Aircraft Noise of Airport Community in Korea

Abstract

Aircraft noise is one of the serious environmental noises with the increased use of flight traffic. The purpose of this study is to understand aircraft noise levels of airport communities in Korea using baseline data for audiologic management. Aircraft noise levels were retrieved from the National Noise Information System every month between 2004 and 2018. We reviewed aircraft noise levels obtained from total of 111 airport communities across 14 airports. In order to understand aircraft noise levels of civil and military airports, the aircraft noise levels measured in civil and military airport communities compared with the noise levels from civil airport communities. The data showed average 71-73 weight equivalent continuous perceived noise level (WECPNL) for fifteen years across airport cities and the average noise levels did not increase over time between 2004 and 2018 years. The civil and military airports showed about 12 WECPNLs of increased noise levels compared to the civil airports. The most civil and military airport communities, including Gwangju, Gunsan, Daegu, Wonju, and Cheongju generated the maximum noise levels and ranked as the highest airport for aircraft noise levels. Although aircraft noise levels in airport communities were similar over the past decade, civil and military airports generated increased noised levels compared to civil airports due to jet plane noises and other military-related noises. Careful consideration is necessary to implement noise reduction policy for civil and military airport communities. Ongoing noise control, hearing monitoring, education, and relevant policies are required to improve the quality of life in the airport community residences.