Try to die to feel life

Hyowon Healing Center (Seoul) offers participants the experience of "trying to die in a coffin", under the financial sponsorship of a funeral service company. Photo: CNN

After donning mourning clothes, they were led into a dimly lit room filled with candles and chrysanthemums. Participants sat at tables and began writing their last words to their loved ones. Photo: CNN

The "dead men" then put on the shroud and entered the wooden coffin. Photo: New York Times

A man dressed in a black robe and a traditional Korean tall hat will close the coffin lids. He is the symbol of the Grim Reaper. Photo: The Atlantic

With 10 minutes locked in the dark, participants will have the opportunity to think and contemplate about life. "Without a single ray of light, I felt suffocated and cried in the coffin," one participant shared. Photo: The Atlantic

Jeong Yong-mun, director of the Hyowon Center, said 15,000 people attended their own funerals, and the program was free. Many company leaders encourage employees to participate in activities that change their minds and give them new perspectives and ideas. Photo: New York Times

This experience helps people with terminal illnesses or suicidal thoughts appreciate the precious moments with their loved ones and have more faith in life. Photo: CNN

After the coffin was opened, the emotions of the participants were very mixed, some people cried because they feared the moment between "life" and "death". Photo: New York Times

In addition, many participants felt happier and more joyful, chatting and taking souvenir photos together. Many even fell asleep in the coffin. "You will 'transform' to be ready for a new beginning," said Mr. Jeong. Photo: New York Times

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The Korean Psychiatric Association released data showing that a quarter of those surveyed said they were under a lot of pressure from work. The experience of trying to die in a coffin has practical meaning, helping participants change their perspective, feel more love for life and have more faith in life. Photo: The Atlantic

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