Hwaseong, Hambaeksan Memorial Park, Operates Specialized Burial Area for Cultural, Arts, and Sports Figures

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Joon-sung] Hwaseong City announced that it has established and operates a specialized burial area for cultural, arts, and sports figures at Hwaseong's Hambaeksan Memorial Park, which opened in July, to commemorate and honor individuals who have contributed to the local community and nation.

The Hwaseong City specialized burial area for cultural, sports, and arts figures is currently located within Hwaseong's Hambaeksan Memorial Park and comprises 66 graves covering an area of 1,245㎡.

Those confirmed for burial in the specialized burial area for cultural, sports, and arts figures include the late Lee Dong-an, a master of folk dance and holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 79 Baltal technique, and the late Kim Won-ki, a gold medalist in wrestling at the 23rd LA Olympics, who are scheduled to be interred.

Application procedures and qualifications are specified in Article 13 of the 'Ordinance on the Establishment and Operation of Hwaseong City's Specialized Burial Area for Cultural, Arts, and Sports Figures,' and the burial process consists of application, review, and burial.

Applications can be made by the individual or bereaved family members, as well as by recommendation from cultural, arts, and sports organizations recognized by the national or local government, or by the Mayor of Hwaseong. The review is conducted by a review committee held quarterly or as needed to determine burial eligibility.

The burial process applies burial duration in accordance with the 'Ordinance on the Establishment and Operation of Hwaseong City's Specialized Burial Area for Cultural, Arts, and Sports Figures,' after which the committee determines whether permanent burial or natural burial will be granted.

Meanwhile, Hwaseong City announced that it plans to hold a specialized burial area opening ceremony in October to accommodate more cultural, arts, and sports figures for burial.