Apartment or Dried-Fish Shop? Neighbors Complain of Suffering as Fish Hang in Rows from Balcony Railings

Afraid to Even Open the Windows Because of the Fishy Smell
"We Can't Even Ventilate Because of the Stench," Residents Outraged
Legal Relief Virtually Out of Reach

A controversy has erupted online after a large number of fish were spotted being dried on a balcony railing at an apartment complex in Gyeonggi Province. Recently, a photo was posted on the local community board of the regional platform “Karrot Neighborhood Life,” showing several fish hung in a row along the balcony railing on the outer wall of an apartment building. The photo showed fish densely spread out in the exterior space outside the window frame. The poster asked netizens whether such behavior is appropriate in a multi-unit apartment complex located in a densely populated residential area.

Concerns were also raised that fish offal or foreign matter falling from above could contaminate the downstairs balcony. Hygiene issues also came under scrutiny. It was pointed out that fish exposed outdoors could attract pests such as flies and mosquitoes and might draw birds such as magpies and pigeons. Online communities.

In particular, the poster pointed out as a problem that the fishy odor generated during the drying process could be carried by the wind to nearby units, interfering with drying laundry and ventilation. Concerns were also raised that fish offal or foreign matter falling from above could contaminate the downstairs balcony. Hygiene issues also came under scrutiny. It was pointed out that fish exposed outdoors could attract pests such as flies and mosquitoes and might draw birds such as magpies and pigeons. Some internet users reacted critically, saying, “This is not even a dried-fish shop in a market; it’s a nuisance,” and “You should report it to the management office.” On the other hand, there were a few opinions such as “It might just be for a short time,” but they were in the minority.

Separately, another online community carried a story from a resident claiming to be suffering from foul odors because the upstairs neighbor was drying fish on their balcony. The poster said they opened the window for ventilation and were hit by a strong smell, and upon checking, found fish hanging on the upstairs railing. They reported that they asked for the fish to be removed through the apartment management office, but the upstairs neighbor allegedly responded, “Why are you making a fuss about something like this?” The poster also said they had been experiencing noise between floors and appealed about their ongoing difficulties. In response, netizens offered various comments such as, “It’s hard because of inconsiderate neighbors,” and “Collect evidence and respond accordingly.”

However, under current law, it is not easy to obtain damages for everyday odor nuisances between neighbors. While there are clear legal standards for noise, everyday odors are difficult to prove with numerical values, and courts generally find that they must be tolerated to some extent within the “acceptable limit.” There have been a few cases in which compensation agreements were reached in smoking-related disputes, but it is rare for such cases to result in court judgments. Legal experts advise that in odor disputes between neighbors, mediation procedures through bodies such as the Environmental Dispute Mediation Committee may be a more realistic alternative than litigation. Experts emphasize that because apartment complexes are spaces where many people live together, a basic sense of community and consideration for others is essential.