Seoul Metropolitan Area Research Articles

Abstract 833: No association between air pollution and lung cancer incidence in a 2 million South Korean cohort

Abstract Background: Accumulating evidence has consistently suggested long-term exposure to air pollution as a risk factor of lung cancer incidence. Our previous study of long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution and lung cancer incidence in a South Korean cohort showed no association with hazard ratios greater than one. This inconsistent finding with those from previous cohort studies could be due to limited exposure assessment relying on district averages and a relatively small sample size of 80 thousand people. The present study aimed to overcome the two major limitations and re-analyzed the association for long-term exposure to particulate matter ≤ 10 µm and 2.5 µm in diameter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone. Specifically, we improved our exposure assessment for individual exposure using 100-meter grid addresses, and increased the population size to 2 million people based on the National Health Insurance Database (NHID) composed of the entire South Korean population. Methods: Our study population included 1,976,265 people who aged 30 years or older, had no history of cancer for 2002-2006, underwent health screening for 2005-2007, and resided in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. We defined lung cancer incidence as the first diagnosis based on the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision code and identified the incidence for 10 years of follow-up from 2007 through 2016. We estimated individual long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and ozone as five-year average concentrations on each year at 100-meter grid addresses of participants’ homes by using previously-validated exposure prediction models. Finally, we applied time-varying Cox proportional hazard model to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for a 10 µg/m3 or 10 ppb increase of each of the four pollutants after adjusting for individual- and area-level characteristics. Results: Out of 1,976,265 people, 15,707 people (0.79%) developed new cases of lung cancer for 10 years of follow-up. In all analyses for long-term exposure to four pollutants and lung cancer incidence, we did not find an association (PM10: HR= 0.999 [95% CI=0.956 - 1.044]; PM2.5: 0.890 [0.787 - 1.006]; NO2: 1.002 [0.967 - 1.037]; ozone: 1.027 [0.978 - 1.077]). Our stratified analyses by individual and area-level characteristics as well as 79 districts showed that the null findings in the total population were not derived by specific subpopulations. Conclusion: Despites the considerable improvement in exposure assessment and population size, our findings are contradictory to previous evidence. In addition to the possibility of no association, our null findings could be due to a relatively short period of exposure, the lack of histological information, and exposure measurement error resulting from indoor-outdoor difference and time activity. Future studies should overcome these limitations and re-examine the association. Citation Format: Sun-Young Kim, Jeongho Park, Ok-Jin Kim, Miyoun Shin, Sungchan Kang, Seung-sik Hwang, Youngwook Kim, Young-Jae Cho. No association between air pollution and lung cancer incidence in a 2 million South Korean cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 833.

뷰티 전문가의 매력자본이 고객의 관계품질 및 재구매의도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between customer satisfaction, relationship quality, and repurchase intention between beauty experts' erotic capital as perceived by customers and to empirically analyze the mediating effect of customer satisfaction. The survey was conducted on 250 customers who visited beauty shops in the Seoul and Gyeonggi metropolitan areas and experienced beauty services, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The results derived through a series of research procedures are as follows. First, First, the attractive capital of beauty experts was found to have a statistically significant positive (+) effect on customer satisfaction and relationship quality. Second, beauty experts' customer satisfaction was found to have a statistically significant positive (+) effect on relationship quality and repurchase intention. Third, Customer satisfaction was found to have a statistically significant partial mediating effect in the relationship between the beauty expert's erotic capital as perceived by beauty consumers and repurchase intention.

The Impact of Vertical Eddy Diffusivity Changes in the CMAQ Model on PM2.5 Concentration Variations in Northeast Asia: Focusing on the Seoul Metropolitan Area

