By Lee Hae-rin
Local governments in South Korea have been scrambling to host matchmaking events to help boost the country’s birth rate, but criticism is rising over their effectiveness.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is arranging a dating programme for 100 unmarried men and women on the Han River on November 23, featuring a river yacht tour, recreational games and workshops on dating psychology and one-on-one conversations.
Couples matched on the spot will be provided with dating tickets worth up to 10 million won (US$7,300).
According to data collected from municipalities by Representative Lee Yeon-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea, at least 30 local governments across the country have led 34 such matchmaking initiatives this year.
Normally, these events are held for one or two days in the form of a group meeting where dozens of men and women gather and visit tourist attractions and attend a wine party and cooking classes together, similar to popular matchmaking reality programmes on television.
