Parks In Seoul Research Articles

Explorations on cooling effect of small urban linear park design in low-rise, high-density district: The case of Gyeongui line forest park in Seoul

Various types of urban parks provide a nature-based solution for mitigating urban heat islands and the cooling effect of urban parks has been extensively studied. However, there is a scarcity of cases involving small linear parks based on quantifiable unit, despite the expectation of their high cooling efficiency due to their unique form and characteristics. This study examined the cooling effect of urban linear park (LP) in low-rise and high-density districts with the longest urban park case in Seoul, South Korea, Gyeongui Line Forest Park, focusing on the influential factors related to park design. Thermal condition simulations and field measurements, including evaluations of thermal comfort, were conducted both inside and outside the LP. Park extensions with increased tree coverage ratio exhibit a consistent decline in thermal variables, with reductions of up to 11.25°C for mean radiant temperature (MRT), and 5.84°C for physiological equivalent temperature (PET). Peak cooling intensities are observed during the hottest time of day at 12 °C for MRT, with parallel wind further enhancing the cooling effect. In addition, LP cooling effect related to adjacent street types was investigated and appeared to be more pronounced in narrower streets. Strategies such as adding tall trees along adjacent streets and connecting cold airflows from the park to a street tree corridor may help to strengthen LP’s cooling effect. While direct comparisons are limited, initial findings suggest that small urban linear parks under specific conditions have significant cooling potential, possibly comparable to or exceeding that of other similar-sized small urban parks, needing further investigation.

Senior User Behavior Analysis of Parks in Seoul Considering Senior-friendly Park

Senior User Behavior Analysis of Parks in Seoul Considering Senior-friendly Park

Spatial Equity of Urban Park Distribution: Examining the Floating Population within Urban Park Catchment Areas in the Context of the 15-Minute City

Urban parks, as major components of green infrastructure, have contributed to natural landscape preservation, ecosystem service provision, residents’ physical and mental health enhancement, and social cohesion intensification, under the emphasis on the need for sustainable urban development. However, urban parks have been insufficiently and inappropriately created in the process of the urban space expansion and population density increase, necessitating their equitable distribution and access. This study aimed to analyze the distribution characteristics of a total of 354 urban parks in Seoul, South Korea, utilizing the estimates of floating population derived from big data and the urban park catchment areas, in the context of the 15-minute city. Its 25 districts were classified into the following four types based on the relationship between the area and the population ratios for the 600 m and 900 m catchment areas: Type 1 parks were equitably distributed with well-matched supply and demand; Type 2 parks had an uneven distribution due to insufficient supply and excessive demand; Type 3 parks were inadequately distributed with both supply and demand below average; and Type 4 parks had a mismatch between sufficient supply and unfulfilled demand. This study suggested strategies to improve the spatial equity of urban parks for each type, including qualitative improvement, quantitative increase, redistribution, and accessibility optimization tactics.

Investigation of Cicada Density in Urban Park

In this study, we investigated the occurrence patterns and densities of cicadas in 18 urban parks in Seoul, Korea. Considering the ecological characteristics of cicadas that occured only in summer, the temporal changes of cicadas were investigated every week from June to September in 2017. Cicadas densities were measured using the final instar exuviae of cicada, which showed distinct morphological differences between species. A total of 7,369 cicada exuviae of six species were collected, and the dominant species in urban park were <i>Hyalessa fuscata</i> (44.8%) and <i>Cryptotympana atrata</i> (41.7%). There was no clear difference in the pattern of occurrence by species, but it occurred most frequently around August when the rainy season ended.

