A Buddhist temple in South Korea is experimenting with a novel approach to address the nation's declining birthrate and marriage rates by hosting a 30-hour retreat aimed at helping single individuals find romantic partners. The program, held at Donghwasa Temple near Daegu, has drawn 12 men and 12 women who have navigated a competitive selection process involving questionnaires and video submissions to gauge their seriousness about marriage and starting a family.
Participants like Kim Ah-kyung, 28, who uses the Buddhist name Sunhyeji, cited difficulties in meeting potential partners after moving for work. "There's really no chance to meet men," she explained, noting a life that largely consists of commuting between work and home with little opportunity for social activities. For others, like Kwon Seung-oh, 30, who goes by Enyo, traditional methods like blind dates arranged by friends proved superficial, and his workplace is predominantly male.
The retreat at Donghwasa Temple is open to individuals regardless of their religious beliefs. The intensive program aims to create an environment conducive to forming connections, offering a departure from the usual social avenues that have proven challenging for many. South Korea has faced a persistent decline in marriage and birth rates, with societal shifts and demanding work cultures contributing to difficulties in forming relationships. Traditional methods of meeting partners, such as through school or work, or via friend-arranged blind dates known as 'sogaeting', are becoming less effective for some.
The temple's initiative highlights the growing concern over these demographic trends and the search for innovative solutions. The 24 participants represent a fraction of the more than 1,580 individuals who applied, underscoring the demand for alternative matchmaking opportunities.