The vertical eddy diffusion process plays a crucial role in PM2.5 prediction, yet accurately predicting it remains challenging. In the three-dimensional atmospheric chemistry transport model (3-D AQM) CMAQ, a parameter, Kz, is utilized, and it is known that PM2.5 prediction tendencies vary according to the floor value of this parameter (Kzmin). This study aims to examine prediction characteristics according to Kzmin values, targeting days exceeding the Korean air quality standards, and to derive appropriate Kzmin values for predicting PM2.5 concentrations in the DJFM Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). Kzmin values of 0.01, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0, based on the model version and land cover, were applied as single values. Initially focusing on December 4th to 12th, 2020, the prediction characteristics were examined during periods of local and inflow influence. Results showed that in both periods, as Kzmin increased, surface concentrations over land decreased while those in the upper atmosphere increased, whereas over the sea, concentrations increased in both layers due to the influence of advection and diffusion without emissions. During the inflow period, the increase in vertically diffused pollutants led to increased inflow concentrations and affected contribution assessments. Long-term evaluations from December 2020 to March 2021 indicated that the prediction performance was superior when Kzmin was set to 0.01, but it was not significant for the upwind region (China). To improve trans-boundary effects, optimal values were applied differentially by region (0.01 for Korea, 1.0 for China, and 0.01 for other regions), resulting in significantly improved prediction performance with an R of 0.78, IOA of 0.88, and NMB of 0.7%. These findings highlight the significant influence of Kzmin values on winter season PM2.5 prediction tendencies in the SMA and underscore the need for considering differential application of optimal values by region when interpreting research and making policy decisions.

Heterogeneous public preferences for undergrounding high-voltage power transmission lines: The case of Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea

Local residents generally do not prefer the installation and operation of power infrastructure because of the perceived economic, health, environmental, and landscape risks associated with it. This study investigates public preferences for undergrounding high-voltage power transmission lines, which is a popular option to cope with conflicts related to transmission infrastructure. Undergrounding refers to burying overhead transmission lines underground. However, undergrounding projects are costly, making it difficult for local governments to conduct by themselves. Therefore, national-level support is required to conduct undergrounding of transmission lines. When national funds are used, considering heterogeneous public preferences is important, as the public may have a polarized preference towards the policy. This study utilized the choice experiment and consumer choice model to investigate public preferences for priorities and details of the high-voltage transmission line undergrounding policy. The latent class logit model, which incorporates preference heterogeneity by grouping the samples into a few classes, was utilized to investigate heterogeneous public preferences. Consequently, four distinct classes with different preference structures were identified. The results show that strong heterogeneity was observed, especially in the priority area for undergrounding. Moreover, heterogeneous public preferences were associated with the key demographics of respondents and perceptions towards transmission infrastructure.

Sensitivity of the WRF-Chem v4.4 simulations of ozone and formaldehyde and their precursors to multiple bottom-up emission inventories over East Asia during the KORUS-AQ 2016 field campaign

Abstract. In this study, the WRF-Chem v4.4 model was utilized to evaluate the sensitivity of O3 simulations with three bottom-up emission inventories (EDGAR-HTAP v2 and v3 and KORUS v5) using surface and aircraft data in East Asia during the Korea-United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign period in 2016. All emission inventories were found to reproduce the diurnal variations of O3 and its main precursor NO2 as compared to the surface monitor data. However, the spatial distributions of the daily maximum 8 h average (MDA8) O3 in the model do not completely align with the observations. The model MDA8 O3 had a negative (positive) bias north (south) of 30° N over China. All simulations underestimated the observed CO by 50 %–60 % over China and South Korea. In the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), EDGAR-HTAP v2 and v3 and KORUS v5 simulated the vertical shapes and diurnal patterns of O3 and other precursors effectively, but the model underestimated the observed O3, CO, and HCHO concentrations. Notably, the model aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were significantly underestimated with the three bottom-up emission inventories, although the KORUS v5 shows improvements. The model isoprene estimations had a positive bias relative to the observations, suggesting that the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) version 2.04 overestimated isoprene emissions. Additional model simulations were conducted by doubling CO and VOC emissions over China and South Korea to investigate the causes of the model O3 biases and the effects of the long-range transport on the O3 over South Korea. The doubled CO and VOC emission simulations improved the model O3 simulations for the local-emission-dominant case but led to the model O3 overestimations for the transport-dominant case, which emphasizes the need for accurate representations of the local VOC emissions over South Korea.

