reuters reported.

Participants, selected through an application process based on personal stories, competed not in physical activity but in their ability to fall into deep sleep in a public setting.

Contestants were judged on “sleep concentration" — their ability to remain asleep despite deliberate disturbances such as feather tickling and mosquito sounds introduced during the competition.

Organisers used sleep-tracking data to evaluate performance, combining the duration of deep sleep with overall sleep quality scores to determine winners.

The competition began at 3 pm and was open to public viewing, with visitors allowed to watch participants attempt to sleep through the disruptions.

“Between exam prep and part-time jobs, I survive on three or four ​hours of sleep a night, patching it up with desk naps during the day," said Park ​Jun-seok, who participated in the contest.

“I’m here to show off my napping skills, and to demonstrate exactly how a king sleeps," said Park, a 20-year-old university student.

Officials said the event was designed to emphasise the importance of rest in a country known for long working hours and high stress levels.

Participants included office workers, healthcare staff and couples, many of whom cited fatigue from work and daily pressures as the reason for entering the contest.

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