S Koreans shun smartphones in 'space-out' competition

SEOUL - Agence France-Presse

AFP photo

Dozens of people in one of the world's most wired nations took part on May 22 in South Korea's "space-out" competition aimed at promoting a life free from stress and information overload.

About 60 contestants spent 90 minutes sitting in a public park in Seoul without talking, sleeping, eating, or using any electronic devices during the event -- under the slogan of "Relax Your Brain".    

The "space-out" competition was launched by local activists in 2014.      

Sunday's event -- organised by Seoul city council -- drew more than 1,500 online applicants who vied for the available places in the competition.      

"Let our brain -- never free from information overload from a smartphone, TV or computer -- relax! Let's enjoy just thinking nothing!" the council said in a statement.    

Blank-faced contestants -- including a mother and a young child and middle-aged men in suits -- sat or lay still in  temperaturex of over 30 degrees Celsius (86F). Many held parasols against the sun.
 
Participants are also not allowed to look at their watches or move around too much. The person measured as having the most stable heart rate is adjudged the winner.    

On Sunday the honours went to a famous local rapper.    

"I was so exhausted physically and mentally while preparing an album, so I just wanted to relax for a while," said Shin Hyo-Seob, a.k.a. Crush.    

"This event is highly recommended for those who have migraines or complicated thoughts," the 28-year-old said, holding his glass trophy.    

More than 80 percent of South Korea's 50 million people have smartphones, with a growing fixation on everything digital seen as a serious problem.
 
The country's smartphone users spend an average of four hours a day tweeting, chatting or playing games, with about 15 percent showing symptoms of addiction, according to state data.