아파트의 역전세에 영향을 미치는 요인에 관한 연구

This study focuses on the capital region to identify the factors that influence the recent socially problematic trend of apartment flipping. Specifically, this study examines the causes of the reversal trend in apartment buildings in three regions: the Seoul metropolitan area, the Seoul region, and the Gyeonggi-do region, categorized by real estate characteristics, macroeconomic characteristics, environmental characteristics, and timing characteristics. The data used in this study is an unbalanced panel. The entity data consisted of 59 observations in the Seoul metropolitan area, 25 in Seoul, and 26 in Gyeonggi Province, and 103 time series from April 2015 to October 2023. The main results of the analysis are as follows. In terms of environmental characteristics, we find that the implementation of the three housing lease protection laws reduces the Chonsei deposit default, which is identical to Models 1 (Seoul metropolitan area), 2 (Seoul), and 3 (Gyeonggi). After the Ukraine-Russia war, Model 2 shows an increase in apartment Chonsei default, while Models 1 and 3 show a decrease in apartment Chonsei default. The different signs suggest that the interest rate effect is stronger in Seoul. In comparison, the effect of supply shortage due to the surge in commodity prices is stronger in the Seoul metropolitan area and Gyeonggi province. In the case of COVID-19, Model 2 shows the decrease in the apartment Chonsei default due to increased money supply and decreased interest rates. Model 1 (Seoul metropolitan area) and Model 3(Gyeonggi) region generated an apartment Chonsei default because the liquidity was concentrated in Seoul, the largest investment destination due to COVID-19, the rental rate decreased in Gyeonggi-do, which increased the Chonsei default. Regarding timing characteristics, the 2023 dummy has a positive effect. The renters in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province all signed Chonsei contracts in 2021, when the Chosei deposit was the highest. In 2022, the growth of apartment Chonsei deposits stagnated. In January 2023, apartment Chonsei deposits began to decline, leading to the phenomenon of apartment Chonsei deposit default, and as of November 2023, the Chonsei default phenomenon is intensifying.

M-W 모형 비교분석과 수도권 주택수요 추정 - 선형·비선형·가구기반 모형을 중심으로

This study aims to derive a housing demand analysis model suitable for the changing population and household structure. To this end, the modified M-W linear model, modified M-W non-linear model, and modified M-W household-based model were estimated using the 2010 MDIS housing survey data. The models were tested against the total housing area in 2021 from the Population and Housing Census to validate them in an out-of-sample spirit. The models were also used to estimate the long-term housing demand in the Seoul metropolitan area up to 2030. The analysis results suggest that the household-based M-W model can be best used to estimate housing demand when the number of households is growing rapidly compared to the number of people and household characteristics are dominant. Still, the population and household structure are changing, so an appropriate housing demand analysis model should be used depending on the time.

Effects of long-range transport on carboxylic acids, chlorinated VOCs, and oxidative potential in air pollution events

In the context of air quality research, the collection and analysis of fine particulate matter (PM2.5, with a diameter less than 2.5 μm) and volatile organic compound (VOCs) play a pivotal role in understanding and addressing environmental issues across the Korean Peninsula. PM2.5 and VOCs were collected over 4-hr intervals from October 17 to November 26, 2021 during the 2021 Satellite Integrated Joint Monitoring of Air Quality campaign at Olympic Park in the Republic of Korea to understand the factors controlling air quality over the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Source apportionment was performed using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model incorporating PM2.5 and VOCs. The factor identified by chlorinated VOCs as a major component was presumed to be due to transboundary influx and was referred to as the long-range transport factor. The long-range transport factor of PM2.5 was composed of NO3−, SO42−, NH4+, and di-carboxylic acids. Back trajectory analysis showed that the airflows originated from China and passed through the west coast of Korea to the Korean Peninsula. In the PMF results using PM2.5 and VOCs, long-range transport factors were identified in both analyses, and the high correlation observed between these factors confirms that they were transported from abroad. The dithiothreitol oxidation potential normalized to quinine showed the highest oxidation potential during the same period as the long-range transport factors increased. In conclusion, PM2.5 from external sources significantly contribute to elevated levels of dithiothreitol assay-oxidative potential (DTT-OP) in Korea. The toxic concentration, expressed as the mean ± standard deviation, was determined to be 0.29 ± 0.05 μM/m³, peaking at 0.39 μM/m³. This level is 1.8 times higher than that observed outside the event period. A notable increase in secondary pollutants was observed during these periods. These pollutants are known to enhance oxidative potential, thereby potentially impacting human health.

