An Analysis of the Importance of Factors Contributing to the Decline of Bucheon’s Old Downtown Using the AHP Methodology

The decline of old city centers is often characterized by a disproportionate concentration of aging buildings, which contributes to an outdated urban image and reduced economic vitality. This study aims to identify and analyze key factors contributing to the underdevelopment of Bucheon City's old downtown area through a structured multi-criteria approach. Drawing on domestic and international literature, 11 critical factors were selected, encompassing economic, social, and physical-environmental dimensions. A Delphi survey was conducted with 11 experts, utilizing a 7-point Likert scale to validate these factors, followed by an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis to determine their relative importance. The results indicate that the decline of Bucheon’s old city center is driven by a complex interplay of factors, with economic variables such as commercial district decline, reduced new investment, and a shrinking economically active population emerging as primary contributors. However, the analysis reveals no significant disparity in the relative importance of these factors, underscoring the need for an integrated and multi-dimensional policy approach.