South Korea

Inter-Floor Noise in South Korea Apartments

55 dB
Maximum allowable daytime noise level (6 a.m.–10 p.m.) per Noise Control Act
45 dB
Maximum allowable nighttime noise level (10 p.m.–6 a.m.) per Noise Control Act
30 days
Standard deadline for apartment management to respond to formal noise complaints
2 years
Statute of limitations for civil damages claims under Civil Act Article 766
The Short Answer

In South Korea, inter-floor noise is regulated under the Housing Act and Noise Control Act; resolve it first through building management or mediation, then pursue civil claims or administrative complaints if unresolved.

What the Law Says

Practical Steps

Important Deadlines

When to See a Lawyer

Sources

statuteNoise Control Act (소음·진동 규제법)statuteHousing Act (주택법)governmentMinistry of Environment – Inter-Floor Noise GuidelinesgovernmentLegal Aid Corporation of Korea (법률구조공단)

Related Questions

How do I file a noise complaint in Seoul?What are apartment management’s legal duties in South Korea?Can I sue for mental distress caused by neighbor noise in Korea?What are the legal soundproofing requirements for Korean apartments?How does community mediation work in South Korea?

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-18.