South Korea is one of the most over-worked nations in the world. And Koreans have started taking extreme measures to escape their busy lifestyles. One retreat center is offering a unique way to relax. CGTN's Shane Hahm has more on why some Koreans are trading their work cubicle for a jail cell.

You won't find any convicted felons or hardened criminals at this South Korean jail. Rather, inmates at this facility enter voluntarily. They're locked in cells for 20 hours a day without any contact with the outside world. No phones, instant messengers, or emails. The complex is the brainchild of Kwon Yong-seok. As a former prosecutor, Kwon worked 100-hour weeks, which began wearing on him both physically and mentally. That's when he and his wife decided to create this facility called 'Prison Inside Me'.

NOH JI-HYANG CO-FOUNDER, PRISON INSIDE ME "My husband was overworked in his public career. He had always said he wanted to spend a week in prison solitary confinement. That was the initial idea. We put the idea into action after realizing that many others leading a modern lifestyle needed a place like this."

Prisoners of all ages and from all walks of life come to the facility for spiritual healing. All inmates must follow a strict regimen. The day begins at 6AM sharp as the chant of a Buddhist monk blares through the speakers. Meals are handed out at scheduled times through door cubby holes.

SHANE HAHM HONGCHEON, SOUTH KOREA "Each cell is about five square-meters in size and comes equipped with a window, Heated floors, a small table with some writing instruments, a tea set, and a yoga mat. There's even a panic button in case of emergency."

South Korea is one of the most overworked nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Workers Clock in more than 2,000 hours Annually. That's nearly 300 hours more than the OECD Average.

RYU SEON-MI PARTICIPANT, PRISON INSIDE ME "It's good to get plenty of rest and having time to myself. I was on my own time. As a work assistant, I had always put my bosses first. But this made me realize I should spend more time on self-reflection."

RYU SEON-MI PARTICIPANT, PRISON INSIDE ME "I've been at my current job for six months, and in that time, I've been driving forward without any rest. Through this opportunity, my mind has been able to recover and I hope to keep going forward with this mentality."

Despite the jail-like atmosphere, operators say the purpose of the facility isn't confinement or incarceration.

NOH JI-HYANG CO-FOUNDER, PRISON INSIDE ME "A person's internal prison could be based on past experiences, one's own disposition, personal relationships, or actions. Our goal is to help people discover and escape from these obstacles."

Many inmates here are repeat offenders, coming back to the Retreat on numerous occasions. Unlike actual prison though, they're more than happy to return. Shane Hahm, CGTN, Hongcheon, South Korea.