Is Seoul Walkable? Assessing a Walkability Score and Examining Its Relationship with Pedestrian Satisfaction in Seoul, Korea

Eun Jung Kim, Jaewoong Won and Jiyeong Kim
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Eun Jung Kim: Department of Urban Planning, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea
Jaewoong Won: Department of Real Estate, Graduate School of Tourism, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
Jiyeong Kim: Department of Urban Planning, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 24, 1-17

Abstract: Studies have assessed neighborhood walkability responding to increasing interest in academics, practitioners, and policy makers. While Walk Score is a well-operationalized and efficient measure of neighborhood walkability, it is not supported in the Asian context. We thus developed a “Walkability Score” for use in Seoul, South Korea, following the Walk Score algorithm and then conducted a logistic regression for a satisfied versus dissatisfied binary outcome in order to conduct an empirical test. Results showed a significant association between Walkability Score and pedestrian satisfaction. We also explored sample locations and found some discrepancies between Walkability Score and the degree of pedestrian satisfaction. While some sample locations near parks, and rivers and waterfront spaces (but without destinations for walking trips such as banking or shopping) revealed low Walkability Scores, the degree of pedestrian satisfaction was relatively high in these areas. Some samples located in residential areas with well-designed sidewalks and greenery revealed relatively high pedestrian satisfaction, but Walkability Scores were insufficient. This study’s Walkability Score was somewhat valid for approaching the issue, but further research is needed to complete this measure, especially in high-density areas with well-equipped pedestrian infrastructures (e.g., crosswalks, pedestrian streets).

Keywords: Walk Score; Walkability Score; pedestrian satisfaction; walkability assessment; Geographic Information System (GIS); Seoul (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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