Seoul Facilities Corporation Doubles Operation of Cremation Facilities in Leap Month

Considering the Recent Increase in Cremation of Exhumed Remains During the Leap Month Period

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Facilities Corporation announced on the 15th that it will expand the cremation services for exhumed ashes at Seoul Municipal Funeral Facilities (Seoul Municipal Crematorium, Seoul Memorial Park) by more than double during the leap month (March 22 to April 19), which is returning after three years.

During the leap month, also called the "Son Eomneun Dal" (month without the 'hand' in Korean superstition), the number of reservations for cremation of exhumed ashes tends to increase significantly. In fact, the average number of cremations for exhumed ashes at Seoul Municipal Funeral Facilities during regular months was about 200 cases (based on 2022), whereas recent leap month cremations were 1,483 cases in 2017 and 1,466 cases in 2020, showing an increase of more than seven times.

Accordingly, the Seoul Facilities Corporation plans to actively respond to the demand for cremation of exhumed ashes by increasing the daily cremation capacity from 24 to up to 55 through special work shifts during the leap month.

Additionally, the corporation will extend the operating hours of the crematorium until 6:30 PM, one hour longer than usual, during the leap month, and adjust advance reservations from the current 15 days prior to 30 days prior. Reservations for cremation of exhumed ashes will be available from midnight on the 22nd via the online e-Haneul Funeral Information System. For more detailed information, please check the Seoul Municipal Funeral Facilities website or contact by phone.

Young Seo, Director of Seoul Facilities Corporation, said, “The corporation is expanding operations to minimize inconvenience for citizens planning cremation of exhumed ashes during this leap month.” He added, “Going forward, Seoul Facilities Corporation will prioritize citizen service above all values at every site and devote all efforts to ensuring citizens’ safety and convenience.”