Storing seed phrase backups in Korean apartments

Paper remains the most common backup method among our clients. In South Korean apartments, three environmental factors affect paper longevity more than most people expect.

Floor heating (ondol)

Heat rises through floors during winter. Backups stored in low drawers or under-bed boxes can dry out and become brittle. We recommend keeping phrase sheets at mid-height — desk drawers or upper shelves — and away from direct heat vents.

Humidity during monsoon season

June and July bring sustained humidity. Plain paper in unsealed envelopes can absorb moisture and cause ink to bleed. Acid-free paper inside sealed mylar bags, stored with a small desiccant packet, performs significantly better in our experience.

Frequent relocation

Seoul and Gyeonggi tenants move often. Clients who store backups only at their current address risk leaving them behind. A secondary location — typically a parent’s home in another city or a bank safety deposit box — provides geographic redundancy without digital exposure.

Metal backups

Stamped metal plates handle humidity and heat better than paper. They are not immune to loss during moves. Treat them as one layer in a redundancy plan, not a sole backup.

Review cadence

Check physical backups at least once a year. Open the envelope, confirm legibility, and note the verification date in your inventory.