Conflicts Over Interfloor Noise Lead to Giving Up Home Gyms... Tears of Home Training Enthusiasts

Serious Noise Conflicts Between Neighbors
Phone Consultations Increased by 60% Last Year
Soundproof Mat Sales Up 41%

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] # Recently, Mr. A gave up on home training (home workout) at home after much deliberation. He had purchased a new treadmill for cardio exercise, but felt that if he ran a few more times, a bloody conflict with the downstairs neighbors would likely occur. Mr. A said, "Although I usually try to be very careful, I realized that I cannot control the unavoidable vibrations and noise," and decided to end his home gym (mini gym set up at home) lifestyle.

◆ New Year's resolutions leading to inter-floor noise disputes = Recently, sales of home workout equipment have surged on major online shopping malls. According to 11st, from January 1 to February 2, treadmill sales increased by 178% compared to the same period last year, health cycles by 69%, and weight equipment such as dumbbells by 68%. During the same period, sales of soundproof mats also rose by 41%. On Gmarket, treadmill sales increased by 73%, health cycles by 105%, and weight equipment by 35%. New Year's resolutions to reduce weight gained during COVID-19 have led to purchases of exercise equipment. Although gyms have reopened after social distancing measures were eased, many people are bringing treadmills or health cycles home because they are unsure when gyms might close again.

The problem is that as the number of home workout enthusiasts has greatly increased, conflicts over inter-floor noise have also emerged as a sensitive social issue. According to the Korea Environment Corporation's Inter-floor Noise Neighbor Center, the number of phone consultations about inter-floor noise last year was 42,250, a 60% increase compared to 26,257 cases in 2019. A representative from the Korea Environment Corporation explained in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 5th, "Compared to other years, telecommuting increased significantly last year, and as people spent more time at home, we estimate that (inter-floor noise disputes) increased."

◆ Popularity of steppers and cycles = Low-priced treadmills sold online in the 300,000 to 500,000 KRW range are particularly vulnerable to noise and vibration. Even if separate soundproof pads are installed to reduce noise, it is difficult to eliminate the vibrations that resonate to the downstairs neighbors. Gym-grade treadmills produce less vibration but cost around 2 million KRW, making them less accessible. Ultimately, switching to other exercise equipment such as indoor cycles is the best option.

In online communities related to home workouts, inter-floor noise is a major topic. Mr. B complained, "Maybe because my apartment is old, even though I laid two layers of soundproof mats, I was contacted through the management office," expressing his frustration. Mr. C advised, "If the apartment does not have good soundproofing, you should not set up a home gym," adding, "If you worry about (inter-floor noise) while exercising, you probably won't be able to work out properly. A gym would be better."

Office worker Mr. Park (31) recently purchased a stepper (stair climbing exercise equipment) and a soundproof mat. Mr. Park said, "I bought a stepper because it is said to have no inter-floor noise issues among home workout equipment," adding, "Just in case, I use it on top of a soundproof mat. I do it every day, and it seems fine." Mr. Choi (33), who lives in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, said, "I bought a cycle for home workouts and exercise on a mat," and added, "So far, there have been no problems caused by inter-floor noise."