Revised Funeral Law to be Implemented on the 24th
Applicable in Cemeteries, Crematories, Columbariums, Natural Burial Sites, etc.
“Expected to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficient Land Use”
The scattering of cremated ashes, known as “scatter burials” (산분장), will be institutionalized and come into effect this month.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the revised ‘Act on Funeral Services, etc.’, which institutionalizes scatter burials, will be implemented on the 24th, following the approval of detailed regulations during a cabinet meeting on the 14th.
Scatter burials, which involve scattering ashes for burial, were previously neither legal nor illegal due to the funeral law only covering burial, cremation, and natural burial (tree burial), with no specific regulations regarding scatter burials.
In consideration of the public’s preference for scatter burials and the issue of space shortage, the government decided to institutionalize scatter burials by revising the funeral law, which was promulgated last January.
The revised law includes “the act of scattering ashes in areas designated by presidential decree, such as the sea”, as a form of natural burial.
The newly revised enforcement decree specifies that scatter burials can take place “in marine areas more than 5km away from the coastline” and in cemeteries, crematories, columbariums, or natural burial sites where facilities or designated areas for ash scattering are provided.
Even in marine areas beyond 5km, scatter burials are not permitted in environmental management sea areas, marine protection zones, etc. Additionally, when scattering ashes at sea, it must be done close to the water surface, only ashes and fresh flowers can be scattered, and it should not interfere with the navigation of other vessels, fishing activities, or aquaculture.
A representative from the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, “With the introduction of the scatter burial system, families can reduce the costs associated with managing ashes, and future generations will have the opportunity to use land more efficiently. We aim for the system’s stable implementation and activation.”