According to data released on Sunday, the cremation rate in South Korea continues to rise steadily, raising concerns about a possible shortage of cremation facilities, especially in large cities such as Seoul, where the population is rapidly aging. According to data from the Bank of Korea and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, in 2024, South Korea's national cremation rate will reach 94%, up from 92.9% the previous year. Experts say South Korea needs to build additional cremation facilities in view of the increasing aging population and current funeral customs. Korea officially entered an ultra-aging society last year, with over 20% of the population aged 65 and over. The government predicts that the annual death toll in South Korea will rise from 310,000 in 2020 to 700,000 in 2070.

According to data released on Sunday, the cremation rate in South Korea continues to rise steadily, raising concerns about a possible shortage of cremation facilities, especially in large cities such as Seoul, where the population is rapidly aging. According to data from the Bank of Korea and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, in 2024, South Korea's national cremation rate will reach 94%, up from 92.9% the previous year. Experts say South Korea needs to build additional cremation facilities in view of the increasing aging population and current funeral customs. Korea officially entered an ultra-aging society last year, with over 20% of the population aged 65 and over. The government predicts that the annual death toll in South Korea will rise from 310,000 in 2020 to 700,000 in 2070.