도시공원의 기능 및 형평성 진단을 통한 서울시 장기 미집 행 도시공원의 우선 보상순위 설정 연구 - 서울시 생활권 공원을 대상으로 -

도시공원 일몰제의 도입으로 서울시는 공원면적 전체 중 81.5%의 도시공원이 대규모 실효 위기에 놓이게 되었으며, 도시자연공원구역 지정 및 매입계획을 세워 당장의 효력상실은 막았으나 용도구역 지정토지 소유자들로부터 개발 제한에 대한 불만과 토지매입 요청이 이어지고 있다. 허나 사유지를 단번에 매입할 재정 여건이 여의치 않기에 결국 단계적인 사유지 매입이 이뤄져야만 궁극적인 공원 보전이 이뤄질 수 있는 상황이다. 본 연구는 서울시 장기 미집행 도시공원을 대상으로 우선 매입순위 평가를 진행함으로써 이용가치가 높은 공원부터 선제 조치가 취해질 수 있게 하는 하나의 가이드라인을 제시하도록 했다. 특히 평가과정에서 극심한 공원 빈부격차를 겪고 있는 국내 상황을 반영하여 자치구별 공원 불평등과 관련한 지표를 고려하였다. 연구 방법은 다음과 같다. 장기 미집행 도시공원 자체적 평가는 자연·생태적 기능, 사회·이용적 기능, 공원자체적 기능과 관련한 평가지표를 통해 진행하였으며 공원 형평성 평가는 공원 개수, 공원면적 비율, 공급 소외지역 비율, 1인당 공원면적, 공원 접근성 지표를 바탕으로 측정하였다. 두 평가를 합산하여 최종적으로 공원 평가를 도출하였으며 더 나아가 선별된 공원을 보다 효율적으로 매입하기 위한 방향성을 제시하였다.

서울기록원 소장 남산공원 기록물의 현황과 내용†

Namsan Park in Seoul was designated as a “grand park” in 1954 and is currently operated as an ‘Urban Nature Park Area’ and four ‘neighborhood parks.’ However, despite the park’s historical and cultural value as an urban park, it has been discussed mainly from a perspective revolving around notions of a mountain or a city wall. To ensure a comprehensive exploration of Namsan Park’s history, this study examined public records at the Seoul Metropolitan Archives (SMA), which houses the city’s permanent records for preservation and organization. To this end, documents in the SMA Database (DB) were analyzed, yielding 1,359 records concerning Namsan Park. Based on the contents, general characteristics of the urban park were identified through production periods, record types, and disclosure types. Then, essential keywords concerning organizations, people, geographical areas, subjects, and business functions were examined. Finally, the contents and characteristics of Namsan Park in public records were scrutinized, focusing on specific spaces. This research also uncovered important information, such as park drawings, photos, planting lists, plant parcel lists, and significant discussions and decisions regarding the operation and management of the park. Although the public records do not contain a comprehensive history of Namsan Park, it was possible to check the primary historical changes and deliberation processes pertaining to the park’s history. Therefore, continuous research intended to interpret and describe public records is expected to identify many implications. In addition, because the public records showed heterogeneous characteristics that center on specific periods and events, an essential task is to advance collaboration and networking with various related institutions, designers, researchers, and citizens.

Evaluation of the effects of particulate matter forecasting system on behavior patterns in Seoul, Korea

Background and aim: The particulate matter (PM) forecasting system is one of the most prominent political options that can help to reduce the risk of PM. Its goal is to urge people to take avoidance behaviors for upcoming pollution by issuing warnings. In Korea, the national PM10 forecasting system was launched on February 6, 2014. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the PM forecasting system in relation to the number of visitors to the Children’s Grand Park in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We used regression discontinuity design to estimate the effectiveness of the policy from 2014 to 2019. Since the PM forecasting results were not available, the measured PM10 concentration of Seoul was used as a proxy for treatment variable. The cut-off point of the intervention was set to 80ug/m3, the starting point for a "Bad” rating, and the bandwidth was set to 10ug/m3. We further adjusted the daily mean temperature. Results: When the PM10 concentration exceeds 80ug/m3, the number of visitors to the park decreased by about 15,000. In addition, there was a negative relationship between PM10 concentration and the number of park visitors where pollution levels were over 80ug/m3. The results were statistically significant at the 10% significance level. Conclusions: Our result indicates that the PM10 forecasting system seems effective in Korea. According to previous studies in Korea, the risk of PM10 on various health outcomes decreased in recent years. The introduction of the forecasting system and increment in awareness of PM might be possible causes for that change in the PM10 risk.

