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Monk's Matchmaking: South Korea's Birth Crisis Cure?
11 Jul
Summary
- Buddhist temple hosts dating retreat to combat South Korea's birth crisis.
- South Korea's fertility rate dropped to a historic low of 0.72 in 2023.
- Eight couples formed at the retreat, with some staff finding partners too.
A Buddhist temple in South Korea is pioneering an innovative approach to combat the nation's severe birth rate crisis. Donghwasa Temple, nestled in the Palgongsan mountain, hosted a 30-hour dating retreat designed to help young singles find partners and start families.
The initiative stems from South Korea's alarming fertility rate, which plummeted to a historic low of 0.72 in 2023, significantly below the 2.1 replacement rate. This decline is attributed to factors like high housing costs and childcare expenses.
Participants underwent a rigorous selection process, with over 1,580 individuals vying for a spot. The retreat featured back-to-back activities, including icebreakers, guided walks, and talent shows, aimed at fostering genuine connections.
Despite previous government initiatives costing billions since 2006, birth rates continued to fall until a slight uptick in 2024. Officials suggest a combination of pandemic-related delays and demographic shifts, alongside a potential change in attitudes favouring marriage and children.
By the retreat's end, eight couples had formed, including two involving event staff. While not everyone found a partner, many left with new friendships and increased confidence, highlighting a shift in how young South Koreans approach relationships and societal expectations.
