Changes in Frequency of Use and Satisfaction of Visitors on Urban Forest as Recreational Resources - Focused on Seonhaksan and Bibongsan Mountains, Jinju City, Korea -

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the frequency of use, users’ behaviour and satisfaction of Seonhaksan and Bibongsan mountains near city center improved through the park and green spaces projects implemented by Jinju City Hall from 2004 to 2016. The number of visitors per day was measured by observation surveys in 2004 and 2016. The users’ behaviour and satisfaction were measured by questionnaires in 2004 and 2017. The collected data were analyzed by frequency analysis and independent sample t-test. The number of visitors per day increased about two times on weekdays and more than 2.5 times on weekends in 2016 than in 2004. Relatively the number of male visitors increased more than that of female visitors. The share of elderly visitors has increased and the number of visitors who live out of 1 km radius has increased. The goals of visit were changed from hiking or walking to various recreational activities, and the number of users visiting by car increased. The number of visits and the duration of visit has decreased. The inconveniences of trails and exercise facilities were significantly reduced, and the necessity of family recreational facilities fulfilled. The necessity of outdoor learning facilities and programs has not been recognized. Comprehensively, the results indicate that the recreational quality of Seonhaksan and Bibongsan mountains has improved. Further implementation of target-oriented parks and green spaces will be necessary in the future. Key words: inconvenience, necessity, observation survey, questionnaire, users behaviour