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South Korea's Cremation Rate Hits 94%, Facility Shortage Looms Amid Aging Crisis

South Korea's national cremation rate has risen to 94% in 2024, continuing a decades-long trend from just 33.5% in 2000. The supply of cremation facilities, however, has failed to keep pace with demand, causing severe shortages in major cities like Seoul and Busan. This crisis is exacerbated by rapid population aging, with South Korea now a super-aged society and deaths projected to rise dramatically by 2070. The Bank of Korea suggests introducing small, private cremation units at hospital funeral halls as a potential solution, calling for an overhaul of relevant laws.

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

  • Cremation rate hits 94% in 2024
  • Facility shortages severe in Seoul, Busan
  • Rapid aging to double annual deaths by 2070
  • Pandemic backlog still affecting service times
  • BOK suggests small hospital-based units as solution
2 min read

South Korea: Cremation rate nears 95 per cent; facility shortage feared amid rapid ageing

South Korea's cremation rate reaches 94%, raising concerns over facility shortages in major cities like Seoul due to rapid population aging.

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

Seoul, Feb 15

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

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

The figure has been on a constant increase over the past decades, rising from 33.5 per cent in 2000 to 67.5 per cent in 2010 and further to 89.9 per cent in 2020, reports Yonhap news agency.

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 per cent in 2019 to 73.6 per cent in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, standing at 75.5 per cent in 2025.

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

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

South Korea officially became a super-aged society last year, with more than 20 per cent 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

R
Rohit P
Wow, 94%! In India, especially in cities, cremation grounds are also under immense pressure. Long waiting times during peak hours are common. We should learn from this and start planning our urban infrastructure for the future, including end-of-life services. 🏙️
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Aman W
It's a sobering statistic that highlights the practical challenges of an ageing society. Beyond facilities, there's a cultural shift too—moving from elaborate funeral rites to more streamlined processes. South Korea's data is a case study for our urban planners.
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Sarah B
While the article focuses on logistics, I hope the environmental aspect of "environmentally friendly" cremation is genuinely addressed. Traditional pyres have a significant emissions footprint. Modern, cleaner technology should be a priority everywhere.
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Vikram M
A respectful criticism: The article talks about overhauling laws, but it doesn't mention public sentiment. In India, any change to funeral practices is deeply sensitive. Any solution must balance efficiency with respect for tradition and the grieving process. Jai hind.
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Karthik V
The projection of deaths rising to 700,000 by 2070 is staggering. This isn't just a Korean problem. With our own demographic transition, Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi need to proactively build capacity. We can't wait for a crisis.

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