Cities In South Korea Research Articles

Learning urban energy governance for system innovation: an assessment of transformative capacity development in three South Korean cities

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the preconditions and social learning processes that allow urban climate governance innovations and the solutions they engender to be transformative. It does so by assessing the capacity available to prepare for, initiate and steer a path-deviant sustainability transformation of the urban energy systems in three cities in South Korea – a country facing major challenges in this regard due to a heavy dependence on imported fossil energy resources and centralized institutions. The findings illustrate how synergies between local leadership, empowered communities of practice and trusted intermediation stand out as key drivers for learning transformative governance, in particular if linked to open experimentation, while also shaping the role of international exchange in this. In turn, national policy tends to constrain transformative capacity development and favor incremental modifications. Across all cities studied, major gaps still remain in terms of developing social learning processes that involve systems thinking, sustainability foresight, as well as suitable approaches for embedding more radical innovations. In conclusion, transformative capacity provides a useful lens to understand the potentials and limits of emerging urban governance innovations for unlearning dominant paradigms, and for triggering systemic change that enables more sustainable urban futures.

The Mediating Effects of Social Support and a Grateful Disposition on the Relationship between Life Stress and Anger in Korean Nursing Students

PurposeAnger management is a very important issue for nursing education. However, there is a lack of research identifying related factors. This study examined the mediating effects of social support and a grateful disposition on the relationship between life stress and anger in nursing students. MethodsThe participants were 172 nursing students recruited from two universities in cities in South Korea. Baron and Kenny's regression method and the Sobel test were used to analyze the mediating effects of social support and a grateful disposition on the association between life stress and anger. ResultsThere were significant correlations between life stress, social support, a grateful disposition, and anger. In addition, social support and a grateful disposition exerted full mediating effects on the relationship between life stress and anger. ConclusionBased on this study's results, enhancing social support and grateful disposition could help nursing students who experience anger resulting from life stress to manage their anger effectively. This finding suggests that, as specific strategies for anger management, nursing educators should encourage nursing students to use sources of social support and to engage in various gratitude activities.

High Performance Work Systems and Role Performance: A Cross-Level Test of the AMO Framework

Drawing on the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) framework, we proposed and tested a cross-level model of the motivational pathways through which unit HPWS relates to global service performance. Data were obtained from frontline employees, supervisors, and department managers in departments of three- to five-star hotels located in major cities in South Korea. Results of multilevel structural equation modelling (MSEM) analysis revealed that power distance moderated the relationship between unit- and experienced service- specific HPWS such that the relationship was stronger when power distance is low rather than high. Moreover, customer knowledge, positive mood, and perceived service climate separately related to global service performance and also mediated the experienced service-specific HPWS-global service performance relationship. Lastly, power distance moderated the indirect relationships of unit service-specific HPWS with global service performance via experienced service-specific HPWS and customer knowledge, and via experienced service-specific HPWS and positive mood. These findings yield implications for the strategic HRM literature by highlighting the additive model of the AMO framework to achieve superior performance.

Prevalence of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 tropism among human immunodeficiency virus 1-infected patients in South Korea.

The discovery of two main coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 has led to a better understanding of the interaction between HIV envelope and host cells, and development of new therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CCR5 tropism among HIV-1-infected Koreans and identify the predictors for CCR5 tropism. We enrolled 250 HIV-1-infected subjects from four medical centers of three different cities in South Korea between April 2013 and May 2014. Genotypic assay for identifying coreceptor tropism of HIV-1 was performed with HIV RNA or HIV DNA. Nested polymerase chain reaction and population-based sequencing for the V3 region (HXB2 position 6225-7758) of the envelope were performed with HIV RNA or proviral DNA. Proviral DNA was used if the viral load of the subject was below 2000 copies/mL. Genotypic tropism was determined by a web-based bioinformatics tool (http://coreceptor.bioinf.mpi-inf.mpg.de/). Among 250 individuals enrolled, only 143 subjects could be analyzed for genotypic tropism assay with HIV RNA or proviral DNA. The prevalence of CCR5 tropism was 69.2% (N = 99). We could not identify any significant clinical or epidemiological predictors for CCR5 tropism among enrolled subjects. The prevalence of CCR5 tropism in HIV-1-infected Korean individuals was 69.2%. Since we cannot predict coreceptor tropism by clinical factors, tropism assay should be performed before treatment with the CCR5 antagonist.

Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Self-control According to Family Structure

We compared factors influencing adolescents’ self-control according to their family structure. Participants were 944 adolescents in five cities in South Korea (115 from single-parent families, 65 from grandparent-led families, and 764 from two-parent families). Data were collected using self-report questionnaires containing items on self-control, stress, parenting attitude, parent–adolescent communication, and family cohesion. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regressions with SPSS program. The factors influencing adolescents’ self-control differed across the three family structure groups. For single-parent families, stress and parental attitudes were significantly related to adolescents’ self-control (adjusted R2 = 0.37, p < 0.001). In contrast, for grandparent-led families, family cohesion and parental attitude were significantly related to adolescents’ self-control (adjusted R2 = 0.31, p < 0.01), while for two-parent families, stress, parental attitude, and parent–adolescent communication were related to the outcome (adjusted R2 = 0.24, p < 0.001). Parental attitude was thus a common factor relating to self-control, regardless of family structure. On the other hand, the main factors influencing adolescents with low self-control were gender and stress. Our results confirm that adolescents’ self-control is not only affected by personal factors but also by parental and family factors. It is important to improve individual program to improve adolescents’ self-control according to family structure. The results of study may act as a base for improving individual intervention programs aimed at promoting adolescents’ self-control by factoring in family structure.

Islamic vs. Non-Islamic Attributes for Smart Tourism City in South Korea

Destination attributes represent the attractiveness of destinations that pull tourists to visit them. Destination marketers must understand what motivates tourists to choose certain destination attributes before they travel. Considering religious tourists plays an important aspect in influencing travel decisions, especially destination choices. For instance, the appearance of Islamic religious attributes in destinations can delight Muslim tourists and stimulate their satisfaction and loyalty. This study examines smart tourism city. In particular, it investigates the effects of Seoul’s destination attributes on Muslim tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty to South Korea. Results show that non-Islamic destination attributes (conventional attributes) have positive relationship with Muslim tourists’ satisfaction, and their satisfaction is positively related to their loyalty toward South Korea as a travel destination.

Assessing Strategies for Urban Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Six Metropolitan Cities in South Korea

As interest in climate change adaptation grows, an increasing number of national and local governments are developing adaptation strategies. This study assesses the strategies for urban climate change adaptation of municipal governments in South Korea. The adaptation plans and budget expenditures of six metropolitan cities in South Korea were compared, based on the Implementation Plan for Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (IPCCAS) 2012–2016 and annual expenditure reports of each city. The results show that the actual implementation of these adaptation programs varied vis-à-vis the original plans, in terms of the level of overall expenditure and sector-specific expenditure. The following findings were drawn from the analysis: First, in most cases, the highest adaptation priorities were disaster/infrastructure, water management, and the health sector. Second, actual expenditure on climate change adaptation programs was smaller than the planned budget in the IPCCAS. Third, the prioritized sectors matched for planning and implementation in Seoul, Daegu, Daejeon, and Incheon, but not in Busan and Ulsan. Fourth, the adaptation programs of South Korean metropolitan cities do not seem to have been well-tailored to each case.

