Now in its third consecutive year, the sleep competition underscores a chronic issue for South Koreans. Data show South Korea is one of the most overworked and sleep-deprived nations among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development members, and, as a consequence, people have some of the fewest sleep hours.
As the clock struck three and eye masks descended across the park, officials went around to measure participants’ heart rate to make sure they had a stable reading – an indicator of deep, peaceful sleep.
The winner of the contest was a man in his 80s.
Hwang Du-seong, a 37-year-old office worker, was a runner-up.
“I was completely drained, having done night shifts often on top of going to work everyday plus I also drive a lot for work. So when I saw the contest I was determined to sleep to fully recharge amid river breeze, and I’m very happy to be placed second place, luckily.”
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