Spatial Factors and Walking Behavior in Pedestrian-Priority Streets - Focusing on Walking Interviews in a University District Designated as a Pedestrian-Priority Street in Ulsan, South Korea -

The aim of this study is to empirically identify actual usage patterns of pedestrian-priority streets and the factors that positively or negatively affect walking experiences. To this end, the study focused on the study site near the University of Ulsan, which had been designated as a pedestrian-priority zone approximately one year prior. Walking interviews and video-based interviews were conducted with 20 university students. This study analyzed how spatial factors related to pedestrian perceptions of safety, convenience, comfort, and walking attractiveness influence actual walking behavior. The findings indicate that illegally parked vehicles on walkways, the speed of two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, issues related to overall streetscape design and cleanliness, and the increasing number of vacant commercial spaces were identified as negative factors. In contrast, aspects such as a lively and vibrant atmosphere and appropriate vehicle speeds were perceived as relatively positive factors for walking. These elements often interacted or conflicted with one another, suggesting that pedestrian-priority street projects require careful consideration of site-specific characteristics.