Economic growth for ecological conversions: South Korean case

BackgroundSprawl has been named as one of the critical reasons for the latest social problems in many parts of the world. This is particularly true for developing countries, as their national status largely depends on economic stability and interacts with the rise and decline of major cities. This study focuses on a detailed notion on environmental impact of physical expansion and answers how to specifically estimate the ecological impact of sprawl using the GIS and ecological valuation method. Especially, South Korean cities are examined to identify how development-oriented growth would affect natural stock and the ecology as a whole.ResultsBy implementing land cover datasets and an estimation method, value transfer, the authors examine the economic losses of Korean ecological stock between 1980 and 2000. Since 1980, the society has gained a significant amount of growth in its national economics. Specifically, GDP has increased from about $40 billion to $640 billion. However, due to its rapid growth, the entire natural stock has lost about 5% of its total features, using the median economic values. If calculated with the maximum values, it is about a 7% decrease. The results indicate that $2076/person for environmental opportunity costs is estimated as a consequence of rapid urbanization.ConclusionsIf we had estimated the ecological consumptions of rapid growth from the beginning and considered $2076/person for environmental opportunity costs, then the development patterns and other associated urban planning agendas would have shifted accordingly to increase the overall sustainability. Like most developing cities in the world, major cities in South Korea and the central government concentrated its main strategy on economic growth. Doing so stimulated national economy and made it possible to level up the quality of life. If this quality of life needs to be sustained for a long term, then we should focus on our usage of ecological features, as their characteristics are completely different from man-made resources.

CPTED Checklist for Urban Public Parks’ Crime Prevention Accreditation Assessment

도시지역에서의 공원이란 시민들의 건강과 휴양 그리고 정서생활에 도움을 주고 녹지를 확보하여 환경에 도움을 주는 공간이다. 하지만 누구에게나 개방되어 있는 도시 공원의 특성상 공간의 안전을 위협하는 소수의 위협들은 다수의 이용자인 시민들에게 불편함을 주거나 위협을 초래하는 경우가 발생한다. 이와 관련하여 각종 선행 연구들은 공원에서 범죄가 빈번하게 발생하고, 시민들의 휴식공간이라는 공원의 제 기능을 다 하지 못하고 있다는 문제를 지적하고 있다. 특히 최근 많은 관심을 받고 있는 사회적 약자를 대상으로 한 범죄에 대응하기 위한 도시공원의 설계 관리가 중요함을 일관되게 강조하고 있다. 이에 이 연구에서는 CPTED의 기본이론을 토대로 도시공원의 범죄예방과 관련된 선행 연구를 분석하여 도시공원에 적합한 CPTED 요소를 추출하고 도시공원의 방범환경 인증평가 체크리스트를 개발하였다. 이러한 체크리스트를 바탕으로 크기별, 종류별 공원 5곳을 선정하여 실제 현장 조사를 실시하고 안전요소를 분석하여 최종 체크리스트를 도출하였다. 이 체크리스트의 최종평가분야는 관리운영, 감시, 접근통제, 영역성, 활동성 지원 CPTED요소를 기반으로 하고 이에 더하여 안내표지, 방범 및 안전시설, 가점항목으로 설정하였으며 각각의 세부평가항목으로 구성하였다. 이 연구에서 개발한 체크리스트의 평가기준은 모든 공원에 대한 범죄예방 인증평가를 수행할 수 있도록 하는 범용 체크리스트로 이러한 평가기준은 다양한 규모와 형태를 가진 공원들의 특성을 고려하여 평가와 인정의 기본원칙에 의거하여 다양한 형태로 변형되어 활용할 수 있도록 하였다. 이와 관련하여 범죄위험을 예방하는데 있어 중요한 분야의 핵심 항목들에 대해서는 높게 배점하고 정성적인 평가에 의해 배점을 차등적으로 주도록 하였다. 또한 신규 공원뿐만 아니라 기존에 있던 공원들도 적극적 개선을 통해 인정을 받게 하고자 하는 취지로 만들어 전체적인 공원 안전개선을 위한 기반이 되도록 하였다. 본 체크리스트는 경찰청이 범죄예방진단팀(CPO)을 통해 시행 중인 도시공원의 범죄예방우수시설 인증사업에 활용하고 있다.Urban public parks are supposed to be the places for citizens’ rest, healing and public health. However, as public parks are usually open for 24 hours almost every day they are often exposed to criminal attacks within the realm of the space. The crime problem therefore threatens the public safety and security. Previous studies on public parks and crime safety continuously indicate that urban parks are vulnerable to crime and disorder and became the cause of fear of crime due to poor environmental design and planning in terms of CPTED. In this context the researchers have developed a checklist for accreditation/certification of urban public parks for crime prevention by analyzing the examples applying the CPTED principles in public parks and reflecting the field survey results in South Korea. In regard to the item and point, the crucial points for public parks rated highly and the grading was differentiated by qualitative evaluation. In addition, basic principles for certification of Secure/Safe Public Parks Awards were suggested, including operating a rating system to certify public parks so as to promote efforts for improvement, not awarding the certification to parks if any relevant regulations are violated, applying the evaluation items or points in accordance with the local context. The assessment checklist can be revised and used in various ways according to the regional circumstances and can contribute to the security and safety of public parks. The Police Crime Prevention Officers (CPO) are to utilize this checklist for the Secure Public Parks Certification Awards program in order to enhance the level of security for public parks in major cities in South Korea.

