Earth to Ashes: Cultural Transformations in the Cremation Rites of Modern and Contemporary South Korea

Under Japanese rule in 1912, cremation was legalized in Korea, marking a shift from a strictly prohibited practice to an accepted funeral option. Initially viewed as a Japanese custom, cremation gradually transformed into a "civilized" choice, a perspective pushed by Japanese colonial authorities and some Korean modernizers. However, this narrative overlooks the gradual acceptance of cremation among Koreans. In the post-war era, cremation saw renewed popularity, steadily increasing from the late 1990s, with rates surpassing 90% by 2021. This shift reflects the influence of capitalistic values, framing cremation as a practical option due to its efficiency, economic benefits. This paper examines the evolution of cremation in Korea and how it symbolizes changing attitudes toward death from the 20th century to today.