South Korea's 94% cremation rate demands policy overhaul

Cremation has become the dominant funeral practice in South Korea, with 94% of the deceased being cremated in 2024, according to a report by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. This starkly contrasts with the 6% burial rate, signaling a need for a fundamental shift in government funeral policies that remain rooted in traditional burial customs.

The report, published in the July issue of the Health and Welfare Forum, points out that while cremation culture has become widespread due to aging populations and changing family structures, the supporting policies and systems have not kept pace. "Although cremation culture has become universal, detailed policies and systems are not in place," the report states. It emphasizes the need for "efficient and flexible policy and system operation considering the increase in cremation demand," while noting that "government and local governments have not yet made sufficient efforts to establish cremation culture."

Existing laws governing funeral facilities are described as "highly regulatory." While regulations require permits and reporting for installing burial sites, such as private or family plots, these administrative processes are often neglected. Consequently, many private and family cemeteries operate in a "de facto illegal state," the report found.

Furthermore, the infrastructure for cremation is lacking. With only 62 crematoriums across the country, seven of which are in the Seoul metropolitan area, regions with fewer facilities face booking backlogs. This forces families to either delay funerals or travel to other areas for cremation, a phenomenon known as "expedition cremation."

The report proposes a redefinition of roles between central and local governments. It suggests that the central government should focus on setting basic policies and guidelines, while delegating most operational responsibilities to local authorities. This would allow for more tailored regulations on crematorium installation standards based on regional conditions, thereby strengthening the role of local governments in adapting to evolving funeral practices and improving the cremation infrastructure.