By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Newly opening karaoke clubs or bars with singing facilities may have to be situated in basements as the government seeks to regulate noise pollution.
According to the Ministry of Environment, there were 30,547 complaints reported concerning noise in residential areas in 2006. Most involved construction sites or noisy cars. However, others were annoyed at cats' meowing, dogs' barking, or simply piano playing or singing they found too loud.
In response the government decided to regulate noise in residential areas. Currently there are seven ministries governing noise according to venues, but the government will integrate the function into one, and special legal measures will be adopted.
Revised regulations will concentrate on lessening the noise from karaoke bars, restaurants, piano lesson rooms, large air conditioning systems and commercial facilities.
A ministry official said large roads and construction sites will be required to install noise-prevention equipment. Also noise-making facilities will only be allowed in more isolated areas.
The government is also looking at setting standards for the noise levels allowed. Facilities near temples or residential areas will be required to keep noise levels at less than 40 decibels at night, 45 in the morning and evening and 50 in the daytime. In commercial areas, levels up to 55 decibels will be allowed.