Proposal for a STEAM education program for creativity exploring the roofline of a hanok using GeoGebra and 4Dframe

This research was conducted to confirm the feasibility of a STEAM education program in which the mathematics, physics, and Korean traditional arts underlying the hanok roofline are investigated using educational tools of GeoGebra and 4Dframe. This paper contends that this program has the potential to engage students in knowledge restructuring regarding the perception of the hanok’s architectural beauty, Newton's concept of gravity, and mathematical functions. The Octagonal Pavilion in Tapgol Park in Seoul, South Korea, a representative hanok, was used as an educational resource. GeoGebra is used to determine that the roofline of the Octagonal Pavilion generally follows the formula of the catenary curve and then the roofline is modelled using 4Dframe. The catenary form of the roofline of the hanok is linked to the Korean sense of beauty in the pursuit of naturalness under the influence of gravity and organically harmonizes with the environment. The class described in this study, in which the curve of the roofline of the Octagonal Pavilion is explored using GeoGebra and 4Dframe, can help develop creative and critical thinking in students in the context of STEAM education. The findings of this study have the potential to expand the scope of STEAM education to include content for creative education.

한강공원의 질적 서비스와 이용자 영향권의 상관관계 분석

At a time when the equitable use of urban parks is gradually emerging as a social issue, this study was initiated to expand the influence of urban parks by improving the quality of park services, thereby resolving areas not covered by urban park services. This study targeted the Hangang Park in Seoul, where the qualitative service of parks shows the greatest difference. The influence relationship between the qualitative services of the park and the user

Diurnal and Seasonal Variations of Particulate Matter Concentrations in the Urban Forests of Saetgang Ecological Park in Seoul, Korea

Urban forests provide various ecosystem services. Although the function of reducing particulate matter (PM) in the city is known, research into the reduction of PM according to the type and structure of various forests is still needed. It is essential to study the characteristics of PM concentration in urban riparian forests, which are frequently used for outdoor walks in the COVID-19 era. In this study, the diurnal and seasonal changes in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were analyzed in urban forests with different structures in the riparian forests located in central Seoul. The PM concentration was found to be high regardless of the time of the day in forests with a developed canopy layer. Similar results were found before and after leaf emergence compared with the seasonal PM concentration. The results of this study highlight the need for planned and periodic management of the canopy layer and underground vegetation to prevent the PM trapping effect to ensure the safe use of riparian forests in cities.

Ecological Design Strategies and Theory for Urban Parks in Seoul, 1990s–Present

This study explores the characteristics of and changes in Korean landscape architects’ attitudes toward ecological design strategies and theories over the last three decades. Methodologically, this study includes a literature review and incorporates data from case studies and site visits. It discusses Seoul-specific contexts regarding environmental conditions, urban morphology, administrative agency, and design theory and practice. It redefines ecological parks, expanding their scope using physical and non-physical ecological processes. Considering this redefinition, this study categorizes the five main attitudes of contemporary Korean landscape architects towards ecological design: providing wildlife habitat, constructing aesthetic experiences, the phasing strategy, developing environmental learning programs, and designers’ metaphoric expression. Through these attitudes, this study chronologically explores gradual and constant changes in design strategies and the discourse on ecological design. Specifically, in the 1990s, landscape architects emphasized the representation of ecosystems by constructing wildlife habitats. In the early 2000s, ecological parks were artistically designed as urban parks by reusing post-industrial landscapes. Around the 2010s, landscape architects developed resilient and adaptive design strategies to flexibly respond to uncertain changes in natural and urban ecological circumstances. Since the 2010s, landscape architects have continually expanded the scope of ecology to cover physical, non-physical, urban, and social infrastructures, including public transportation, as well as political, social, and cultural structures and virtual and augmented landscapes. This study can contribute to the field literature while adding a valuable overview of the understudied Korean context.

From the Berlin Olympics marathon to a park in Seoul: Sohn Kee-Chung and the construction of sports heritage in South Korea

Runner Sohn Kee-chung (1912–2002) was a top athlete in the mid-1930s who won the marathon in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Sohn was a Korean, yet he competed for Japan because Korea was a Japanese colony. To his contemporaries and in post-colonial Korea, Sohn became an admirable symbol of anti-colonial resistance, yet, at the turn of the 21st century anxieties have surfaced following indications that his place in national collective memory may not be stable. I identify that meaningful moment and argue that the challenge to Sohn’s iconic image sparked a major commemorative wave to memorialize him and confirm his status as a national hero through concrete representations. I demonstrate how the related sites create through Sohn a sports heritage that celebrates the Korean nation and the values of reunification and peace, yet at the same time actually anchors South Korea’s legitimacy vis-à-vie the rival sister to the north.

