Natural Burial Ground Established at Suwon Yeonhwa Park

'A nature-friendly natural burial ground will be established at the Yudong area of Suwon Yeonhwa Park by late May. A natural burial ground is an eco-friendly funeral method in which cremated remains are scattered around tree roots, flowers, or grass.

According to the city, a 6,300㎡ garden-style natural burial ground will be constructed at Suwon Yeonhwa Park in Yidong, Youngtong-gu, with a total budget of 400 million won (200 million won in national funding, with Gyeonggi Province and the city each contributing 100 million won). The natural burial ground will feature themed sections including a grass burial area, pond burial area, and forest scattering area, allowing ashes to return to nature by scattering them over tree roots or into water. Additionally, the city plans to install pagodas, fountains, and benches for the convenience of family members.

To this end, the city spent approximately 10 million won and commissioned Yejeon Landscape at the end of last month, with construction expected to begin as early as this month.

The natural burial ground was selected as a pilot project by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for efficient use of national land, meeting diverse funeral culture needs, and introducing nature-friendly funeral practices. Notably, Suwon was the only basic local government selected as a pilot region last May. Among metropolitan governments, Seoul, Incheon, and Gwangju were the three chosen areas.

A city official stated, "We are piloting natural burial grounds to address the increasing shortage of burial grounds and prevent environmental degradation."

Meanwhile, Switzerland was the first to introduce tree burial in January 1999, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Japan beginning full implementation.

In Korea, tree burial had been operated only at some temples until the funeral of Kim Jang-soo, professor emeritus at Korea University, was held as a tree burial ceremony in September 2004 at the Korea University experimental forest in Yangdong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, drawing public attention.