Expansion patterns of walking activity spaces in superblock neighbourhoods based on mHealth data from Jamsil

We investigated walkability in superblock neighbourhoods, which have been criticised for their isolated urban forms and lack of pedestrian connectivity. By exploring walking activity spaces (WASs) – spatial extents where residents engage in daily walking – we analysed where and how much walking is expanded or confined. We used the kernel method based on walking route data collected via a smartphone mHealth application to derive WASs for residents in Jamsil, Seoul, Korea. We examined whether the neighbourhood and individual factors were associated with the expansion and confinement of WASs. We found the inconsistencies between WAS expansion patterns and the existing notions that superblock neighbourhoods are isolated. We also found that age, rather than gender, was positively associated with WAS size and the tendency for long-distance walking from home. Additionally, we observed that neighbourhood type played a role in limiting the expansion of WASs by residents as well as by visitors. The results providing insights into urban superblocks for more daily walking contribute to designing more walkable and inclusive residential neighbourhoods.