'Rebuttal' Posted Next to Apartment Noise Notice
"If You Hate Noise, Move to a Private House"
Netizens Debate "Selfish" vs "Should Understand"
Inter-floor noise has emerged as a social issue. When an apartment management office posted a notice asking residents to refrain from making noise between floors, one resident posted a rebuttal next to the notice.
On the 14th, a post titled "Is this correct regarding inter-floor noise?" was uploaded to an online community. The author, Mr. A, asked, "Do you agree with this person's opinion?" and attached a photo of the apartment notice.
In the photo posted by Mr. A, a notice from the apartment management office requesting consideration regarding inter-floor noise can be seen. The management office listed typical inter-floor noises such as children running, thumping sounds, and garlic pounding, and asked residents to "please refrain from actions that cause noise by laying mats or wearing indoor slippers."
The issue arose when a rebuttal to the management office's notice was posted right next to it. Resident Mr. B acknowledged, "I personally think that noises like children running and garlic pounding can naturally be loud," but countered, "If complaints are made about noises during the day, I don't know when such noisy activities are supposed to be done." He added, "Parents with children must be anxious, worrying 'Will this disturb the neighbors?' when their kids run around," and stated, "Noises during the day should be tolerated to some extent. If you cannot show this level of consideration, shouldn't you be living in a detached house?"
Netizens who read this story responded with comments such as, "They don't seem to consider people who sleep during the day and work at night," "Even during the day, depending on the noise level and frequency, caution is necessary," "Those causing noise should move to detached houses for the sake of the majority," "If you properly listen to children running, they wouldn't make such noise," and "Such selfish people."
On the other hand, some netizens commented, "Noise during the day is acceptable," "Parents with children are suffering and can't live like this," "How much noise do children make when they run?" and "We all grew up running around, so some understanding is needed."
Meanwhile, as inter-floor noise has become a social problem, the government has relaxed the standards for judging inter-floor noise and strengthened the standards for newly built apartments since last year. According to data from the Construction Industry Research Institute, conflicts over inter-floor noise increased by about 57% over ten years, from 20,641 cases in 2014 to 36,435 cases last year. Even if the noise exceeds the standard, punishment is not possible unless it is at a severe level, and resolution depends on neighborly agreement, which has led to growing calls for urgent improvement of inter-floor noise standards.
■ Free Rental Service of Noise Meters for Self-Measurement of Inter-floor Noise
- Can be used to measure noise when inter-floor noise issues arise and serve as material for mediation counseling
- Eligible Applicants: Apartment management entities (management office managers) or inter-floor noise management committees of apartment complexes
- Application Method: Submit required documents via email to the Inter-floor Noise Neighbor Center
- Rental Method: Noise meters are rented (one unit) and collected (using courier service) in order of application
- Rental Period: One month from the date of courier dispatch (including holidays), with up to two extensions allowed
- Contact: Korea Environment Corporation
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