Evaluation of the current contamination status of PFASs and OPFRs in South Korean tap water associated with its origin

We investigated the concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in 44 tap water samples, collected from eight major cities in South Korea served by four representative watersheds, to evaluate the water contamination status. The total concentrations of PFASs and OPFRs ranged from 1.44 to 224ng/L (median=11.9ng/L), and 74.0 to 342ng/L (median=151ng/L), respectively. The predominant compounds in tap water were perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP). Tap water originating from the Nakdong River within an industrial complex showed a notably higher PFHxS proportion to total PFASs. In addition, significantly higher PFAS levels were found in river-originating tap water than in lake/reservoir-originating tap water (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.05). Meanwhile, major OPFRs showed no clear difference in distribution by region, and no significant difference in major OPFR levels was observed according to tap water origin. Finally, the average human exposure via tap water consumption was estimated for PFASs (46.8ng/person/day) and OPFRs (254ng/person/day).

Evaluation and Utilization of Thermal Environment Associated with Policy: A Case Study of Daegu Metropolitan City in South Korea

This study aimed to propose a way to utilize vulnerability assessment effectively in policy-making by conducting policy-related assessment of the thermal environment. For this purpose, a variety of indices concerning thermal vulnerability assessment were reviewed, and finally, 15 indices were selected. In addition, adaptation policies for climate change applied to Korean cities were synthesized and examined to establish policies for improving thermal environments which correspond to 15 indices. Finally, a framework consisting of five areas (improvement of the atmospheric environment, expansion of eco-friendly buildings, management of the surface, cool spot creation and revitalization of communities), 15 indices and 25 policies was proposed. As a result, 15 vulnerability maps based on the standardized indices and a comprehensive map with four classes were established for Daegu Metropolitan City in South Korea. Based on the maps, Guji-myeon and Ansim-1-dong were found to be the most vulnerable areas. Hence, the causes of the thermal environment vulnerability and the policies for improving urban thermal environment were analyzed in these two areas using the proposed framework. Guji-myeon was necessary to more actively implement policies regarding the improvement of the atmospheric environment, management of the surface, and revitalization of communities. To improve the thermal environment of Ansim-1-dong, active policy implementation was required in all five areas. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the effective establishment of thermal environment policies by policy-makers.

Effects of Task Demand and Familiarity with Scenes in Visuospatial Representations on the Perception and Processing of Spatial Information

This study examined the effects of task demand and familiarity on students' perception and processing of spatial information upon viewing visuospatial representations. Participants in South Korea were told that they would travel through an area, either drawing a map or observing the scenery depicted in photographs. The level of familiarity in the photographs was manipulated in three categories: neighborhood, Seoul (capital city of South Korea), and foreign cities. In two experiments, this study investigated students' eye movements, memory, and response sensitivity and bias. The results indicate that the participants in the map-drawing condition focused on structural information, such as routes, and that their memory of the scenes was more accurate. Moreover, the map-drawing group students were more sensitive and prudent in their responses. The increased level of familiarity also made students focus on structural information. The findings provide useful strategies for geography educators to use visuospatial representations.

Air Pollution and Suicide in 10 Cities in Northeast Asia: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Analysis.

