Sea scattering, step by step
From unfamiliar terms to practical preparation. Information to help your family understand and make an informed choice.
Sea burial in South Korea: key facts
Sea burial here means scattering cremated ashes at sea, not placing an uncremated body in the water. Basic rules require scattering close to the water surface at least 5 km from the coastline. Only ashes and fresh flowers may be released. Confirm the permitted sea area and safety conditions with the operator and current Korean law.
What is ash scattering at sea?
Haeyangjang and badajang are common Korean terms for scattering cremated ashes at sea. Under Korean law, this is ash scattering (sanbun) in designated areas. It does not involve placing a body in the sea.
Discuss the wishes of the deceased and your family first. Scattered ashes are difficult to recover, so take time for conversation and a considered decision.
Center photo · Sea viewCan ashes be scattered anywhere at sea?
Sea scattering is subject to rules on location and method. It does not permit scattering at a beach or breakwater at your own discretion.
Basic legal requirements
Cremated ashes are scattered close to the water surface in sea areas at least 5 km from the coastline. Nothing other than ashes and fresh flowers may be released. Our guidance is that urns, water-soluble containers and personal belongings must not be placed in the sea.
Meeting the distance requirement does not make every location permissible. Marine environmental restrictions and safe sailing conditions on the day must also be checked.
Read the legal requirements (Article 8)Checked against legislation effective 24 Mar 2026 · Recheck the law and local restrictions at the time of use.
What happens on the day?
- Consultation: discuss your preferred region, cremation schedule, number of guests and any religious ceremony.
- Booking: confirm the vessel operator, total cost, meeting point, and cancellation and refund terms.
- Before departure: confirm required documents and the handover of ashes, complete the passenger list and receive safety instructions.
- Remembrance and scattering: say farewell in the designated sea area, following the guidance of the person leading the ceremony.
- After returning: ask whether documentation is provided, how the service is recorded and how to arrange future memorial sailings.
The process and duration vary by vessel, departure point, weather and family ceremony. Website photos or previous sailings alone do not confirm arrangements for your date.
What to check before booking
Documents & boarding information
Ask the provider in advance about documents such as the cremation certificate, transport and handover of ashes, passenger identification and required passenger-list details. Also discuss health conditions, mobility assistance and concerns about seasickness.
- Costs: included guest count, extra passenger fees, and whether ceremony services, flowers, documentation and memorial sailings are included
- Safety: vessel capacity, lifesaving equipment, insurance, and boarding guidance for older adults and children
- Schedule: cremation finish time, travel time, meeting time and alternative dates in poor weather
- Contract: deposit, cancellation and refund terms, actual vessel operator and payment recipient
Frequently asked questions
What do the Korean terms for ash scattering mean?
Haeyangjang and badajang mean scattering cremated ashes at sea. Sanbun, or ash scattering, is the broader practice of laying someone to rest by scattering cremated ashes. In addition to the sea, it may take place in legally designated facilities or areas within funeral and burial facilities.
Can ashes be scattered anywhere at sea?
No. The location must be at least 5km from the coastline, excluding restricted areas such as environmental management waters and marine protected areas. Confirm the actual scattering location and applicable requirements with the provider.
Can the urn or the deceased’s belongings be placed in the sea too?
Only cremated ashes and fresh flowers may be scattered at sea. Containers and personal belongings must not be discharged. Plan to bring back items used during the memorial ceremony.
How much does it cost?
No nationwide standard price has been confirmed. Costs vary by region, vessel, passenger count, and ceremony arrangements. Decide what you need and compare included items, additional charges, and the final total.
What happens if weather prevents departure?
Rescheduling, cancellation, and refund arrangements depend on the provider’s contract. Before booking, check the applicable rules, alternative sailing dates, and arrangements for keeping the ashes, then obtain final guidance on the departure day.
Is my booking confirmed as soon as I submit an inquiry?
A consultation is separate from a confirmed sailing reservation. This site lets you organize your consultation details. The actual booking is confirmed by the provider after checking the schedule, weather, passenger count, and cost.
Can the ashes be retrieved later?
Ashes scattered at sea are difficult to recover. Discuss the decision fully with your family beforehand and agree on how you will remember and commemorate the deceased afterward.