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People in South Korea are chec...

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People in South Korea are checking into fake prisons for some peace and quiet

Jonathan Duane
Jonathan Duane

06:03 27 Nov 2018


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Stressed out workers and students are paying to be put in solitary confinement.

South Koreans are escaping the country's demanding academic and working culture by booking themselves into fake prisons.

The nation has been deemed the most overworked country in Asia, while its suicide rate is among one of the highest in the world.

A frazzled resident taking some time out

The Mirror reports a fake prison in Hongcheon is offering people a chance to relax and live in solitary confinement for 24 hours.

The unusual holiday destination, named 'The Prison Inside Me', contains 28 five-square-metre cells.

All technology is banned, as well as clocks and mirrors, and residents wear prison jumpsuits.

Even meals are served through the hatch of cell doors, which are locked.

Residents say the prison ironically gives them a sense of freedom

Most residents choose to stay in the cells with just a diary and a yoga mat, but they can take part in spiritual group activities if they like.

And the cost? €80 euro per night.

Co-founder of the prison Noh Ji-Hyang revealed that part of the inspiration for the facility came from her husband, a local prosecutor who often worked about 100 hours per week.

"At first people say it would be stuffy to be in a prison cell. But after their stay, they say this isn't a prison - the real prison is where they return to."


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