Fair trade watchdog sets standard contract terms for funeral halls

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) in South Korea has established standard contract terms for funeral halls in an effort to safeguard the rights of consumers. The guidelines were introduced on August 25, 2023, in response to numerous complaints from bereaved families regarding unfair practices in funeral hall operations.

The standard terms, though not legally binding, serve as a guideline for businesses to follow. One key provision requires funeral hall operators to consult with bereaved families prior to disposing of condolence wreaths. In some cases, operators had previously pressured customers to sell these wreaths at low prices to designated companies.

Additionally, the new standards permit bereaved families to bring in uncooked food items, such as fruit, drinks, and alcoholic beverages, which were previously subject to excessive overcharging by some funeral halls. Cooked food may also be brought in, provided that users agree with the funeral hall operator beforehand.

Moreover, the guidelines mandate that funeral halls disclose all costs to users before signing a contract, aiming to prevent unexpected charges at a difficult time for grieving families.