In Yangyang, South Korea, a Buddhist temple retreat is tackling the nation’s demographic crisis through a two-day matchmaking programme. The Korean Buddhist Foundation for Social Welfare launched the blind-date initiative in 2023 to bring young singles together and address the world’s lowest birth rate. This round attracted a record 4,225 applicants for only 20 spots, reflecting growing interest. Participants engage in trust-building exercises, such as guiding a blindfolded partner through temple grounds, and share activities like group tea, woodland strolls, and yoga by the beach.