These days, people are just… too busy.
From the moment we wake up, it’s screens, emails, deadlines, traffic, and more screens. Life keeps sprinting, and we barely have time to breathe—let alone relax.
So it’s no wonder people now travel not just to see things, but to stop seeing things.
But what if we told you that in the heart of Seoul, by the beautiful Han River, there’s a contest where the goal is literally to do… nothing?
Welcome to the Han River Space-Out Competition, where zoning out isn’t just allowed—it’s the whole point.
“Why Are You Spacing Out?” Because Your Brain Needs It
In Korean, we have a lovely term: 멍~때린다 (meong ddaerinda). It means to space out, to blankly stare into the void in total peace.
While it may sound silly, zoning out is surprisingly good for your brain.
Psychologists say that when your mind wanders or “spaces out,” you’re actually giving your brain a much-needed reboot. It enhances creativity, lowers stress, and resets your mental load.
And Koreans? We’ve turned it into a full-blown wellness culture.
And at its core? This gloriously chill event at the Han River.
Yes, This Is a Real Thing—And Doing Nothing Is the Rule
The Han River Space-Out Competition is as straightforward as it sounds:
Participants gather on the grassy fields of Han River Park and simply… sit. Or lie down. Or gently slump. No phones, no chatting, no fidgeting.
The only rule? Don’t. Do. Anything.
And this isn’t just a casual hangout. It’s a serious competition.
Judges monitor participants’ heart rates and facial expressions to determine who’s the best at staying completely zoned out.
Anyone can join—including foreigners! Just head over to the application page.
👉 Click here to visit the official website
“Way Harder Than I Thought” – Real People, Real Reactions
You might think, “Doing nothing? Easy.” But ask anyone who’s actually tried it, and they’ll tell you it’s no walk in the park.
One participant said,
“The more I tried not to think, the more thoughts came flooding in. It was surprisingly hard.”
Another shared,
“It was the first time in ages I really felt my own breathing. It made me weirdly emotional.”
Many foreign participants loved the experience, calling it one of the most unique and relaxing things they’ve done in Korea.
“It sounds funny, but it really worked. I made new friends and came out totally refreshed.”
Does Travel Have to Be Busy? Try a ‘Do-Nothing’ Day in Seoul
We often treat travel like a checklist.
“Did you hit that restaurant?” “Did you visit that palace?” “Got enough selfies?”
But maybe… real travel starts when we stop doing things—and just be.
That’s exactly what the Han River Space-Out Competition is about.
In the middle of a bustling city, on a peaceful lawn by the river, you sit and do absolutely nothing… and find a kind of peace that’s hard to come by.
So if you’re visiting Seoul and your schedule allows it, gift yourself the rarest souvenir:
A few hours of 멍~때리기 (spacing out)—Korean style.
You might remember that more fondly than the palace pics.