Occupying Shops to Defend Spaces of Livelihoods: From Tenant Shopkeepers’ Fragmentation to Collective Consciousness in Urban Korea

Abstract When commercial real estate becomes a highly coveted investment commodity, tensions intensify between those whose interest lies in extracting maximum profits from their properties and those who utilize the very same spaces for making a livelihood. Through ethnographic research with a tenant shopkeepers’ social movement organization (SMO) in Korea, I analyze the new collective consciousness forming among tenant shopkeepers who are defending their livelihoods against their landlords’ rapacious use of rent hikes and evictions to fully realize the speculative potential of their properties. Examining how the SMO brings together geographically scattered tenant shopkeepers based primarily in the larger metropolitan area of Seoul, I ask, more broadly: How can the self-employed facing precaritization overcome their fragmentation and generate a new collective consciousness based on a politics of solidarity? Drawing from my case study of tenant shopkeepers and the literature on livelihood struggles elsewhere around the globe, I identify the practice of occupying livelihood spaces as playing a pivotal role in the development of a sense of collective among those previously atomized in their struggles. I advance existing scholarship by scrutinizing both the challenges and the transformative potential of the solidarity cultivated through the occupy sites in bridging divergent interests, cultural sensibilities, and political beliefs of the previously unorganized.

Perceptions of Housing and Housing Improvement Efforts for Single-Person Young Adult Households in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Perceptions of Housing and Housing Improvement Efforts for Single-Person Young Adult Households in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Distribution of microplastics in soil by types of land use in metropolitan area of Seoul

Plastic pollution is becoming a significant problem in urban areas due to excessive use and careless disposal. While studies on microplastics are increasingly being conducted across various environments, research on microplastics in soil is limited compared to other areas. Microplastics entering the soil through various routes can stay there for a long period of time, threatening soil organisms and eventually humans. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the distribution characteristics of microplastics according to types of land use. For this purpose, a total of 54 soil samples were collected from agricultural land, residential areas, roadsides, parks, and forests. The analysis of microplastics in the soil by stereo microscopy showed that the average numbers of microplastics (particles/kg) in agricultural land, residential areas, roadsides, parks, and forests were 5047, 3646, 4987, 2673, and 1097, respectively. Various colors (black, red, green, blue, yellow, white, and transparent) and shapes (fragment, fiber, film, and sphere) of microplastics were found in soils. The combination of black x fragment plastics showed the highest frequency. Microplastics in soil samples from agricultural land, roadside, and residential areas with sizes between 20 µm and 500 µm were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and analyzed by MP finder. The number of microplastics detected in the soil with sizes ranging between 20 µm and 500 µm was in the order of roadside > residential areas > agricultural land, which was different from the results by stereomicroscopy. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were detected in soils from roadsides. Polyurethane (PU), cellulose acetate (CA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PP, and polystyrene (PS) were detected in soils from residential areas, with PU being the most frequently detected.

Modeling Urban Railway Passengers’ Willingness to Wait Based on Latent Class Analysis

Overcrowding in confined spaces, like inside trains, is a social issue that, in the long-term, could lead to accidents. To alleviate congestion in trains, a reduction in train headways is planned, made possible by technological advances such as the introduction of advanced autonomous trains (e.g., 60-s headway). However, simply reducing a train’s headway may be challenging because this does not consider the travel behavior of passengers who engage in the disruptive act of excessively boarding trains, thereby causing delays in their departure. Furthermore, the behavior of passengers may vary depending on an individual’s latent preferences, however, there is insufficient research that reflects these latent preferences. In this study, a survey was conducted with 971 urban rail passengers in the Seoul Metropolitan Area of Korea to identify their latent preferences using latent class analysis, resulting in a four-type classification: a congestion avoidance type, a time-sensitive type, a subway-preference type, and a type that does not prefer public transportation. Based on this, willingness to wait (WTW; i.e., waiting for the next less crowded train to reduce passenger discomfort) according to their latent preferences, was calculated. WTW was found to increase as the headway of the train was reduced. Choice modeling was conducted based on variables, including socioeconomic variables, to suggest effects related to WTW. The results indicated demand dispersion effects according to the headway reduction at peak times for various types of people. This study’s findings could be utilized to offer less crowded and safer train operations.

