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South Korea's Cremation Rate Hits 94%, Sparking Facility Shortage Fears

South Korea's national cremation rate has risen to 94% in 2024, continuing a decades-long upward trend. However, the supply of cremation facilities, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan, has failed to keep pace with demand, leading to severe shortages. The situation is exacerbated by the country's rapid aging, having officially become a super-aged society, with annual deaths projected to more than double by 2070. The Bank of Korea suggests introducing small-scale, private cremation units at hospitals and overhauling regulations as a potential solution.

Key Points: Korea Cremation Rate Nears 95%, Facility Shortage Looms

  • Cremation rate at 94% in 2024
  • Severe facility shortages in Seoul, Busan
  • Aging population to double deaths by 2070
  • Post-pandemic cremation delays persist
  • BOK calls for legal overhaul for small units
2 min read

Cremation rate nears 95 pc; facility shortage feared amid rapid aging: BOK data

South Korea's cremation rate hits 94%, raising concerns over facility shortages in major cities amid rapid population aging. BOK data shows critical gaps.

"Privately led, small-scale cremation facilities could be a solution - Bank of Korea"

Seoul, Feb 15

The cremation rate in South Korea continues to be on a steady rise, data showed on Sunday, prompting concerns over potential shortages of cremation facilities, especially in densely populated major cities, such as Seoul, amid the rapid aging of the population.

The national cremation rate came to 94 percent in 2024, up from 92.9 percent a year earlier, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK) and the welfare ministry, reports Yonhap news agency.

The figure has been on a constant increase over the past decades, rising from 33.5 percent in 2000 to 67.5 percent in 2010 and further to 89.9 percent in 2020.

The supply of cremation facilities, however, has failed to keep pace with growing demand, with shortages particularly severe in Seoul and other major cities.

The share of cremations conducted within three days of death fell from 86.2 percent in 2019 to 73.6 percent in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, standing at 75.5 percent in 2025.

The rate in Seoul and Busan stood at 69.6 percent and 67.1 percent, respectively, last year, both below the national average.

Experts say additional cremation facilities are needed, given rapid population aging and prevailing funeral practices.

South Korea officially became a super-aged society last year, with more than 20 percent of its population aged 65 and older. The government projects the annual number of deaths to rise from 310,000 in 2020 to 700,000 in 2070.

"Privately led, small-scale cremation facilities could be a solution, particularly the introduction of small cremation units at hospital funeral halls," the BOK said in a recent report, noting that hospital infrastructure is already widely distributed across regions.

"Modern technology allows cremation facilities to operate in an environmentally friendly manner," it added. "There is a need to boldly overhaul relevant laws and regulations."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Wow, 94% is incredibly high. It shows how cultural practices can shift dramatically within a generation. The aging population stats are sobering. Many countries, including India, need to have these difficult conversations about infrastructure for senior citizens and end-of-life services. Proactive policy is key.
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Priya S
The environmental angle is important. The article says modern tech allows for eco-friendly cremation. In India, traditional wood pyres use a lot of resources. Maybe we should also invest in and promote greener alternatives. It's a sensitive topic, but necessary for sustainable cities. 🌿
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while the data is clear, the focus seems purely logistical. Waiting 3+ days for a loved one's final rites due to facility shortage must be incredibly painful for families. The human cost is missing from this "BOK data" analysis. The solution needs urgency and compassion, not just reports.
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Vikram M
Super-aged society with 20% over 65... that's a wake-up call. We talk about youth dividend in India, but we must also plan for the silver tsunami. Healthcare, pensions, and yes, even crematoriums, need long-term vision. South Korea's challenge today could be ours in a few decades.
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Nikhil C
Interesting read. The shift from 33.5% to 94% in ~25 years is massive. Shows how urbanization changes traditions. In big Indian cities, electric crematoriums are becoming more common out of necessity. It's a practical solution, though the emotional connection to traditional rites is something families grapple with.

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