In pictures: Sleep takes centre stage at Seoul’s Han River Nap Competition
The sleep competition underscores a chronic issue for South Koreans.
Hundreds of young Koreans have turned up at a Seoul park by the Han River at the invitation of the city government to try and get some much-needed sleep.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government staged its third annual spring event, dubbed a power nap contest, with would-be participants required to wear outfits befitting either a sleeping beauty or prince.
The sleep competition highlights a major issue for South Koreans.
Data shows South Korea is one of the most overworked and sleep-deprived nations among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development members, and people have some of the fewest sleep hours.
As the clock struck three and eye masks were donned across the park, officials measured participants’ heart rates to ensure they had a stable reading – an indicator of deep, peaceful sleep.