As South Korea transitions into a super-aged society, where those 65 and older make up more than 20% of the population, the demand for funeral directors and morticians is rising. With 7.1 million baby boomers (born 1955–1963) aging past 65, the number of deaths is expected to climb steadily over the next 30 years. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the issuance of national funeral director certifications surged 85% over four years, from 1,602 in 2020 to 2,967 in 2024. Funeral directors, who handle everything from family consultations to body preparation and memorial service management, must complete 300 hours of government-certified training, including hands-on experience, to earn a license.

Once a male-dominated profession, funeral directing is becoming more diverse with people in their 20s and 30s, women, and retirees entering the field. The skills required of funeral directors are evolving, with training now including funeral restoration makeup, where directors learn to apply makeup that closely resembles the deceased’s appearance in life, based on photographs. There is also a growing focus on communication skills for handling mass casualty events. Following the Jeju Air disaster last December, which claimed 179 lives, the Ministry of Health and Welfare deployed 278 funeral directors to assist with body recovery and funeral procedures. Additionally, funeral service education now includes handling international cases, with techniques to prevent decomposition when repatriating foreign decedents, and some professionals are also obtaining private certification as pet funeral directors.

University funeral science programs are also gaining popularity, with 80% of last year’s 34 enrollees at Daejeon Health University’s Department of Mortuary Science being in their 20s, and women making up half the class. The program even attracted male retirees seeking second careers. With rising demand, Shingyeongju University in Gyeongju established a four-year Funeral Culture Industry program last year. As dignity in death becomes more important, the funeral services industry is also attracting corporate interest, with rental services company Coway planning to enter the sector in the first half of this year, and education firms Daekyo and Woongjin expanding into the market.

In contrast to the growing demand for funeral directors in South Korea, a recent incident in the United States highlights the importance of professionalism in the funeral services industry. A Maryland funeral director was found guilty of murder after shooting two people during a burial service for a 10-year-old, according to the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office. The incident occurred in June 2023, when the funeral director, Wilson Wesley Chavis, got involved in an argument with people from another funeral home and pulled out a gun, firing and hitting a pallbearer and grazing a woman. Chavis faces up to 65 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.

The funeral services industry is expected to continue growing, with the demand for funeral directors and morticians increasing due to the aging population. As the industry evolves, it is essential to focus on providing dignified and respectful services to the deceased and their families. The following are some key statistics and trends in the funeral services industry: * The number of deaths in South Korea is expected to climb steadily over the next 30 years * The issuance of national funeral director certifications surged 85% over four years * University funeral science programs are gaining popularity, with increased enrollment and diverse candidates entering the field * The funeral services industry is attracting corporate interest, with companies expanding into the market * The skills required of funeral directors are evolving, with a growing focus on communication skills and funeral restoration makeup.