2,600 Apply for 24 Spots in 'I Am Going to the Temple'... Female Competition Rate Surpasses Male

1,084 Men and 1,536 Women Apply
Competition Rates Reach 90.3 to 1 and 128 to 1, Respectively

The Social Welfare Foundation of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation) announced that its temple stay program for single men and women, 'I Am Going to the Temple,' has recorded the highest competition rate ever this year.

The appearance of Shinhungsa Temple Stay. Provided by the Social Welfare Foundation of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

On September 1, the Foundation stated that a record-breaking 2,620 people had submitted applications to participate in 'I Am Going to the Temple, Shinheungsa,' a temple stay for single men and women scheduled to be held at Shinheungsa Temple in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, on September 13-14.

The Foundation plans to select 12 men and 12 women from among the applicants to participate in the event.

By gender, there were 1,084 male applicants and 1,536 female applicants, resulting in competition rates of 90.3 to 1 for men and 128 to 1 for women, respectively. In comparison, last August, 1,501 people applied for 'I Am Going to the Temple, Naksansa,' held in Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, resulting in a competition rate of 70 to 1. This year’s 'I Am Going to the Temple, Shinheungsa' is expected to select participants through even fiercer competition.

Doryun, the CEO of the Social Welfare Foundation of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, commented on the surge in applications, saying, "We have once again confirmed that young people need a space to encounter Buddhist values and to meet others," and added, "We will continue to expand opportunities so that even more young people can participate in the future."

The Foundation will also host 'I Am Going to the Temple, Jikjisa' at Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, on October 24-25. Single men and women in their 20s and 30s may apply regardless of religious affiliation. Those interested can submit their applications via the Google Form linked in the announcements section of the Foundation's website.