More than 3,000 singles have enthusiastically applied for a unique blind date event organized by the Seoul city government, reflecting a growing interest in creative dating experiences. In response to past critiques regarding gender disparities in similar government-sponsored events, the city has been proactive in ensuring an equal number of male and female participants. This careful approach highlights their commitment to inclusivity.
On Thursday, Seoul city officials proudly announced that a remarkable total of 3,286 applicants signed up for the intriguing “Pit-a-Pat in Han River” event, which offers a romantic yacht date experience along the picturesque Han River. This impressive turnout has resulted in an intense application competition, showcasing a ratio of 33:1, emphasizing the popularity of the event. The application window, held from October 21 to November 8 in partnership with Woori Card, was exclusively open to unmarried men and women aged 25 to 39 (born between 1985 and 1999), all of whom reside in the vibrant city of Seoul.
As various local governments across Korea initiate similar dating ventures, Seoul’s program has astonishingly recorded the highest number of applicants. The enthusiastic response is credited to both the captivating allure of the scenic Han River setting and a meticulous verification process designed to foster trust among participants. This comprehensive vetting entails an in-depth examination of applicants’ personal details, including proof of residence, employment status, marital history, income verification, and evaluations to ensure that there are no underlying criminal records.
A Seoul city official expressed hope that this innovative program will provide a significant opportunity for numerous singles to establish meaningful connections, potentially paving the way toward lasting relationships and even marriage. The much-anticipated “Pit-a-Pat in Han River” event is set to take place next Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the enchanting Sebit Island in Banpo Han River Park, promising an unforgettable evening for all attendees.
전혜진 sunrise@donga.com
What are the key features that set Seoul’s unique blind date event apart from traditional dating events?
**Interview with Ji-Na Kim, Event Coordinator for Seoul’s Unique Blind Date Event**
**Editor:** Ji-Na, thank you for joining us today! It’s impressive to see more than 3,000 singles applying for this unique blind date event. What inspired the city government to organize such an initiative?
**Ji-Na Kim:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind this event came from a growing desire among people to create meaningful connections beyond the conventional dating methods. We wanted to foster a fun and safe environment where singles can explore relationships in a creative way.
**Editor:** That’s fantastic! We’ve noticed that past events faced criticism regarding gender disparities. How has the city addressed these concerns for this event?
**Ji-Na Kim:** Absolutely, we took the feedback from previous events seriously. We have implemented a strict registration process to ensure that we have an equal number of male and female participants. This way, we can create a balanced and fair experience for everyone involved.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that! With over 3,000 applicants, how do you plan to manage such a large number of participants?
**Ji-Na Kim:** We’ve planned a series of organized matchmaking rounds to manage the numbers efficiently. Each participant will engage in multiple short interactions with different singles, allowing them to meet many potential matches. Our goal is to make the experience enjoyable and less overwhelming.
**Editor:** That sounds well thought out! What feedback have you received from applicants so far?
**Ji-Na Kim:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Many applicants have expressed excitement not just for the chance to meet new people, but also for the unique structure of the event. This enthusiasm reinforces our belief that people are seeking more innovative dating experiences.
**Editor:** Ji-Na, thank you for sharing these insights with us. It sounds like Seoul is setting the stage for a successful and inclusive event. We wish you all the best!
**Ji-Na Kim:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it and hope it brings many new connections to our community.