Prior Notification Required for Grave Relocation and Exhumation
Hamyang County in Gyeongnam is making efforts to establish a sound burial culture by actively promoting the procedures for exhuming remains from both marked and unmarked graves, as it is expected that grave exhumations and cemetery constructions will be concentrated during the Cheongmyeong and Hansik periods in April.
Cheongmyeong and Hansik have traditionally been considered auspicious days for grave maintenance, such as exhumations or relocations. During this period, there are frequent cases of illegal activities where graves are exhumed or relocated without completing the necessary prior procedures, resulting in penalties.
Accordingly, the county is actively promoting the necessity of prior notification when relocating or exhuming graves, in order to prevent such illegal cases and encourage compliance with proper procedures.
To carry out an exhumation, one must submit a report to the local town or township office where the grave is located, attaching a photo of the existing grave, before proceeding. The location of the grave, the new site to which the grave will be moved, and the method of handling the currently buried remains or ashes must be confirmed in advance.
In particular, if the remains are to be reburied in another location, it is essential to ensure that the burial takes place in a legal cemetery. Burying remains in an illegal cemetery may result in administrative penalties such as fines, prosecution, or orders for relocation, so special attention is required.
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