diff --git a/sway/config.c b/sway/config.c
index c20625cf..b94887a7 100644
--- a/sway/config.c
+++ b/sway/config.c
@@ -241,6 +241,7 @@ static void config_defaults(struct sway_config *config) {
 	if (!(config->font = strdup("monospace 10"))) goto cleanup;
 	config->font_height = 17; // height of monospace 10
 	config->urgent_timeout = 500;
+	config->focus_on_window_activation = FOWA_URGENT;
 	config->popup_during_fullscreen = POPUP_SMART;
 	config->xwayland = XWAYLAND_MODE_LAZY;
 
diff --git a/sway/sway.5.scd b/sway/sway.5.scd
index 1663033c..c9daba5d 100644
--- a/sway/sway.5.scd
+++ b/sway/sway.5.scd
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ The default colors are:
 	window activation. If set to _urgent_, the urgent state will be set
 	for that window. If set to _focus_, the window will become focused.
 	If set to _smart_, the window will become focused only if it is already
-	visible, otherwise the urgent state will be set. Default is _smart_.
+	visible, otherwise the urgent state will be set. Default is _urgent_.
 
 *focus_wrapping* yes|no|force|workspace
 	This option determines what to do when attempting to focus over the edge