Background:There is growing evidence suggesting an association between air pollution and suicide. However, previous findings varied depending on the type of air pollutant and study location.Objectives:We examined the association between air pollutants and suicide in 10 large cities in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.Methods:We used a two-stage meta-analysis. First, we conducted a time-stratified case-crossover analysis to estimate the short-term association between nitrogen dioxide (), sulfur dioxide (), and particulate matter [aerodynamic diameter (), aerodynamic diameter (), and ] and suicide, adjusted for weather factors, day-of-week, long-term time trends, and season. Then, we conducted a meta-analysis to combine the city-specific effect estimates for , , and across 10 cities and for and across 3 cities. We first fitted single-pollutant models, followed by two-pollutant models to examine the robustness of the associations.Results:Higher risk of suicide was associated with higher levels of , , , and over multiple days. The combined relative risks (RRs) were 1.019 for (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.999, 1.039), 1.020 for (95% CI: 1.005, 1.036), 1.016 for (95% CI: 1.004, 1.029), and 1.019 for (95% CI: 1.005, 1.033) per interquartile range (IQR) increase in the 0–1 d average level of each pollutant. We found no evidence of an association for . Some of the associations, particularly for and , were attenuated after adjusting for a second pollutant.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that higher levels of air pollution may be associated with suicide, and further research is merited to understand the underlying mechanisms. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2223

Overlapping Analysis of Air Dispersion Simulation for Odor Damage to Estimate the Effect Area in Busan and Ulsan, South Korea

Busan and Ulsan, representative industrial cities in South Korea, have been exposed of hazardous chemical accidents. For this reason, people who live in those areas are enormously interested of the corresponding response. The chemical incidents may cause serious odor and hazardous impacts on neighborhood and surrounding area. The dispersion simulation is the most useful tool for estimating the effect distance of odor or chemical accident. The other studies, there are almost focused on each simulation results using ALOHA, AERMOD, and CALPUFF. The significant problem of these dispersion simulation for this purpose is that they have own advantages and disadvantages. Even though these limitation of each simulation, overlapping analysis has not been studied yet. Therefore, we investigated the overlapping analysis of three simulation outputs by the case study of gas odor accident in the Busan and Ulsan area on July 2016. Keywords: Dispersion Simulation, ALOHA, AERMOD, CALPUFF, Stationary Source, Mobile Source, Odor, Busan, Ulsan

베이비붐 세대의 성인기 자녀에 대한 자원 제공과 노후 준비에 관한 연구

This study aimed to investigate resource transfer for baby boomers’ adult children and related factors pertaining to baby boomers’ later-life preparation. This study was conducted in 2016 using written questionnaires completed by 405 baby boomers residing in Seoul and metropolitan cities in South Korea. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 and the following statistical methods: frequency, percentiles, the mean, standard deviation, a t-test, one-way ANOVA, Cronbach’s alpha, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. Baby boomers’ average level of later-life preparation was found to be 3.45/5, a relatively rational score. Baby boomers tended to transfer more resource from their adult children when they had many adult children, were more satisfied with their romantic relationship. Baby boomers’ level of later-life preparation was higher when there was lesser resource transfer of their adult children. The greatest influential variables pertaining to the respondents’ later-life preparation were their family’s income, children’s marital status, satisfaction with their romantic relationship, and level of transfer from their adult children. It was concluded that baby boomers have insufficient later-life preparation in terms of finances due to their need to support their adult children; thus, nation-wide practical programs are needed to prepare baby boomers for a happy life.

Drivers of brand loyalty in the chain coffee shop industry

The present study aimed to examine patrons’ loyalty generation process for a chain coffee shop brand by considering the role of cognitive drivers, affective drivers, brand satisfaction, and relationship commitment. A field survey was conducted in chain coffee shops located in the popular shopping districts of a metropolitan city in South Korea. The proposed model was evaluated by using a structural equation analysis. The results revealed that cognitive and affective factors were in general significantly interrelated; such associations along with brand satisfaction and relationship commitment significantly influenced brand loyalty; and, the brand satisfaction was the most important contributor to building brand loyalty. In addition, the mediating role of study variables was identified. Overall, the proposed theoretical framework contained a sufficient level of explanatory power for brand loyalty. With a lack of research about coffee shop customers’ purchasing behavior, the findings can be meaningfully used for the enhancement of customer loyalty.

