In an effort to address South Korea’s low birthrate, the Saha District Office in Busan is implementing a unique strategy: offering financial incentives to couples who begin relationships through a district-sponsored matchmaking event.
The initiative, which was recently approved by the district council, includes a mass blind-dating event in October for young adults aged 23 to 43 who live or work in the district. Participants who start a romantic relationship during the event will receive a cash bonus of 1 million won (around $720).
Further incentives are available for couples who take their relationship to the next level. Those who hold a “sang-gyeon-rye,” a traditional family meeting before marriage, will receive an additional 2 million won, while couples who decide to marry will be granted a substantial 20 million won bonus. This initiative is part of a broader effort by local and central governments to encourage marriage and childbirth in South Korea.
