Temple stay matchmaking program draws record 4,225 applicants

A temple stay matchmaking program for single men and women is surging in popularity.

The Social Welfare Foundation of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said Tuesday that 4,225 people — 1,665 men and 2,570 women — applied to participate in "Naneun Jeolro," a Buddhist temple stay dating program set to be held at Naksansa temple in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, on July 11 and 12.

The foundation said it was the highest number of applicants since the program launched in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 2,620 set at the Sinheungsa temple edition last September.

With only 10 men and 10 women to be selected, the competition ratio stands at 165.5 to 1 for men and 257 to 1 for women — a combined ratio of 211 to 1.

"Naneun Jeolro" is a temple stay program for unmarried men and women run by the Jogye Order as part of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's public awareness campaign to address the low birth rate. Young people of other faiths or no religion are also welcome. The program has recorded a match success rate of around 50 percent per session, with several couples going on to marry.

This year the program shifted to a regional focus. After editions targeting youth in the Honam region (at Seonunsa temple) and the Yeongnam region (at Donghwasa temple), the Naksansa edition opened applications to young people from the Greater Seoul area and Gangwon Province.

Foundation head Doryun said the strong response would prompt an additional session. "Given the high number of applicants, we will hold 'Naneun Jeolro' again in August, targeting residents of the Greater Seoul area," he said.

Organized in collaboration with the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, the Naksansa edition is planned to feature a range of activities including couples yoga, a blind date session and a plogging date.