391 Cases in 2021 Down to 103 This Year... Four Consecutive Years of Decline
Reducing Conflict and Improving Awareness Through Experiential Programs
Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province is currently the most active area in the Seoul metropolitan region for new apartment occupancy. Following the move-in of 5,000 households last year due to large-scale redevelopment and reconstruction projects, an additional 3,800 households have been completed this year.
Gwangmyeong City is conducting a "role play" program designed to resolve conflicts related to noise between floors, with residents of multi-family housing directly participating and acting. The city has developed and operated various experiential programs, achieving a reduction of over 73% in noise complaints over four years. Provided by Gwangmyeong City
The most significant source of complaints within the rapidly increasing number of apartment complexes is "interfloor noise." However, in Gwangmyeong City, related complaints have actually decreased by 73.7% over the past four years.
According to an analysis by the city of complaints received by the Interfloor Noise Conflict Resolution Support Center, the number of related complaints, which stood at 391 as of the end of September 2021, decreased to 306 in 2022, 264 in 2023, and 169 in 2024, showing a year-on-year decline. This year, the number has further dropped to just 103 cases.
Park Seungwon, the mayor of Gwangmyeong City, explained, "This is because we have moved away from one-way publicity and instead operate various experiential programs that allow citizens to directly experience and resolve conflict factors."
The Interfloor Noise Conflict Resolution Support Center, which was first established by the city in July 2013 and has been operating for over 12 years, is recognized for playing a key role in resolving interfloor noise issues through the development and implementation of various programs.
To address conflicts among residents caused by interfloor noise, the city conducts annual preventive education and continuously improves related programs. In particular, since last year, it has moved away from simple lecture-based education and introduced "role-play" activities in which residents directly participate, thereby enhancing effectiveness.
The "role-play" program allows apartment complex representatives to form a mock interfloor noise management committee, taking on roles such as chairperson, committee member, secretary, petitioner, and respondent. Through this, participants can learn firsthand about the types of conflicts, the significance of conflict resolution systems, and laws related to interfloor noise.
This year, the city has collaborated with the Theater Association of the Gwangmyeong branch of the Korean Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations to conduct the education in the form of a play, recreating real-life conflict scenarios to enhance participants' understanding and engagement. More than 150 people from over 70 complexes voluntarily participate in the role-play program each year, receiving positive feedback from on-site practitioners.
Elementary school students are making door signs to prevent noise between floors in an experiential program organized by the Interfloor Noise Conflict Resolution Support Center. Provided by Gwangmyeong City
The city's experiential programs targeting elementary school students also stand out. Starting this year, for upper-grade students, the city is running a "mock trial on interfloor noise," and for lower-grade students, it offers hands-on activities such as "making door signs to prevent interfloor noise." About 500 students have participated in these 27 sessions held this year.
The city is also strengthening on-site publicity and experiential programs for residents' convenience. It operates promotional booths by visiting new apartment complexes directly, and from November, it plans to produce related promotional videos to be broadcast on elevator TVs in 46 apartment complexes.
Mayor Park stated, "A livable city begins with everyday life where neighbors happily coexist in their own homes," adding, "We will continue our efforts to establish a culture of mutual consideration and respect in residential communities and to build a happy community."
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