Seoul citizens to compete in a 'sleep contest' along the Han River.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold the '2026 Han River Sleeping Contest' at the Yeouido Hangang Park Multipurpose Plaza on May 2, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Now in its third year, the 'Han River Sleeping Contest' has become one of Seoul's signature unique cultural events, aiming to convey the value of rest to citizens amid their busy daily lives.

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From April 16 to 20, participants were recruited, and based on their application stories, 170 people were ultimately selected.

Participants will compete to achieve the 'best quality sleep' in their own ways.

Jo, an intensive care unit nurse, said, "Because I always live on edge, sleep has been pushed aside. But 3 p.m., right after I finish work, is my golden time for deep rest. Having always helped others recover, this time I want to give myself the gift of rest."

Soon-to-be-married couple Yoon and Shin said, "We are overwhelmed by all the information from wedding preparations and working late nights," adding, "Our wish is to put aside our digital devices, lie side by side on a warm spring day, and fall asleep together without any worries."

The contest is not just about napping; it focuses on assessing participants' 'sleep concentration'-their ability to maintain deep sleep even amid various external stimuli.

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During the event, there will be a total of two rounds of disturbances, including feather tickling and playing mosquito sounds, and participants must overcome these distractions while maintaining their calm.

The winners are determined by sleep data. Final rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each participant’s deep sleep duration and sleep quality scores recorded during the contest.

Additionally, a 'Best Dresser' competition for the most unique pajama style will be held on site. The winner will be chosen by votes from the general public attending the event, adding another point of interest.

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Anyone visiting Yeouido Hangang Park on the day of the event can watch the contest. Details about the 2026 Han River Sleeping Contest can be found on the Reading Hangang Park website and Instagram.

Park Jinyoung, Director of the Future Han River Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "This contest was designed to turn 'rest' itself into a unique content experience, offering citizens a different kind of relaxation and fun. I hope it will be a precious opportunity for everyone to lay down the burdens of everyday life for a moment under the refreshing breeze of the Han River."