PM2.5 pH estimation in Seoul during the KORUS-AQ campaign using different thermodynamic models

Despite its profound influence on air quality, the aerosol acidity, quantifiable by aerosol pH is poorly characterized in South Korea where high concentrations of fine particles have become a serious environmental issue. In this study, we estimated the pH values of PM2.5 using observations of inorganic species and precursor gases concentrations, ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH), measured at the Olympic Park in Seoul during the KORUS-AQ campaign (10 May to June 19, 2016). For the aerosol pH calculation, the ISORROPIA and E-AIM thermodynamic equilibrium models in forward mode were used, in which we found the phase state assumption, either stable (solid + liquid) or metastable (liquid only) had no significant impact on pH predictions. As reported previously, the unrealistic pH prediction of ∼7.6 by ISORROPIA, which largely misrepresents ammonia-rich aerosol contents in the Seoul atmosphere was mainly due to coding errors in the standard ISORROPIA model (i.e., forward mode with stable state assumption). Using the revised ISORROPIA, pH predictions obtained with stable assumption approached those obtained with the metastable state assumption. Following such amendment, fine particle samples were predicted to be acidic with pH values ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 as determined by both ISORROPIA and E-AIM calculations. These pH values were higher than those reported in the United States and Europe and lower than those reported in northern China. A comparison of ISORROPIA and E-AIM models revealed that the pH values obtained using ISORROPIA were consistently but only ∼0.4 pH unit higher than those obtained using E-AIM, demonstrating the precision and consistent utility of thermodynamic equilibrium model in the quantification of PM2.5 pH in Seoul.

Boundary layer versus free tropospheric submicron particle formation: A case study from NASA DC-8 observations in the Asian continental outflow during the KORUS-AQ campaign

In this study, we contrasted major secondary inorganic species and processes responsible for submicron particle formation (SPF) events in the boundary layer (BL) and free troposphere (FT) over the Korean Peninsula during Korea-United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign (May–June 2016) using aircraft observations. The number concentration of ultrafine particles with diameters between 3 nm and 10 nm (NCN3–10) during the entire KORUS-AQ period reached a peak (7606 ± 12,003 cm−3) at below 1 km altitude, implying that the particle formation around the Korean Peninsula primarily occurred in the daytime BL. During the BL SPF case (7 May 2016), the SPF over Seoul metropolitan area was more attributable to oxidation of NO2 rather than SO2-to-sulfate conversion. From the analysis of the relationship between nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) and temperature or relative humidity (RH), NOR showed a positive correlation only with temperature. This suggests that homogeneous gas-phase reactions of NO2 with OH or O3 contributed to nitrate formation. From the relationship between NCN3–10 (> 10,000 cm−3) and the NOR (or sulfur oxidation ratio) at Olympic Park in Seoul during the entire KORUS-AQ period, it was regarded that the relative importance of nitrogen oxidation was grown as the NCN3–10 increased. During the FT SPF case (31 May 2016) over the yellow sea, the SO2-to-sulfate conversion seemed to influence SPF highly. The sulfate/CO ratio had a positive correlation with both the temperature and RH, suggesting that aqueous-phase pathways as well as gas-phase reactions might be attributable to sulfate formation in the FT. In particular, FT SPF event on 31 May was possibly caused by the direct transport of SO2 precursors from the continent above the shallow marine boundary layer under favorable conditions for FT SPF events, such as decreased aerosol surface area and increased solar radiation.

