South Korean “Death Beads” — Replacing Burial?

Seoul, South Korea.
(credit: gazprom)

As land for funeral plots in South Korea becomes harder to come by, locals are turning to a new burial alternative: the funeral bead. The idea is to cremate a loved one, but to have their cremation ashes turned into small ‘gems’ that can be strung on a necklace, put in a vase, put in a pocket – whatever brings you comfort.

As history will tell us, South Koreans put a lot of stock in how both recently dead loved ones and ancestors ought to be put to rest. Thus, that such a new tradition is taking place so rapidly speaks not only to the vanishing of their burial grounds, but the expansion of their comfort zones in end-of-life decision making.

Kim II-nam holds the beads of his father.
(credit: Daily News)

“Thus, that such a new tradition is taking place so rapidly speaks not only to the vanishing of their burial grounds, but the expansion of their comfort zones in end-of-life decision making.”

NPR reported that, according to The Week, a law was passed in 2000 requiring those burying loved ones to remove the grave after 60 years. “Graveyard space [is dwindling],” says the article, “and [with] this resulting law, cremation has become much more popular. But families don’t always opt for ashes. Several companies there compress remains into gem-like beads in turquoise, pink or black. These “death beads” are then displayed in the home.”

“NPR reported that, according to The Week, a law was passed in 2000 requiring those burying loved ones to remove the grave after 60 years.”

Credit: internationalffuneralnews

Consider Kim Ill-nam. When he realized he would be obligated to remove his own father’s grave, he decided to take action and turn to the concept of the beads. The cost of the beads was around 900 dollars – and definitely worth it, according to Kim.

“When he realize he would be obligated to remove his own father’s grave, he decided to take action and turn to the concept of the beads.”

Kim placed the beads in a small, ceramic pot on a table. Beneath it: a simple piece of silk. “As a little boy, I often fell asleep while being hugged by my father,” he said during the interview with Associated Press, “Whenever I look at these beads, I consider them to be my father and I remember the good old days with him.” He is now 69.

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