Introduction
The empty-chair technique in Gestalt therapy facilitates emotional dialogue with an imagined person or self-aspect. However, for middle-aged South Korean men, cultural norms emphasizing emotional restraint and traditional masculinity often make imagery-based approaches feel uncomfortable or artificial. Virtual reality (VR) may address these limitations by providing an embodied and immersive alternative.


Purpose
This study explored how middle-aged South Korean men experienced a VR-based adaptation of the empty-chair technique, focusing on both its therapeutic benefits and perceived limitations.


Method
Fourteen middle-aged South Korean men (aged 40-59) who reported psychological distress related to childhood relationships with patriarchal fathers participated in a single-session VR-based empty-chair intervention. Participants interacted with a standardized younger-self avatar in a VR environment and subsequently completed in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to capture participants' lived experiences. Presence, immersion, and realism were also assessed using the I-group Presence Questionnaire.


Results
Three domains of positive experience emerged: emotional reactions from meeting one's childhood self, shifting attitudes toward the self, and advantages of using VR. Participants described intense emotional responses, increased self-compassion, reduced self-blame, and greater self-acceptance. VR facilitated immersion, reduced self-consciousness related to the counselor's presence, and supported vivid recall of childhood experiences. Negative experiences were also identified, including difficulty reconnecting with certain memories, disruptions to immersion due to technical limitations, and challenges related to self-disclosure. Presence and immersion were rated at moderate levels.


Conclusions
The findings suggest that the VR-based empty-chair technique may offer a culturally sensitive and emotionally accessible alternative to traditional imagery-based approaches for middle-aged South Korean men. While technical and procedural improvements are needed, VR shows promise in facilitating emotional engagement and self-reflection among populations facing cultural barriers to emotional expression.