Disability-Related Mortality Inequity in South Korea: Comparison in Terms of Seoul Metropolitan/Non-Metropolitan Areas and Income Levels

Despite the improved living standards in South Korea, people with disabilities still experience health disparities. Therefore, we analyzed differences in mortality rates among people with disabilities according to income level and residential area using representative data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional risk models were used to identify the risk factors for mortality affecting people with disabilities stratified by income level and residential area. Those living in non-metropolitan areas and low-income households had high mortality risks, suggesting that income level and residential area were related to mortality risk. The mortality risk of those with a high-income level was 1.534 times higher in non-metropolitan areas than in Seoul metropolitan areas (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44–1.63). Among people with low income living in non-metropolitan areas, the crude hazard ratios of mortality risk were 1.26 (95% CI = 1.14–1.39), 1.44 (95% CI = 1.34–1.54), and 1.39 (95% CI = 1.20–1.61) for those with brain lesions, sensory impairment (visual/hearing/speech impairment), and kidney failure, respectively. No significant differences were observed between people with autism in non-metropolitan and Seoul metropolitan areas and those with low- and high-income levels. Health issues and countermeasures are crucial to reduce mortality risk among people with disabilities.

The influx of youth as an effect of the new town development policy through relocation of public institutions: focusing on differences between large and medium/small-city location types

ABSTRACT The study focus was the influx of youth as an effect of the new town development policy through relocation of public institutions. We also examined differences according to location type (large and medium/small cities). In addition, we classified the effects of the influx of youth into the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), non-Seoul Metropolitan Area (non-SMA), the surrounding area (SA), and non-surrounding area (non-SA). We conducted the analysis using the propensity score matching and difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) model. Study findings indicated that the new town development policy through relocation of public institutions had a positive effect, fostering an influx of youth. However, the effects of the influx of youth differed by location type (i.e. large and medium/small cities). Specifically, the effects of the influx of youth from the SMA were positive for both location types, but the effects from the non-SMA were statistically significant only for medium/small cities. In addition, we found positive effects on the youth influx from both the SA and non-SA regions in medium/small cities. This study can help policymakers and planners consider location types when developing strategies to activate a youth influx through the relocation of public institutions.

Commuting paradox of the technopole Newtown: A case study in the Seoul Metropolitan Area.

This study examines the relationship between different types of new town development and their impact on commuting patterns. It provides an empirical analysis of how development in Technopole Newtown and Residential Newtown influences commuting time and distance. Technopole Newtown is characterized by a blend of technological institutional clusters and residential development, while Residential Newtown primarily emphasizes residential development. Seoul Metropolitan Area was chosen as the case study, with data sourced from the Household Travel Survey. This study reveals a surprising commuting paradox in Technopole Newtown, where the plan was to blend job opportunities with residential development. The findings indicate that commuters did not benefit. Instead, they endured longer commutes in both time and distance compared to those in Residential Newtown, which is typically characterized as a bedroom community. The integration of job opportunities for the development of new towns should be considered a crucial factor in creating urban sustainability in the future.

A post in an internet forum led to a discovery of an invasive drywood termite in Korea, Cryptotermes domesticus (Haviland) (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae)

Abstract Invasive drywood termites are one of the most challenging species to detect in the early invasion process as they can infest a small piece of wood and be transported by human activity. Cryptotermes domesticus (Haviland, 1898) is native to south Asia and Australia and has been introduced into many other Asian countries and pacific islands, where they cause damage to furniture and wooden structures. Recently, an established colony of C. domesticus has been found in the Seoul metropolitan area, Republic of Korea, where drywood termites were not thought to be able to establish due to low winter temperatures. The discovery of C. domesticus was initiated from a post on an internet forum in which an anonymous homeowner collected alates in an apartment and asked for pest identification. This information was readily delivered to professional entomologists, and a task force was formed for inspection. During the thorough inspection, an infested sliding door frame was identified and a colony of C. domesticus was found. Instead of fumigation and localized pesticide treatment, the door and frame were removed and replaced, which was the most cost-effective control measure as the colony was only found there. Since the potential spread of C. domesticus is uncertain, the task force collaborated with the media, including newspapers and broadcasting news, to disseminate information to help recognize any additional unreported infestations. This study provides insights on how to cooperate with the media and citizens when a new invasive species is found.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Plecialongiforceps Duda, 1933 (Diptera, Bibionidae) and its implications for a phylogeny of the family Bibionidae.

