Crematoriums have traditionally been regarded as among the most undesirable facilities in local communities. The photo shows the Seoul Metropolitan Crematorium located in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
YANGSAN, Nov. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Residents in the city of Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, are defying convention by actively competing to host a municipal crematorium — a facility typically shunned by communities.
The city, which currently lacks its own cremation facility, is moving forward with plans to build one to ease the burden on residents who must travel to other cities for funeral services.
In a surprising turn, two districts — Sangbuk-myeon and Gangseo-dong — have formed local committees to campaign for the project, viewing it as a means to boost infrastructure and the local economy.
“We surveyed 100 households in our village, and about 92 percent supported the crematorium,” said Shin Chun-bae, head of the Sangbuk Village Committee for Funeral Facilities. “It would not only resolve residents’ inconvenience but also contribute to regional development.”
Gangseo-dong’s committee expressed similar support, calling the proposed complex “a dignified facility where citizens can conclude their lives meaningfully and families can honor their loved ones.”
Still, opposition remains. Some residents have voiced concerns about competition with existing memorial parks, and religious groups have staged protests in Gangseo-dong.
Yangsan’s plan envisions a crematorium with eight incineration units, including two backups, to be completed by 2027. The city has offered up to 5 billion won ($3.6 million) in community development funds to the host area as an incentive.
The unusual enthusiasm reflects shifting public attitudes toward cremation facilities, once dismissed as “undesirable infrastructure.” Supporters now see them as essential services that can bring both convenience and economic benefits to their communities.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
