A Study on the Site Selection of Urban Logistics Centers Utilizing Public Infrastructure

Jiarong Chen, Jungwook Lee and Hyangsook Lee ()
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Jiarong Chen: Department of International Trade, Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
Jungwook Lee: Graduate School of Logistics, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Hyangsook Lee: Graduate School of Logistics, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in urban logistics systems, particularly in last-mile delivery. To enhance logistics resilience and efficiency, the Korean government has initiated an innovative project that repurposes idle spaces in subway vehicle bases within the Seoul Metropolitan Area into logistics centers. This study proposes a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation framework combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to assess the suitability of ten candidate sites. The evaluation criteria span four dimensions, facility, geographical, environmental, and social factors, derived from the literature and expert consultations. AHP results indicate that geographical factors, especially proximity to urban centers and major logistics facilities, hold the highest weight. Based on the integrated analysis using TOPSIS, the most suitable locations identified are Sinnae, Godeok, and Cheonwang. The findings suggest the strategic importance of aligning infrastructure development with spatial accessibility and stakeholder cooperation. Policy implications include the need for targeted investment, public–private collaboration, and sustainable logistics planning. Future research is encouraged to incorporate dynamic data and consider social equity and environmental impact for long-term urban logistics planning.

Keywords: urban mobility; logistics operation; freight transportation; last-mile delivery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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