구글맵리뷰 텍스트마이닝을 활용한 공원 이용자의 인식 및 평가 - 서울숲, 보라매공원, 올림픽공원을 대상으로 -

The study aims to grasp the perception and appraisal of urban park users through text analysis. This study used Google review data provided by Google Maps. Google Maps Review is an online review platform that provides information evaluating locations through social media and provides an understanding of locations from the perspective of general reviewers and regional guides who are registered as members of Google Maps. The study determined if the Google Maps Reviews were useful for extracting meaningful information about the user perceptions and appraisals for parks management plans. The study chose three urban parks in Seoul, South Korea; Seoul Forest, Boramae Park, and Olympic Park. Review data for each of these three parks were collected via web crawling using Python. Through text analysis, the keywords and network structure characteristics for each park were analyzed. The text was analyzed, as were park ratings, and the analysis compared the reviews of residents and foreign tourists. The common keywords found in the review comments for the three parks were "walking", "bicycle", "rest" and "picnic" for activities, "family", "child" and "dogs" for accompanying types, and "playground" and "walking trail" for park facilities. Looking at the characteristics of each park, Seoul Forest shows many outdoor activities based on nature, while the lack of parking spaces and congestion on weekends negatively impacted users. Boramae Park has the appearance of a city park, with various facilities providing numerous activities, but reviewers often cited the park

Do persons with low socioeconomic status have less access to greenspace? Application of accessibility index to urban parks in Seoul, South Korea

Access to urban greenspace has many benefits such as improved health and social cohesion. If access differs by population, these benefits make access to greenspace an environmental justice issue, but little is known regarding accessibility of parks among different sub-groups in Seoul, South Korea. We explored potential socioeconomic inequities for access to parks in Seoul measuring two park provision metrics: total park area per capita (TPPC), and park accessibility index determined by size and proximity of parks. We assessed correlations between a deprivation index for the 25 Gus (administrative unit equivalent to the US borough) and each park provision metric. Regression analyses were applied for the associations between eight socioeconomic indicators of the 424 Dongs (equivalent to the US neighborhood) and each park provision metric. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in percent elderly (⩾65 years) (3.2%) was significantly associated with larger TPPC (1.6 m2/person, 95% CI: 0.8, 2.4). Park accessibility index was associated with more socioeconomic variables than was TPPC. An IQR increase in percent elderly and divorce rates (1.2/1000 population) was associated with increased park accessibility by 3571 km (95% CI: 1103, 6040) and decreased park accessibility by 1387 (95% CI: −2706, −67), respectively. An IQR increase in percentage of the population receiving social low-income support aid (2.2%) was associated with increased park accessibility (reflecting park size and proximity of parks) of residential parks near residential areas by 1568 (95% CI: 15, 3120). Results suggest higher park access for socioeconomically disadvantaged regions. Findings indicate that measures of detailed park access considering spatial proximity and park size may more accurately measure park inequity compared to more basic metrics (e.g. TPPC), which may bias estimation of park inequity by capturing only one characteristic of parks. Detailed park measures should be considered in urban planning and health studies of greenspace.

데이터 분석 기법을 활용한 도시재생공원의 이용특성 분석 – 마포문화비축기지를 중심으로 –

This study identified the characteristics of use of the Mapo Culture tank, which is an urban regeneration park in which the city of Seoul has turned industrial heritage into a park. The characteristics of the analyzed cultural storage base recognition and usage behavior are as follows. First, through the appearance of the existing abandoned industrial facilities and the reinterpreted architecture, they feel the visual appeal, giving them a unique emotional meaning and forming attachment. Second, people perceive the oil storage base as a plaza where various cultural activities are held rather than an urban park. Third, there is insufficient resting space compared to the size of the space of the oil storage base. As described above, it was found that the cultural storage base was unfavorable in fulfilling the purpose and desire as an urban park because it did not provide a pleasant environment to support various experiences and behaviors while feeling attractive in the physical environment of the oil storage base. The Mapo Culture tank, one of the urban regeneration parks in Seoul, was created as a cultural park through cultural tools such as ‘culture and art’ and ‘education’. However, due to the excessive emphasis on 'culture' and the low utilization of space such as a lack of resting space, it is necessary to develop a utilization plan and space plan for efficient and rational operation. By identifying the characteristics of use of the oil storage base and suggesting factors that affect satisfaction, it is expected that the oil storage base will develop into an urban park with culture and history and a central space for local communities.

