The Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association Headquarters recommended that a condolence money of 50,000 won is appropriate for sending to a store as aid.
The Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association noted, “Condolence money is ultimately a token of the heart and sincerity, so it’s best to offer an amount that does not exceed one's means.” It announced the guidelines for the "dignified and prepared new funeral culture project" on the 18th.
The Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association suggested a funeral ritual plan to install either a spirit tablet or a portrait, not both. Traditionally, placing a wooden plaque with the deceased's name, called a spirit tablet, on the altar was common. However, with the distribution of photographs, memorial photos have taken their place, suggesting there's no need to place both simultaneously.
There was also a proposal to refrain from customs unrelated to traditional funerals that increase the economic burden on bereaved families. It pointed out that unclear-origin rituals like the Sungbokje or items that were not found in traditional funerals, such as armbands, have appeared as essential procedures.
The Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association explained that Sungbok originally means the first time of wearing mourning clothes but is not related to ancient rituals, and armbands possibly spread following the 'ceremonial ordinances' established by the Japanese general government during the Japanese occupation.
The Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association said that floral decorations on the altar do not reflect the level of sincerity, so excessive expenditure is not desirable. It advised that as there may be instances where it is difficult to make calm decisions due to the suddenness of death, sharing a pre-funeral intention document outlining funeral procedures with family members can help prevent superfluous formalities.
There was also an argument that it is advisable for the government and local governments to prepare comprehensive funeral facilities to alleviate the economic burden of funerals. Although the cremation rate has become as high as 94%, many cases cannot conduct timely funerals due to a lack of facilities.
The Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association decided to produce card news and cartoons regarding attire, etiquette, bowing methods when visiting a memorial altar, and post them on its website. Proposals on funeral rituals were part of the elderly welfare private group support project sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.