Twelve men and 12 women enter a Buddhist temple - will the monks help them find love?
Summary
A Buddhist temple in South Korea is hosting a 30-hour dating retreat for 12 men and 12 women to help address the country's low birth rate by encouraging people to find partners. This event is part of wider efforts by the government and local groups to support marriage and childbirth amid social changes and economic challenges.Key Facts
- The dating retreat takes place at Donghwasa Temple, an 8th-century Buddhist site on Palgongsan mountain.
- There are 12 men and 12 women participating, selected from over 1,600 applicants based on commitment to marriage and having children.
- South Korea's total fertility rate in 2023 dropped to 0.72 children per woman, much lower than the 2.1 needed to maintain the population size.
- Many young South Koreans date less due to busy work lives, economic pressures, and social changes, leading to fewer marriages.
- The government offers benefits like longer parental leave, cash bonuses, and cheaper housing to encourage childbirth.
- Matchmaking events like this temple retreat are supported by local governments to help singles meet in a relaxed setting.
- Traditional ways of meeting partners include school, work, and blind dates arranged by family or friends, while dating apps are less popular here.
- The retreat includes various activities to help break the ice and build connections between participants.
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