KB News Desk
Seoul is taking its city-run dating program to the Han River, inviting 100 single residents to meet at a matchmaking event next month.
The Sept. 19 event, officially titled “Seolleim in Seoul,” will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ttukseom Hangang Park and bring together 50 men and 50 women aged 25 to 45.
The program will include a ride on the city’s Han River bus, dating coaching, games, dinner and group conversations.
Applicants must be unmarried Seoul residents and economically active as employees, business owners or freelancers. They will also have to submit documents proving their residence, employment and marital status before participants are selected by lottery.
The event is the first under the city’s revamped “Seoulting 2.0” matchmaking program, which combines dating events with some of Seoul’s best-known attractions.
“Seoulting is returning as ‘Seoulting 2.0,’ reflecting young people’s preferences and the appeal of Seoul,” said Ma Chae-sook, head of the city’s Women and Family Policy Affairs Office. “We hope participants will make meaningful connections while enjoying the Han River at night.”
Demand for the program has been strong. Five previous Seoulting events drew 13,854 applications for just 500 places, with one session attracting 3,568 people for 100 spots.
The city said 126 couples were matched through the five events, while 92 percent of participants surveyed said they wanted the program to be held regularly.
At least one match has lasted well beyond the event itself. A couple who met at a Seoulting program in February last year developed a relationship and are expected to marry in December, becoming the first known marriage to emerge from the city-run initiative.
Applications open Aug. 18 and close at 5 p.m. on Sept. 4. Selected participants will be notified by text message on Sept. 11.
