This Aug. 10, 2021, file photo shows Haeundae Beach in the coastal city of Busan, about 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
BUSAN, Oct. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – Residents in Busan’s tourist district of Haeundae are struggling as warmer weather coupled with severe noise caused by motorcycles and sports cars driven by tourists from all over the country is keeping them awake at night.
Hong Sun-heon, mayor of Haeundae Ward, posted a petition on the website of the presidential office last month, asking the government to impose stricter regulations on the level of noise caused by motorbikes and sports cars.
The district has been deliberating on a solution of its own, joining hands with the police, Korea Transportation Safety Authority and other public agencies to hold a joint crackdown and campaign last month.
The results, however, were devastating. The noise restrictions on vehicles were so lenient that no measures could have been taken, even when noise-causing vehicles were intercepted on site.
Currently, the noise limits for automobiles and two-wheel vehicles stand at 100 decibel (dB) and 105 dB, respectively, which is too high for authorities to take action.
According to the National Noise Information System, 100 dB is equivalent to a train passing by.
The district is demanding the introduction of an 80-dB noise limit, which is equivalent to noise from construction sites.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
