Exploring active living among urban young adults in Seoul, South Korea: a spatiotemporal qualitative study

Sedentary lifestyles among urban young adults are a growing public health concern, contributing to the rise in chronic diseases worldwide. Factors such as neighborhood walkability and access to amenities play a critical role in promoting physical activity among young adults. However, the specific ways urban environments influence active lifestyles vary and are context-dependent. This study explores how urban assets shape the active living experiences of young adults in a physical activity-friendly neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea. It addresses how these features support active lifestyles in a dense, competitive, and culturally complex urban environment. Twenty-six young adults residing in the study area, selected through purposive sampling, were recruited between September 2022 and May 2023. Using a spatiotemporal qualitative design, experiential, spatial, and temporal data were collected through in-depth interviews, cognitive mapping, and 24-hour activity tracking. The data were analyzed using generic qualitative analysis-a flexible approach to identifying patterns in qualitative data-and overlay analysis to integrate insights on how urban assets interact with young adults' active lifestyles. Young adults perceive active living as a self-directed pursuit, balancing personal growth and social engagement within a compact urban environment. Urban assets, including parks, fitness centers, and walkable streets, are key enablers. However, young adults also perceive psychological pressure to maintain an active lifestyle in a competitive urban setting. This study highlights the need for urban environments that promote physical activity while considering the unique challenges of young adulthood. Public health policies should ensure equitable access to urban assets, supporting young adults' active lifestyles.