"Looking for Love at the Temple"... More Women Applied Than Men

Male Competition Rate 39 to 1, Female 62 to 1
"Growing Interest in Buddhist-Style Connections Amid Low Birthrate Era"

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Social Welfare Foundation announced on October 25 that a total of 1,012 people have registered to participate in the Templestay program for people in their 40s, "I Naturally Go to Sudeoksa," which will be held from the 15th to the 16th of next month at Sudeoksa Temple in Yesan County, Chungnam.

A total of 1,012 people have registered to participate in the Templestay program for people in their 40s, "I Go to Seoduksa Temple," which will be held from the 15th to the 16th of next month at Seoduksa Temple in Yesan County, Chungnam. Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Social Welfare Foundation

This recruitment was open exclusively to single men and women between the ages of 35 and 49. Although only 10 men and 10 women were to be selected, 390 men and 622 women applied, resulting in fierce competition rates of 39 to 1 for men and 62.2 to 1 for women.

"I Naturally Go to Sudeoksa" is a Buddhist-style relationship program held at Sudeoksa Temple in Yesan, designed to allow participants to form connections naturally through meditation and spiritual practice. Specially organized for those in their 40s, it has attracted significant interest from the middle-aged demographic.

Venerable Doryun, CEO of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Social Welfare Foundation, stated, "There has been a steady demand from people in their 40s wishing to participate, and this time we were able to directly witness that enthusiasm," adding, "We will prepare a well-structured program to facilitate genuine connections."

The Templestay program for single men and women, which began in 2013, gained widespread popularity in 2023 when it was renamed "I Naturally Go" as a parody of the dating reality show "I am SOLO." Since then, the program has been held at various temples, resulting in many couples who eventually married.

This program aims to provide single men and women with natural opportunities to meet and, furthermore, contribute to alleviating the low birthrate issue. Previously, it has also been held at temples such as Ssanggyesa, Bongseonsa, Jikjisa, and Sinheungsa, leading to the formation of many couples.

According to the foundation, at the "I Naturally Go to Jikjisa" event held at Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, from October 24 to 25, 6 couples were formed out of 24 participants after confirming mutual interest.