492 applicants competed for 100 spots selected by public lottery
Siheung has wrapped up its 2026 Siheung Solo project, a matchmaking initiative designed to help unmarried young residents connect and build meaningful relationships.
The city held three separate events this year: the first on Oct. 9 at Geobukseum, the second on Oct. 10 at Eungye Lake Park, and the third on Saturday in the Neunggok-dong area.
A total of 492 people applied, creating a roughly 5-to-1 competition ratio. Through a document screening and public lottery, the city selected 100 final participants — 50 men and 50 women.
This year's program was built around a "digital detox" concept that discouraged the use of smartphones and other electronic devices, offering a range of communication and empathy-focused activities designed to encourage participants to make genuine eye contact and connect on a deeper level.
The eligible age range was also significantly expanded to include those born in 1981, opening the program to a broader segment of young adults. Participants showed high levels of engagement and enthusiasm, and 20 couples were formed by the end of the program.
The Siheung Solo project was created to give young people — whose busy lives and limited social circles leave them with few opportunities to meet others — a wholesome and trustworthy space for interaction, and to support them in thinking positively about marriage and their futures within the local community. The program drew high satisfaction ratings from participants through a variety of activities centered on candid conversation and shared interests.
"The high competition ratio of roughly 5 to 1 and the 20 matched couples reflect the strong policy demand among young people for opportunities to meet and connect," a city official said. "We will continue to expand effective policies so that young residents can build stable relationships and find renewed energy in their lives within the local community."
The city plans to analyze this year's results and participant feedback to further refine and develop the project. For more information, contact the Basic Society Team of Siheung's Policy Planning Division.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
