"There is a time for love. It's all about timing. A relationship is not about obsession, but about companionship."
Myojang, the head of the planning office of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, oversees the temple stay program "I'm Going to the Temple," which helps unmarried men and women meet. He noted that it is important to find a partner with the mindset of acknowledging each other's shortcomings. He said that focusing only on perfection may delay marriage.
Myojang mentioned that the late 20s to early 30s is a period where connections align well, saying that at this time, there is a strong willingness to fill in each other's lacks.
"I believe there is a time for love. The best cases tend to be in the late 20s to early 30s. They may have slightly lacking careers. They understand that the other person is likely in the same boat. So, it seems a mindset of, 'Ah, let's fill in the gaps together while we live' takes hold. Perhaps thanks to that, it's common to accept each other's shortcomings and plan a future together."
He explained that "after the late 30s, the expectations based on professional achievements increase, making it difficult to form connections," and "for those aged 50 and above, the bar is set high, resulting in many difficulties in meeting potential partners."
'I'm Going to the Temple' is a meeting program that seeks connection within compassion through a 1-night, 2-day temple stay. Participants have natural encounters through meditation and tea talks. For the upcoming episode at Sinheungsa this month, 24 men and women were recruited, and 2,620 applied, resulting in a competition rate of 128 to 1 for women. Couples from last year's Naksansa and Baengyongsa are preparing to marry this year and next.
Myojang said, "Everyone wishes to be happy, but in our lives, happiness and unhappiness always accompany each other." He urged, "As we live, there will be joyful and happy moments along with difficult and challenging hardships, and during those times, I hope you will be each other's strong support and a refreshing shade."