This study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes the physical environment for health promotion in urban parks by indicators that were selected in consideration of overseas cases and previous studies. To evenly distribute the areas to be evaluated by region, Seodaemun Independence Park, Hongneung Park, Gocheok Park, Sillim Park, Cheongdam Park, Gaepo Park, and Sungin Park were selected among the old neighborhood parks already established in Seoul. The evaluation indicators consist of quantitative indicators (12 factors classified into the three categories of the surrounding environment, the park characteristics, and the park facilities) and qualitative indicators (14 factors classified according to the five categories of accessibility, safety, convenience, activities, and amenities). These indicators were selected after conducting advisory meetings with experts in the field. The physical environment perception factors were evaluated by experts and investigators by field inspections and were rated on a three-point scale (high, medium, low). According to the results of the analysis, first, not only were exercise facilities and trails, but also various factors which support health activities, such as rest areas, leisure spots, and cultural facilities, as well as accessibility, cleanliness, and drinking water facilities are important indicators for health promotion. Second, even if the requirements are met for quantitative factors, several inconveniences hinder the actual implementation or use in the qualitative evaluation. Thus, both quantitative and qualitative evaluations must be simultaneously performed for the proper judging of the physical environment of a park. Third, upon conducting a qualitative evaluation of the physical environmental factors, score differences depended on the evaluated categories in each park. These differences show that indirect indicators, such as accessibility, safety, and facility convenience are insufficiently equipped compared to direct indicators, such as activity, which includes exercise facilities and fitness centers for health promotion. As the utilization rate of parks is increasing due to COVID-19, more efforts should be made to improve park services in the post-corona era. To promote such services, it is necessary to regularly evaluate parks based on both quantitative and qualitative indicators and to contemplate services not only through direct factors but also indirect factors and security measures.
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