Decibel Meter & Korean Floor Noise Limits
Tap Start to see the current sound level, the maximum and the average. Microphones aren't calibrated, so readings are estimates, and nothing is recorded.
Korean floor noise limits
Korea's apartment floor noise rules set these limits (day 06:00–22:00, night 22:00–06:00). Impact noise is footsteps and jumping; airborne noise is TVs and audio. Plumbing noise is excluded.
| Type · measure | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Impact · 1-min Leq | 39dB(A) | 34dB(A) |
| Impact · Lmax | 57dB(A) | 52dB(A) |
| Airborne · 5-min Leq | 45dB(A) | 40dB(A) |
The Lmax limit counts as exceeded when it is passed three or more times in an hour. Apartments approved on or before June 30, 2005 get 2 dB(A) added to the impact limits from 2025. For a dispute, the Floor Noise Neighbor Center (1661-2642) offers counselling and official measurements.
How accurate is a phone decibel meter?
Phone and laptop microphones aren't calibrated, and this page shows an unweighted level, not dB(A). Treat the number as an estimate for comparing sounds, not as evidence. Use the calibration slider if you can compare against a real sound level meter.
Typical sound levels
| Level | Example |
|---|---|
| 120dB | Threshold of pain |
| 110dB | Rock concert |
| 100dB | Subway train |
| 90dB | Heavy truck or bus 15 m away |
| 80dB | Urban traffic |
| 70dB | Passing car 15 m away |
| 60dB | Normal conversation |
| 50dB | Classroom |
| 40dB | Suburban neighborhood at night |
| 30dB | Bedroom at night |
| 20dB | Broadcast studio |
| 10dB | Rustling leaves |
| 0dB | Threshold of hearing |
Every 10 dB means ten times the sound energy and sounds roughly twice as loud.
Sources
- Rules on the Scope and Standards of Floor Noise in Apartment Buildings (Korean) (in force since Jan 2, 2023)
- National Noise Information System, typical sound levels (Korean) (from NIOSH)
- Floor Noise Neighbor Center (Korean) (1661-2642)
FAQ
What are the floor noise limits in Korean apartments?
Impact noise: 39 dB(A) by day and 34 dB(A) at night (1-minute Leq), with a maximum of 57 and 52 dB(A). Airborne noise: 45 and 40 dB(A) (5-minute Leq).
Is a phone decibel meter accurate?
Not exactly. Phone microphones aren't calibrated and differ between models, so use the reading to compare sounds rather than as an official measurement.
Where can I get help with noisy neighbors in Korea?
Tell your building management office first. The Floor Noise Neighbor Center (1661-2642) offers counselling and on-site measurements.