Eumseong's Pyeongok-ri chosen as final candidate for shared funeral facility for central Chungbuk's 4 counties

Pyeongok-ri in Eumseong-eun, Eumseong County, has been chosen as the final candidate site for a shared funeral facility, intended to serve four central Chungbuk counties: Eumseong, Jincheon, Goesan, and Jeungpyeong. These counties currently lack their own crematoriums, forcing residents to travel to neighboring cities like Cheongju and Sejong for funeral services, causing significant inconvenience.

The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of potential sites. Initially, a site in Mendo-myeon, Eumseong County, was considered but ultimately disqualified due to insufficient consent from local residents and landowners. The current final candidate, Pyeongok-ri, has secured strong support, with 69% of residents and 84% of landowners agreeing to the facility's establishment. Eumseong County plans to conduct further assessments, including feasibility studies and on-site inspections, before making a final decision by the end of the year.

To address the long-standing issue, the four counties formed a joint committee in March 2024 to pursue the establishment of shared funeral facilities. This includes crematoriums, ossuaries, funeral homes, and natural burial grounds. Previous attempts to secure a site faced setbacks due to issues like local grievances and unsuitable terrain. In response, the project's criteria were adjusted for a re-tender in August, including relaxed land size requirements and reduced resident consent thresholds, alongside increased community incentives.

The proposed incentives for the final selected village are substantial. These include up to 5 billion won in project funding, operational rights for revenue-generating facilities like cafes and restaurants, priority employment for local residents, and waivers on cremation fees. Surrounding villages within a 1-kilometer radius would receive up to 7 billion won in project funding and cremation fee waivers, while the relevant township would get up to 3 billion won in project funding. If Pyeongok-ri is finalized, the facility will feature at least six crematoriums, along with a waiting area for bereaved families, an ossuary, a natural burial ground, and a funeral home.