"Stomping and Noise at Dawn"... World Cup Watchers 'Startled'

Jipgwanjok's 'Passionate World Cup Support'... "Lost Sleep" Growing Complaints
Expert: "Advance Notice of World Cup Noise Reduces Stress"

[Image source=Getty Images]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As the South Korean national soccer team advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup for the first time in 12 years, the cheering enthusiasm is heating up, but voices complaining about noise between floors caused by the World Cup matches are also continuing.

Some World Cup 'jipgwanjok' (people watching the World Cup at home) caused noise by stomping their feet or shouting loudly whenever dramatic moments occurred during the matches. The complaints grew especially because the recent matches mostly took place in the early morning hours.

On the 3rd, office worker A (25) lost sleep due to noise between floors. A said, "Maybe because it’s a one-room apartment, the noise was more audible," and added, "I was startled every time someone shouted when a goal was scored or conceded." Office worker B (31), who usually had no interest in World Cup broadcasts, also said the noise between floors made them nervous. B pointed out, "The loud noises kept coming, causing stress," and said, "I understand it’s the World Cup, but banging on walls and shouting in the early morning is rude behavior."

On social networking services (SNS) and online communities, complaints about tossing and turning all night due to World Cup noise between floors flooded in. On an online mom cafe, a post said, "There were shouting, thumping, and loud noises," and "I was worried my child would wake up because of the noisy neighbors."

On the 3rd, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, the Red Devils and citizens cheered after the Taeguk Warriors secured their advancement to the Round of 16 in the third group stage match of Group H between South Korea and Portugal at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The 2022 World Cup host, Qatar, is six hours behind South Korea. Due to the significant time difference, all three group stage matches of the Korean team were held late in the evening. The first match against Uruguay and the second against Ghana were at 10 p.m., and the thrilling comeback victory against Portugal in the third match took place at midnight. Although a soccer match lasts 90 minutes, considering halftime and added time, it runs for about two hours, meaning noise from the World Cup matches continued until the early morning.

Especially in the third match, where the relatively weaker Korean team defeated the favored Portugal 2-1, many unexpected turns unfolded, leading to cheers, sighs, and continuous support throughout the game. The problem is that many people complained about noise between floors due to cheering late at night.

Since the noise occurred during a one-time event like the World Cup, resolving disputes through mediation is not easy. With the Round of 16 match against Brazil still remaining, there are calls for neighbors to show consideration.

Experts advise that since many noise issues arise from World Cup matches, prior notification is effective in reducing stress. Cha Sang-gon, director of the Residential Culture Improvement Research Institute, said, "During the World Cup season, many people understand and overlook the noise, but it is true that complaints increase," and added, "To reduce complaints, apartment management offices should first issue notices requesting restraint regarding World Cup noise."

He continued, "In blind spots where there is no mediator to manage noise between floors outside of apartments, residents should be informed in advance that noise from World Cup matches is expected," and said, "When residents are aware that noise will occur, the intensity of noise-related stress is significantly reduced."