Everyday noise levels
| dB | Example |
|---|---|
| 30 | Quiet bedroom, whisper |
| 40 | Library, quiet residential area |
| 50~60 | Quiet office, normal conversation |
| 70 | Noisy office, vacuum cleaner |
| 80 | Inside the subway, close to a vacuum |
| 100+ | Construction site, concert |
Neighbor noise standards
For apartment neighbor noise (direct impact), the 1-minute equivalent level limit is 39dB by day and 34dB at night, and the maximum level limit is 57dB by day and 52dB at night.
Note: phone and PC microphones aren't calibrated like a sound level meter and can differ from actual values by ±5–10dB. If you need evidence for a dispute, use the measurement service of the Korea Environment Corporation's neighbor noise center.