The event took place at a park by the Han River, starting at 3pm local time. Participants were required to wear outfits befitting a sleeping beauty or prince, come tired, and with a full belly. Officials measured participants' heart rate to ensure a stable reading as an indicator of deep sleep. Hundreds of young Seoulites attended the contest.
The winner was a man in his 80s. Runner-up was Hwang Du Seong, a 37-year-old office worker who, according to The Independent, described being determined to sleep to fully recharge amid the river breeze after working night shifts. Park Jun Seok, a 20-year-old university student, attended dressed as a Joseon Dynasty monarch. According to The Independent, he said he came to show off his napping skills and demonstrate how a king sleeps. Yoo Mi Yeon, a 24-year-old English teacher, wore a koala-themed onesie, hoping to borrow the animal's magic for deep slumber, she told The Independent. The name of the winner was not released.
I've 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.