80 teams will compete for the title of “Space-Out Champion” at the 2024 Han River Space-Out Contest. (Image courtesy of Seoul City)
SEOUL, May 10 (Korea Bizwire) – This Sunday, May 12, at 4:30 p.m., 80 teams will compete for the title of “Space-Out Champion” at the 2024 Han River Space-Out Contest, held at the Banpo Hangang Park.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the event, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on May 9 that it had expanded the final selection to 80 teams, 10 more than initially planned, due to the overwhelming enthusiasm demonstrated by applicants.
After reviewing the application essays, the city determined that the passion for participation exceeded that of previous years, prompting the increase in the number of teams.
During the application period from April 26 to 29, a total of 2,787 teams applied, resulting in a competition rate of 35 to 1.
Among the participants, men (43) slightly outnumbered women (37). By age group, those in their 20s constituted the largest portion at 40% (32 people), followed by those in their 30s (29), those in their 40s and 50s (13), elementary, middle, and high school students (4), and those aged 60 and above (2). Additionally, four foreign nationals are participating.
The city stated that while application essays were the primary consideration, efforts were made to ensure a diverse representation across various professions and age groups.
The 2024 Han River Space-Out Contest (Image courtesy of Seoul City)
This year’s participants hail from a wide range of professions, including data linguists, psychiatrists, professional athletes, firefighters, aircraft mechanics, and those with multiple jobs.
Most application essays expressed a desire to recover from physical and mental exhaustion through the space-out contest, allowing participants to return to their daily routines rejuvenated, according to the city.
The contest winner will be determined through a comprehensive evaluation of heart rate analysis and on-site citizen voting.
Participants will wear wristband heart rate monitors, and scores will be assigned based on their heart rate, which will be checked every 15 minutes.
Additionally, citizens at the event can read the participants’ stories and vote for the team they wish to support.
After the contest, a yoga class will be held from 6:30 p.m., with the sunset and moonlight rainbow fountain of the Han River as the backdrop.
On-site registration will be available starting at 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 20 participants.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
