A couple in their 40s living in Daejeon, who repeatedly made noise in retaliation for the noise of an upstairs neighbor, has been sentenced to a suspended prison sentence on appeal.

The couple was accused of installing speakers in the ceiling and broadcasting death metal and eerie sounds since 2021 as payback for their noisy neighbors.

Similarly, the Sacheon police station in Gyeongnam province reported the detention of a man in his 50s, suspected of murder, for fatally attacking a woman living upstairs.

The cause of the deadly altercation was attributed to noise disturbances between floors.

The widespread issue of neighbor noise disturbances has plagued South Korea, particularly with the surge in apartment constructions and their prevalence across the country.

Although such residential systems can bring residents plenty of advantages, conflicts regarding interstitial noise have always been a topic for debate.

The real problem with interstitial noise is that it can easily evolve into greater conflicts and promote a dissatisfactory residential experience among people.

Interstitial noise is defined as noise generated by the activities of residents or users of apartment buildings and is categorized into direct impact noise and airborne noise that causes damage to other residents or users.

Direct impact noise is defined as noise generated by running or walking, and airborne noise is defined as noise generated by the use of televisions, sound equipment, etc.

However, this excludes noise generated by water supply and drainage in bathrooms, restrooms, and utility rooms.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Won Hee-ryong pledged transparency by disclosing the number of noise complaints per apartment brand.

He unveiled plans to enhance inter-floor noise in apartment buildings as part of the National Housing Stability initiative announced on August 16, 2022.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced the 'Interstitial Noise Resolution Plan', requiring complementary construction for failing to meet noise standards and disallowing completion until standards are met.

New apartment buildings must adhere to noise standards to be deemed complete, as opposed to the current system where compliance is merely recommended.

The government's solution to the problem of interstitial noise is expected to cover a wide range of policies and technologies, including supporting the installation of noise reduction mats at no interest to low-income people, mandating interstitial noise management committees, selecting excellent interstitial noise management complexes and identifying best practices, and incentivizing exemplary companies in the field.

Additional conflict resolution strategies are detailed in a 4-step guideline from the National Noise Information System, discouraging direct confrontation and suggesting official reporting channels.

There are four stages of reporting noise to the government.

Step 1: Send a text, call, message, etc.

Step 2: Contact the management office

Step 3 is to call the National Noise Information System.

Step 4 is to report to the police for neighborhood disturbance.

Notably, approaching neighbors directly may lead to arguments, with legal action only applicable in cases of clear intent to cause disturbance.

As South Korea deals with the challenge of inter-floor noise, the government’s proactive measures aim to create a harmonious living environment for all residents.

Songeun Lee

Grade 11

Cheongshim International Academy