A Buddhist temple stay program aimed at single adults in their 40s has resulted in four new couples. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – A Buddhist temple stay program aimed at single adults in their 40s has resulted in four new couples, marking a successful debut for this age-specific iteration of what has become a popular matchmaking initiative.
The event, held on October 5 and 6 at Hwagye Temple in Seoul’s Gangbuk district, attracted significant interest, with 140 men and 235 women applying to participate.
After a screening process, 10 men and 10 women were selected, among whom four pairs expressed mutual interest, according to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Social Welfare Foundation.
This latest event, focusing on individuals in their 40s, maintained the format of previous temple stay matchmaking programs but saw notably enthusiastic participation from attendees who have entered the dating scene relatively later in life.
A Buddhist temple stay program aimed at single adults in their 40s has resulted in four new couples. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The organizers facilitated various activities designed to help participants get to know each other naturally, including self-introductions, recreational activities, communal meals, temple walks, tea time, a couple photo contest, and even an educational session on South Korea’s low birth rate issue.
Hwagye Temple prepared an eclectic menu for the participants, offering traditional Korean snacks alongside pasta — an unusual choice for temple cuisine — reflecting a blend of traditional and modern elements in the program.
“The absence of cameras seemed to put participants more at ease,” noted a program representative, highlighting the organizers’ decision to maintain participant privacy for this older age group, a departure from previous events where 30-something participants consented to public exposure.
The event attracted a diverse group of professionals, including business owners, teachers, and employees from public corporations and financial institutions, some holding middle management positions.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to host another event for participants in their 30s at Baekyang Temple in South Jeolla Province on November 2 and 3.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample dishes prepared by Jeong Kwan, a Buddhist monk and renowned temple food expert who has shared recipes with Michelin-starred chefs.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