Mediating Role of Career Coaching on Job-Search Behavior of Older Generations.

This study focuses on career development processes and options for older workers in South Korea and explores how career coaching enhances their career development efforts and transition needs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural relationship between older employees' goal-setting, self-efficacy, and job-search behavior mediated by career coaching. A total of 249 participants were recruited in a metropolitan city in South Korea. Based on the literature review, hypotheses were developed and tested on the structural model and the following findings were revealed. First, the findings indicate a positive effect of self-efficacy on older workers' job-search behavior. Second, the value of career coaching was found to affect older workers' job-search behavior in the South Korean context. Third, career-goal commitment alone did not have a positive significant effect on job-search behavior, but it was influential through the mediating process of the perceived quality of the career coaching program provided by an employment center in South Korea.

Indoor contamination from pesticides used for outdoor insect control

The present study assessed the indoor level of pesticide residue contamination at a total of 45 dwelling facilities in 5 cities of South Korea from June to November 2014. Pesticide residue contamination was assessed by measuring the frequency and concentration of chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, and cypermethrin residues in airborne particles, indoor dust, and surface wipes. A preparatory test showed a decreasing tendency in the concentrations of pesticide residues in indoor air over time: from 0.458 to 0.073mg/m3 in dichlorvos for 4weeks and from below 0.050mg/m3 to non-detection in the other substances for 2weeks. Then, pesticide residues were detected indoors 4weeks after outdoor chemical control, implying the infiltration of pesticide particles from outdoors. Airborne particles of dichlorvos were found at a higher level (74.4% of samples at a concentration of 0.053mg/m3), whereas those of the other substances were detected at lower levels (6.1% at 0.002mg/m3 in chlorpyrifos and 9.4% at 0.022mg/m3 in cypermethrin). There was no consistent tendency in the indoor levels of pesticide residue contamination according to dwelling types or indoor height. The indoor levels of dichlorvos residue contamination were lower in industrial districts than in urban or rural districts: 63.9% and 0.013mg/m3 for airborne particles, 13.3% and 0.002μg/g for indoor dust, and 6.7% and 0.001mg/cm2 for surface wipes, respectively. There were no significant differences in the indoor levels of pesticide residue contamination between urban and rural districts. The current study found that most dwelling facilities managed their indoor levels of pesticide residue contamination below permissible exposure limit (PEL, 1.0mg/m3) or threshold limit value (TVL, 0.1mg/m3), whereas some facilities did not. So, we suggest that certain guidelines should be drawn up regarding the indoor environment management.

Dynamics of Population and Vitalization of Regional Cities in South Korea

Dynamics of Population and Vitalization of Regional Cities in South Korea

Negative impact of noise and noise sensitivity on mental health in childhood.

Introduction:Noise and noise sensitivity have negative effects on mental health and are not well-studied in children and adolescents. In this study, we investigated these effects in the aforementioned population with respect to sociodemographic variables and environmental factors.Materials and Methods:In this population-based study conducted in two large cities in South Korea, 918 elementary and middle-school students were included. After direct measurements at the selected sites, a noise map was created using an interpolation method. The road traffic noise of the participants’ residential areas was calculated based on this noise map. Noise sensitivity was assessed on an 11-point Likert scale. Using multivariate logistic regression, we investigated the relationship among noise, noise sensitivity, and the Child Behavior Checklist. Further analyses were performed subdividing the data according to household income levels.Results:Noise sensitivity was significantly associated with internalizing, externalizing, and total behavioral problems. Noise was positively associated with total behavioral problems. In the low-income group, the degree of association with problem behaviors was higher, whereas the relationship between noise sensitivity and externalization problems disappeared in the high-income group.Conclusion:Noise and noise sensitivity are negatively associated with the mental health of children and adolescents, particularly in low-income groups. The findings of this study suggest that noise sensitivity and socioeconomic status should be considered in coping with negative effects of noise in children and adolescents.