[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The 'Chunghondang,' a columbarium for bone ash enshrinement, has opened at Daejeon National Cemetery. This is to prepare for the shortage of enshrinement space as the burial rate at Daejeon National Cemetery has reached 94.9%.
On the 3rd, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced that Chunghondang, which will hold an opening ceremony on the 4th, was constructed on the cemetery grounds starting in May 2019 and was completed in January this year after 1 year and 8 months. It is a building with one basement floor and three above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 9,647㎡ (approximately 2,918 pyeong). It includes an enshrinement hall capable of accommodating 49,000 urns, 40 ritual rooms, a burial ceremony hall, and rest areas.
Unlike Seoul National Cemetery, Daejeon National Cemetery did not have a separate columbarium facility outside the burial grounds, resulting in a shortage of enshrinement space. The Ministry explained that the bereaved families of eligible enshrinees, such as national merit recipients, can choose between burial plots and enshrinement facilities within the remaining cemetery area.
A government official stated, "Through the opening of Chunghondang, we will create a space that ensures the highest respect until the end so that the dedication to the nation is not in vain, and we will continue to provide strong support for veterans."
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