DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

South Korean singles look for their dream match at Buddhist temple retreat

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A Buddhist matchmaking retreat at Naksansa temple in South Korea aims to address the country's low birth rate by connecting young singles.
  • The program, launched in 2023 by the Korean Buddhist Foundation for Social Welfare, attracted a record 4,225 applicants for only 20 spots.
  • Despite concerns about declining birth rates, South Korea has seen a slight increase in its fertility rate over the past two years, though it remains among the world's lowest.

In the serene setting of Naksansa, a historic Buddhist temple on South Korea's northeastern coast, young men and women are participating in a unique two-day matchmaking retreat. Organized by the Korean Buddhist Foundation for Social Welfare, the program utilizes trust-building exercises, such as a blindfolded walk guided by a partner, to foster connections among singles.

Honestly, they say the birth rate is falling and more people are choosing not to marry, but everyone around me really does get married, everyone has a partner, and they date just fine. And since this is a programme, I figured more decent guys who were selected would be coming here, so that’s why I came.

— Choi Ye-riA participant explaining her motivation for joining the matchmaking retreat.

Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to combat South Korea's critically low birth rate, the lowest globally. The program's growing popularity is evident in the record 4,225 applications received for just 20 available spots in this recent round. Participants, like 30-year-old Choi Ye-ri, are drawn to the program hoping to meet decent partners in a structured environment.

South Korea faces a demographic crisis, with its population projected to shrink significantly by 2072. However, there are glimmers of hope, as the country's total fertility rate has shown a slight increase for two consecutive years, reaching 0.80 in 2025. Organizers, including Venerable Doryun, head of the foundation, view the retreat as more than just matchmaking; they see it as an opportunity for participants to reflect on the nation's demographic challenges and future alternatives.

I hope this journey becomes a time to reflect on the low birthrate issue and to think about alternatives for our future.

— Venerable DoryunThe head of the Korean Buddhist Foundation for Social Welfare, speaking to participants about the program's broader goals.

The retreat offers a variety of activities designed to help participants get to know each other more intimately than a typical blind date. Over the weekend, dressed in temple attire, they engage in group activities like tea ceremonies, strolls, and even yoga by the beach. These shared experiences, conducted in a temple setting, are described by participants like Kim Do-yeon as a fresh and serious way to connect with others.

My impression is that getting to know people in a temple setting is a completely new experience for me, which feels really fresh, and I think it allows you to get to know someone more seriously.

— Kim Do-yeonA participant describing his experience with the temple matchmaking program.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog