Ruptly
"Hundreds of residents gathered along the Han River in Seoul on Saturday to take part in the city’s annual 'power nap contest', a government-backed event highlighting widespread sleep deprivation. Footage shows participants arriving in sleep-themed costumes, including royal robes and animal outfits, before taking part in a group yoga session ahead of the contest. "I heard that the Seoul city government was hosting this fun event, so I decided to take part," said Me Sun Jang. "Not only exercise, but sleep is also very important for maintaining good health," she added. Organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the contest aims to draw attention to the country’s intense work culture and chronic fatigue. As the contest began, participants lay down on the grass, lowering eye masks while officials monitored their heart rates - used as a key indicator of how deeply they were able to relax. "It was quieter than I expected, which made it a comfortable environment to fall asleep," noted participant Yae Rin Shin. Participants were encouraged to arrive well-fed and dressed as 'sleeping beauty' or 'prince'-style characters, adding a playful twist to the event. "I dressed up with a Jesus-inspired theme today. I joined this unique event where you basically do nothing but sleep, and it was really nice and relaxing," said Jue Un Lee, who won the best costume award. Despite its light-hearted tone, the event underscores a deeper issue. South Korea consistently ranks among the most sleep-deprived nations in the developed world, with long working hours and a competitive 'hustle culture' contributing to chronic fatigue."
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