A Study on Perceptions of the Role of Urban Gardens in Revitalizing Local Communities in Old Downtown Areas: Focused on Haebangchaon Urban Gardens, Created for the Seoul International Garden Show

Background and objective: In today's cities, many initiatives to transform gray urban areas have involved the creation of small-scale green spaces on unused land. These green spaces have taken various forms, including alley gardens and urban gardens. Their significance and value have grown as they contribute to improving urban environments and enhancing the lives of residents. This study selected the gardens in the Haebangchon area (hereinafter referred to as Haebangchon Urban Gardens), which were created for the 2019 Seoul International Garden Show and have been managed until now as research sites, to understand the satisfaction of local residents and civic gardeners with the urban gardens and their role in the local community and to provide basic data that can aid in directing development and revitalizing the local communities.Methods: In detail, this study was structured into a literature review, a field survey of the status of the research sites, and a survey of residents' and civic gardeners' perceptions of the role of urban gardens. Prior studies and cases were reviewed through literature surveys, field surveys were conducted to understand the current status of each study site, and surveys were conducted of residents and civic gardeners in Haebangchon. Based on the survey results, statistical analysis was performed using cross-analysis of frequency analysis and chi-square verification, and conclusions were reached by synthesizing these research contents.Results: An analysis comparing residents' and civic gardeners' perceptions of the Haebangchaon Urban Gardens showed that, on average, residents were less satisfied with the urban gardens than civic gardeners. They preferred an environment that could be more practically used and experienced, such as through the inclusion of rest arears and fitness spaces, as well as garden and activity programs. Civic gardeners were more satisfied with urban gardens than residents. Furthermore, they were more aware of the importance of easy-to-manage environmental functions by focusing on the maintenance of gardens. Residents also showed a lower average of positive perceptions than civic gardeners regarding community participation and consciousness, such as the formation of community organizations and voluntary management by residents in the Haebangchon area, while civic gardeners showed a very high average of positive perceptions.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is expected that green services tailored to local residents will be provided and that communities of interest will be organized to serve as a platform for the creation and operation of gardens. It is necessary to establish an efficient system as a garden city by organically integrating garden planning, maintenance, and the application of various programs.