The cremation rate in South Korea continues to be on a steady rise, data showed Sunday, prompting concerns over potential shortages of cremation facilities, especially in densely populated major cities, such as Seoul, amid the rapid aging of the population. The national cremation rate came to 94 percent in 2024, up from 92.9 percent a year earlier, according to data from the Bank of Korea (BOK) and the welfare ministry. The figure has been on a constant increase over the past decades, rising from 33.5 percent in 2000 to 67.5 percent in 2010 and further to 89.9 percent in 2020. The supply of cremation facilities, however, has failed to keep pace with growing demand, with shortages particularly severe in Seoul and other major cities. The share of cremations conducted within three days of death fell from 86.2 percent in 2019 to 73.6 percent in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, standing at 75.5 percent in 2025. The rate in Seoul and Busan stood at 69.6 percent and 67.1 percent, respectively, last year, both below the national average. Experts say a
Cremation rate nears 95%; facility shortage feared amid rapid aging
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- Cremation rate nears 95%; facility shortage feared amid rapid aging
The cremation rate in South Korea continues to be on a steady rise, data showed Sunday, prompting concerns over potential shortages of cremation facilities, especially in densely populated major cities, such as Seoul, amid the rapid aging of the population. The national cremation rate came to 94 percent in 2024, up from 92.9 percent a year earlier, according to data… Read more: Cremation rate nears 95%; facility shortage feared amid rapid aging - S. Korea’s 5th medal comes from short track; curling winning streak snappedMILAN — South Korea claimed its fifth medal of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday in short track speed skating, as Hwang Dae-heon took silver in the men’s 1,500 meters. Hwang finished in second place behind Jens van ‘t Wout of the Netherlands at Milano Ice Skating Arena for his fourth career medal and his second straight in the 1,500m,… Read more: S. Korea’s 5th medal comes from short track; curling winning streak snapped
- Park Bo-gum and Kim Tae-ri bring ‘kind variety’ shows to local communities in KoreaActors known for their work in films and dramas are stepping into a new genre — so-called “kind variety” programs that blend into local communities and share their talents with residents. Just before midnight, actor Park Bo-gum is seen hurrying down a dark country road to a barbershop with its lights off. Sitting a staff member in front of a… Read more: Park Bo-gum and Kim Tae-ri bring ‘kind variety’ shows to local communities in Korea
- What is this Korean winter street snack that BTS’s V enjoys? Is it healthy?Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. V of K-pop supergroup BTS was recently spotted enjoying a classic Korean winter street snack, drawing attention from fans as the group prepares for its long-awaited full-member comeback. V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, posted several photos on social media with the caption, “January ends, February begins.” The images show him with… Read more: What is this Korean winter street snack that BTS’s V enjoys? Is it healthy?
- Magnitude 3 earthquake hits northern Gyeonggi ProvinceA magnitude 3 earthquake struck an area northeast of the border county of Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi Province early Sunday, according to the country’s weather agency. The quake occurred in an area 4 kilometers northeast of the county at 4:13 a.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. It marked the most powerful earthquake reported on the Korean Peninsula this year. The… Read more: Magnitude 3 earthquake hits northern Gyeonggi Province
Latest Entertainment from Korea
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- Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover StoryPhoto Credits: KLAP ENTERTAINMENT Kep1er’s Xiaoting Captures the Moment Kep1er’s Shen Xiaoting steps into 2026 as a muse of modern elegance, fronting the January 2026 Wonderland China cover with an aura that’s both futuristic and fiercely grounded. As one of the brightest stars of her generation, Xiaoting embodies the balance between aspiration and artistry that defines global pop’s next chapter. “Confidence is not just… Read more: Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover Story
- BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional PrecisionPhoto Credits: GQ Korea – Cartier – BigHit Music. – BTS V x Cartier: The Sound of Stillness and Strength For GQ Korea’s February 2026 issue, the cover unfolds like a cinematic confession. BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung)—known for his magnetic duality of mystery and warmth—joins forces with Cartier, the house synonymous with precision, artistry, and legacy. Together, they create a visual symphony that celebrates… Read more: BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional Precision
Learn People & History of Korea
- The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan CityAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Busan Busan, known as the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded existence of Busan can be traced to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it was referenced as a vital coastal settlement. Its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula… Read more: The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan City
- The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political DynamicsIntroduction to Pyongyang Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, serves as a prominent symbol of the nation’s history and culture. Geographically located on the banks of the Taedong River, in the southwest part of the country, Pyongyang is situated within a strategic area that has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The city’s origins can be traced back to… Read more: The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political Dynamics
- The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and BeyondAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Seoul The city of Seoul, known today as the vibrant capital of South Korea, has ancient roots that trace back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, specifically the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. Evidence suggests that Seoul was originally established as a settlement given its strategic geographical advantages. Nestled within the Han River basin,… Read more: The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and Beyond
- Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3Introduction to Korean Traditional Games Korean traditional games have long been an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, offering more than mere entertainment. These games, which range from simple children’s pastimes to complex community activities, hold significant cultural significance and often serve as a means of preserving history and promoting social interaction. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these games… Read more: Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3
- Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune TellingIntroduction to Saju Saju, a traditional Korean fortune-telling practice, is an intricate art that seeks to interpret an individual’s fate based on their birth date and time. The term “Saju” translates to “four pillars” in English, referring to the four critical components derived from these time markers: year, month, day, and hour. This method holds significant cultural value within South… Read more: Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune Telling
