A Study on the Awareness of Noise Pollution by Seoul Citizens - Focusing on Road Traffic Noise -

서울시민의 소음공해 인식에 대한 연구 - 도로 교통소음을 중심으로-

Noise pollution, especially road traffic noise has become a major problem in Seoul. However, although noise can be sensed directly, it is considered somewhat less important compared to other environmental pollutions. In this study, we chose nine districts in Seoul and distributed a questionnaire composed of 23 questions in related to the awareness of noise pollution for 950 people living in Seoul. The results were analyzed according to district area, age, occupation, and were compared to the actual noise level measured by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The analysis of the questionnaire show that road traffic noise is considered to be the main source of noise pollution in Seoul. People think that the individual and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are most responsible for the noise reduction in Seoul, but replies only little effort is put into when asked whether one has made any personal effort to reduce noise. We have concluded that noise pollution is not considered a hazardous problem to most Seoul citizens, and that most of them seem to be used to it. Yet, specific noise reduction policies, especially road traffic noise, are expected to take effect as quality of life is pursued due to economic enhancement.