Imagine a city that never sleeps, literally, where young hustlers chug iced coffees and cram for exams on fumes. Getting the right amount of sleep is one of the most essential needs for the functioning of the human body, but a country with widespread sleep deprivation has hosted Power Nap Contests for the past couple of years. Might sound unbelievable, but it is true.
The Contest Details
On a sunny spring day, hundreds of South Koreans sprawled on grass, costumed as royalty or koalas, vying for nap supremacy. OECD data lists Koreans among the world's most overworked, fueling health woes from burnout to weak immunity. The Seoul Metropolitan Government hosted its third annual Power Nap Contest on May 2, 2026, at a Han River park, drawing crowds under hazy spring sun. Starting at 3 p.m., participants donned outfits as sleeping beauty or prince, arrived tired and fed, according to a Reuters report.
Participant Stories
While Seoul is known for round-the-clock malls, intense work ethic, and endless iced coffees, the deep tiredness among nappers on the grass was obvious. Park Jun-seok, a 20-year-old student dressed in bright red Joseon Dynasty robes, said to Reuters, "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. I am here to show off my napping skills, and to demonstrate exactly how a king sleeps." Yoo Mi-yeon, 24, who wore a koala onesie said, "I have always suffered from insomnia; I struggle to fall asleep and wake up easily. Koalas are famous for their deep slumber. I came dressed as one hoping to borrow a little of their magic."
South Korea's Sleep Statistics
South Korea's sleep stats are grim. An IKEA Sleep Report ranked it 50th of 57 nations, averaging 6 hours 27 minutes nightly, fourth shortest globally. Only 17% of the population report good sleep, insomnia cases near 800,000 yearly. Judges checked heart rates for deep sleep stability as eye masks dropped. An 80-something man clinched victory followed by runner-up Hwang Du-seong, 37, an office worker.
Purpose of the Contest
Power nap contests are held to promote rest in sleep-starved societies like South Korea, which suffers chronic exhaustion from overwork and long hours. These fun events normalize short, restorative naps, raise awareness of health risks like burnout, and encourage better sleep habits amid competitive urban lifestyles.
