South Koreans lie inside coffins for 10 minutes to simulate death

Around 25,000 people have taken part in the mass living funeral services at Hyowon Healing Centre since it was established in 2012 in an attempt to enhance their lives by simulating their deaths. Cho Jae-hee, a 75-year-old participant who participated in a recent living funeral said once we become aware of death and experience it we tend to assume a new approach to life.
Hundreds of people took part in the event from teenagers to elderly persons putting on shrouds across their shoulders, taking funeral portraits, writing down their last wishes, and lying in a closed coffin for nearly 10 minutes.

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People realize many things inside the coffin

A student at a university, Choi Jin-kyu said his time inside the coffin helped him realize many things and added that he viewed others as competitors. A 28-year-old said that when he was present in the coffin, he wondered what is the use of it but later added that he is planning to set up his own business after completing graduation instead of entering a highly competitive job market. A survey was conducted which ranks South Korea 33 out of 40 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Better Life Index. Many youths aspire for higher education and employment which has been crumbled by economic repression and rising unemployment.

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Suicide rate of South Korea was 20.2 per 100, 000 residents: WHO

Professor at Yu Eun-sil, a doctor at Asan Medical Center's pathology department said that it is very important to learn and prepare for death from a tender age. According to the World Health Organisation, the suicide rate of South Korea was 20.2 per 100, 000 residents in 2016 which is nearly double the global average of 10.53. Hyowon, the funeral company started offering living funerals to help people enhance their lives, seek forgiveness and reunion with family and friends, said the head of the funeral centre, Jeong Yong-mun. Jeong said that he feels happy when people gather together at relative's funeral. He also had reverted the decision of the people who attempted suicide. He said that he wants to let people know their value and added that someone else would be sad after they pass away.

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