A record number of applicants flocked to "I Go to Temple," an event that offers single men and women the chance to meet through a temple stay.
The Social Welfare Foundation of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism announced Tuesday that a total of 4,225 people applied after registration was held from the 8th to the 22nd for "I Go to Temple, Naksansa." Of the applicants, 1,655 were men and 2,570 were women. The competition ratio reached 165.5 to 1 for men and 257 to 1 for women. This far exceeds the previous record of 2,620 applicants set by the "I Go to Temple, Sinheungsa" edition in September last year, marking the largest number of applicants ever.
"I Go to Temple, Naksansa," to be held July 11–12, will feature a variety of programs including couples yoga, blind dates and plogging dates. This edition is being held in collaboration with the Gangwon Tourism Foundation.
"I want to express my gratitude to the participants and citizens who showed tremendous support and enthusiasm," said the Venerable Doryun, CEO of the Jogye Order's Social Welfare Foundation. "Since the number of applicants has grown, we will hold 'I Go to Temple' once again in August, this time for residents of the metropolitan area." Choi Sung-hyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, said, "I hope many couples will be formed in Gangwon Province."