Over the past decade, the prevalence of mass outbreaks involving non-native insects has sparked concerns about their potential negative impact on human inhabited areas and local environments. Plecialongiforceps Duda, 1933 (Diptera, Bibionidae) was recently recognized as an invasive pest in South Korea, causing public nuisance through mass outbreaks in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during early summer. In this study, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of Plecialongiforceps, generated from the PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing data. Notably, the length of the circular genome is found to be larger than any annotated reference sequences of mitochondrial genomes for the infraorder Bibionomorpha, which is attributable to an unusually long A+T rich control region. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of Bibionomorpha, focusing specifically on the family Bibionidae, using nearly all available mitochondrial genome data to elucidate relationships among genera within Bibionidae. Our phylogeny of Bibionomorpha recovered a strong monophyly of the family Bibionidae and its three subfamilies: Bibioninae (Bibio + Dilophus), Hesperininae (Hesperinus + Penthetria), and Pleciinae (Plecia), corroborating the recently proposed taxonomic classification system of Bibionidae. Furthermore, we discuss evolutionary trends within Bibionidae based on our well-supported higher relationships of the superfamily Bibionoidea.

Understanding Ozone Formation and Carbonyl Contributions in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Understanding Ozone Formation and Carbonyl Contributions in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Exploring smartphone-related digital divide among South Korean older adults

Purpose: One of the crucial steps towards fully grasping the benefits of smartphone use for all is to explore the existence of a digital divide and its relationship to different outcomes of smartphone use. In so doing, this study explored the smartphone-related digital divide among South Korean older adults in terms of ac-cess, use and outcomes.Design/methodology/approach: In-person interviews using questionnaires were conducted to collect the data from a total number of 372 older adults aged 60 and above in eleven community centers in the Seoul Metropolitan area in Korea, 223 of whom owned a smartphone. Results: This study found that most participants use smartphones to communicate with personal relation-ships and support system. There were, however, differences among groups related to gender, age, and ICT training in terms of the extent of smartphone usage and participation in virtual communities. In three age groups of 60+, 70+ and 80+, a younger cohort and those with ICT training had higher smartphone literacy, harnessing the potential of smartphones. Those who used smartphones to stay connected to their social group and for entertainment showed a lower level of loneliness. Conclusion: This study shows that older adults (i.e., 60+) are not a homogenous group when it comes to using smartphones. There are distinct differences in older smartphone users, especially in the age groups 60+, 70+ and 80+. Older adults should be encouraged to use smartphones for better connectivity with their social groups and entertainment, potentially decreasing their feeling of loneliness.

복합문화공간의 입지 결정 요인과 평가모형 연구

(1) RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Since complex cultural space development projects involve long-term decision-making with considerable time and large-scale capital investment and involve a lot of time and budget from basic design to construction and completion, efforts to minimize risk in the long run are very important. In relation to the location factors of complex cultural spaces, there is a need for an analytical and rational study that can satisfy the formation of local urban culture and economic factors. Accordingly, this study was conducted to understand the importance of the location determinants of complex cultural spaces and to suggest evaluation factors accordingly. (2) RESEARCH METHOD The evaluation items for the location determinants of the complex cultural space were selected through FGI, focusing on experts, and AHP analysis was conducted on the selected evaluation items as a structured secondary questionnaire in a pairwise comparison method for administrative and practical experts. To verify the evaluation model, the accuracy of the evaluation criteria was verified by comparing the evaluation model using the business performance evaluation model distribution table, focusing on the importance of the evaluation items calculated through AHP analysis. (3) RESEARCH FINDINGS As a result of evaluating each item of the four regional complex cultural spaces based on the overall importance of AHP, the highest scores were found in the order of Seoul, Gwangju, In the Seoul Metropolitan area, which was evaluated as the highest score, the public interest of social factors was the highest, followed by the convenience of public transportation of environmental factors in Gwangju. 2. RESULTS The fact that the convenience of public transportation, an environmental factor, was analyzed as the highest score in the location determination factor of the complex cultural space means that the complex cultural space should be located in the city center and secure transportation convenience, and that it should play a role in balanced regional development and urban economic development by expanding access opportunities for the public and art.