Compositional Features of Modern Urban Landscape Spaces

The article is devoted to the studying of the compositional solution and the analysis of the creation of parks characterized by linear-axial composition. The historical roots of linear spaces are noted. The history and principles of creating Promenade Plantee in Paris, High Line Park in New York, the Tide in London, the Cheonggyecheon Park in Seoul are outlined. On the example of these landscape objects the compositional analysis is fulfilled. As a result, the basic principles of modern linear-axial spaces compositional construction are identified. Distinctions from historical analogues are highlighted. It is concluded that the linear type of space has flexibility and susceptibility to new functions, the ability to transform in modern conditions into an actual, urban planning justified and popular model of urban public space.

Characteristics of HONO and its impact on O3 formation in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during the Korea-US Air Quality study

Photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO) is recognized as an early-morning source of OH radicals in the urban air. During the Korea–US Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign, HONO was measured using quantum cascade - tunable infrared laser differential absorption spectrometer (QC-TILDAS) at Olympic Park in Seoul from 17 May, 2016 to 14 June, 2016. The HONO concentration was in the range of 0.07–3.46 ppbv, with an average of 0.93 ppbv. Moreover, it remained high from 00:00–05:00 LST. During this time, the mean concentration was higher during the high-O3 episodes (1.82 ppbv) than the non-episodes (1.20 ppbv). In the morning, the OH radicals that were produced from HONO photolysis were 50% higher (0.95 pptv) during the high-O3 episodes than the non-episodes. Diurnal variations in HOx and O3 concentrations were simulated by the F0AM model, which revealed a difference of ~20 ppbv in the daily maximum O3 concentrations between the high-O3 episodes and non-episodes. Furthermore, the HONO concentration increased with an increase in relative humidity (RH) up to 80%; the highest HONO was associated with the top 10% NO2 in each RH group, confirming that NO2 is one of the main precursors of HONO. At night, the conversion ratio of NO2 to HONO was estimated to be 0.88×10−2 h−1; this ratio was found to increase with an increase in RH. The Aitken mode particles (30–120 nm), which act as catalyst surfaces, exhibited a similar tendency with a conversion ratio that increased along with RH, indicating the coupling of surfaces with HONO conversion. Using an artificial neural network (ANN) model, HONO concentrations were successfully simulated with measured variables (r2 = 0.66 as an average of five models). Among these variables, NOx, aerosol surface area, and RH were found to be the main factors affecting the ambient HONO concentrations. The results reveal that RH facilitates the conversion of NO2 to HONO by constraining the availability of aerosol surfaces. This study demonstrates the coupling of HONO with the HOx-O3 cycle in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) and provides practical evidence of the heterogeneous formation of HONO by employing the ANN model.

Does Low Socioeconomic Status Areas Have Less Greenspace? Inequity in Accessibility to Urban Parks in Seoul, South Korea

Greenspace provides ecosystem services that can improve health and well-being and contribute to climate change adaptation. The distribution of greenspace is unequal in populations, however, little is known regarding type, size, and accessibility of parks among different socioeconomic groups. This study explored inequities of urban parks by socioeconomic status in Seoul, South Korea. Demographic and socioeconomic data for 23,004 Seoul residents were obtained from the 2015 Community Health Survey. The park provision was measured by total park area per capita, distance to the closest park, and park accessibility index determined by size and proximity of parks for each study district using the 2015 geographical park data. Regression analyses estimated the relationships between individual’s socioeconomic status and the park provision metrics. Results showed different implications among the considered metrics: people with household income ≥ the high-income threshold ($5,000/month) had lower district-level accessibility index values by -20.18 km (95% CI: -27.42, -12.94) but larger total park area per capita by 0.16 km2/person (95% CI: 0.07, 0.25), compared to people below the high-income threshold. The average size of parks in 1-km buffers aggregated for each district was larger for persons with higher education level (≥ Bachelor’s degree) by 3324 m2 (95% CI: 2263, 4385) and for people with ≥$5,000 monthly household income by 1672 m2 (95% CI: 632, 2713). Persons supported by government subsistence (-3808 m2, 95% CI: -7105, -511) and those with multiracial families (-5040 m2, 95% CI: -9964, -115) had smaller park size. These results differed by park types. This study indicates that simply metrics may obscure differences among park provisions. This may bias estimation of park inequity and in turn affect estimation of health impacts of greenspace. We suggest that park accessibility based on detailed metrics should be considered in urban planning and health impact assessments for greenspace.