Cluster Analysis of Urban Potential Garden Users Based on Past Gardening Experience - Focusing on Garden Use Purposes, Design Elements, and Plant Species Importance -

This study investigates the extent to which prior gardening experience influences user preferences for garden functions, design attributes, and species selection. A structured questionnaire was administered to 180 residents in the Seoul metropolitan area, encompassing five domains: past experience, garden use, design elements, plant importance, and socio-demographic background, each was evaluated on a five-point Likert scale. K-means cluster analysis identified four distinct groups—Indirect experience-oriented, Contemplative–appreciative, Participatory–productive, and Low-experience. One-way ANOVA with Scheffé post-hoc tests revealed significant differences among clusters in perceptions of garden purposes, design priorities, and the relative importance of plant species (p <0.001). Marked variations were observed in attitudes toward planting density, garden size, ecological harmony, and preferences for visually appealing versus easily managed species. The findings demonstrate that typologies based on prior gardening experience provide a robust framework for user-centered garden design and highlight the importance of incorporating experiential dimensions into planning processes to foster sustained engagement and long-term satisfaction.