The Gwangju-Jeonnam Journalists Association organized two matchmaking initiatives for reporters: I Am Jeolro and You Are Sulro. I Am Jeolro adapts the format of the popular variety show I Am Solo, partnering with the Jogye Order to connect singles through temple-stay programs; the Gwangju-Jeonnam association borrowed that concept. You Are Sulro was staged as the association’s inaugural contest to crown a top "drink-master."
According to the Journalists Association paper and the Gwangju-Jeonnam association, the I Am Jeolro program took place at Bulhoe-sa temple in Naju, South Jeolla, beginning on the 24th of last month for a 1-night, 2-day stay. Organizers recruited 11 unmarried men and 11 unmarried women—reporters belonging to the association and unmarried staff from local governments and companies—and ran one-on-one rotation conversations, temple dinner dates, one-on-one walks and a series of mission-based activities.
The association opened applications with a March 30 notice and invited the Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation’s production team—the same group behind the original program—to run the event. Bulhoe-sa and the Buddhist Broadcasting System (BBS) sponsored the program. To protect participants’ identities, the association accepted applications only from staff at outlets, institutions and companies it had officially contacted; the foundation then screened and selected participants. Organizers said the overall applicant-to-seat ratio was roughly 2-to-1.
The program grew out of a pledge by Park Jin-pyo, chair of the Gwangju-Jeonnam association. Park told the Journalists Association paper that he had been considering an outdoor "healing camp" where reporters could engage in activities, and while campaigning he visited BBS and was encouraged to adapt the Jogye Order’s I Am Jeolro. He noted that younger people are less numerous in the region than in Seoul, making it harder to meet potential partners locally, and he wanted to create opportunities. He added that the initiative aimed not only to match people but also to foster greater understanding between professionals in different jobs and sectors.
Three couples emerged from the event, and organizers say they plan to hold it again next year. Park described Bulhoe-sa as a 1,700-year-old temple and said that sitting in the spring woods felt restorative. He praised the executive team for their hard work and said they found the entire process—from planning to execution—more enjoyable than exhausting. Given the strong response, they will consider staging the program again next year if resources allow.
On the 9th of last month, the association staged You Are Sulro, its first "drink-master" contest, at a restaurant in Gwangju. The competition was not about who could drink the most. Organizers established 10 criteria for a true drink-master—such as not pressuring others to drink, accepting any type of beverage, not blaming the side dishes, and being able to make it into work the next day—and emphasized that a genuine winner creates a considerate, enjoyable atmosphere.
The contest unfolded over several rounds, featuring challenges like a random beverage test and a blind tasting of side dishes. Judges selected the inaugural champion and handed out additional awards—Best Manners, Funniest, Atmosphere Maker—along with various prizes. The organization of the first-place winner will receive bonus points at the fall sports festival.
