Paper Backup Storage Tiers in Korean Vault Rooms

Korean vault rooms — whether in commercial facilities near Incheon Station or private basements in Bupyeong — tend to organise paper backups in three visible tiers. Understanding these tiers helps our indexing work and helps holders communicate with executors.

Tier 1: Outer Sleeve or Document Box

The outermost container, often a fire-rated document box or a labelled manila sleeve. This is what you see when you scan a shelf. We assign the shelf position code to this tier (e.g., B-07).

Tier 2: Inner Envelope

Inside the outer container, a sealed or wax-sealed envelope holds the actual seed phrase card or steel plate rubbing. We record the envelope number you have assigned — we never open it.

Tier 3: Redundant Copy Location

Many Incheon holders maintain a second paper backup at a different address or in a different vault facility. Our register includes a cross-reference column noting “primary” or “redundant copy at [location code]” based on your existing records.

Humidity Considerations

Incheon’s summer humidity affects paper stored in basement vault rooms. We note whether a shelf sits against an exterior wall or near a dehumidifier outlet. This is not alarmist — it is practical information for whoever accesses the shelf next.

Rotation Schedule

We recommend verifying the last-opened date on sealed envelopes every eighteen months, even if the envelope is not opened. Update the register date when you perform a visual check. Annual re-indexing includes this date refresh.