The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 11th that it has completed the construction of the crematory expansion at the Seoul Memorial Park in Wonji-dong, Seocho District, and will start operations on the 18th.
With this expansion, the number of crematories at the Seoul Memorial Park has increased from 11 to 15. As a result, it will be able to handle 85 cremations a day, which is a 44% increase from the previous 59.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government significantly reduced the expense and construction period for this crematory expansion. This was made possible because some space had been secured in advance at the site when the Seoul Memorial Park was established 17 years ago in 2008. At that time, Mayor Oh Se-hoon reportedly instructed to prepare additional crematory installation space in anticipation of increased cremation demand as the country entered an ultra-aging society.
The establishment of crematoriums by local governments is considered a typical challenge because it is difficult to overcome residents' opposition, who view it as an undesirable facility. However, in the case of the Seoul Memorial Park, there was no conflict since they utilized previously secured idle land.
Additionally, the cost of constructing one crematory is 1.8 billion won. This is one-twelfth of the cost compared to building a new crematorium (224 million won per unit).
Furthermore, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will introduce 'autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)' at the Seoul Memorial Park. This robot will be deployed to transport remains after cremation to reduce the time for the remains to be moved. The Seoul Metropolitan Government noted that five robots could perform the role of more than seven currently used automated remains transport vehicles.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the Seoul Memorial Park on the afternoon of the day before the expanded crematory became operational to inspect the new crematory, family waiting room, public funeral service facility, and scattering facility.