Ulsan Haneul Park to Launch Ash Scattering and Open Second Memorial Hall; Columbarium Capacity to Rise to 71,476 Niches

【Financial News Ulsan = Choi Soo-sang】 Ash scattering, a nature-friendly funeral practice in which cremated ashes are scattered in a designated area, will be fully introduced at Ulsan Haneul Park starting next January.
Lee Jeong-mi, chief of Ulsan City's Welfare and Health Bureau, held a press conference at Ulsan City Hall on the 3rd and announced detailed plans following the establishment of an ash-scattering area at Ulsan Haneul Park and the completion of the Second Memorial Hall.
Ash scattering is a method of disposing of cremated remains by scattering the ashes in a designated place. It is drawing attention as an eco-friendly alternative because it can minimize costs and maintenance inconveniences for bereaved families and make efficient use of land. Since the relevant law was amended in 2024, Ulsan City has pursued the expansion of funeral facilities following research by the Ulsan Research Institute and consultations with relevant organizations.
The ash-scattering area being developed will cover 600 square meters within the natural burial grounds at Ulsan Haneul Park. It will have a capacity of about 1,920 sets of remains. Selected through a Ministry of Health and Welfare project competition, it has a total budget of 218 million won, including 52 million won in government funding, and is slated for completion this month. The fee will be 100,000 won. Once the facilities are complete, they are expected to reduce funeral costs for bereaved families and provide a memorial environment that honors the deceased.
The Second Memorial Hall, built in preparation for the public columbarium reaching capacity, was also completed last October at a total project cost of 19.658 billion won. The four-story building can accommodate 43,919 sets of remains, and its second floor will have a columbarium room reserved for people of distinguished service to the state.
Ulsan Haneul Park was completed in 2013 and is operated under contract by the Ulsan Facilities Corporation. The existing First Memorial Hall has a capacity of 27,557 sets of remains. With the construction of the Second Memorial Hall, total columbarium capacity has increased to 71,476.
Director Lee said, “As of July this year, Ulsan Haneul Park's cremation rate stands at 97.4%, higher than the national average of 95%,” adding, “Through the construction of the Second Memorial Hall and the development of the ash-scattering area, we will do our utmost to respond reliably to growing demand for funeral services and ensure that citizens can use the facilities with peace of mind.” 
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