Introduction
In today’s cities, many initiatives to transform gray urban areas have involved the creation of small-scale green spaces on unused land, as space for large-scale parks is difficult to find. These green spaces have taken various forms and concepts, such as alley gardens, village gardens using empty houses, and urban gardens. Their significance and value have grown as they contribute to improving the urban environment and enhancing the lives of residents (Lee, 2019). These spaces are not just environmental areas, but places where residents can engage with gardens in their daily lives, fostering mental well-being and communication with neighbors; they seem to be closely connected to local communities, enhancing quality of life (Lim, 2022).
According to previous studies on urban gardens and local community activation—the central themes of this study—the concept of gardens, originally rooted in the private sphere, has evolved into a more experiential and participatory space. Today, it serves as a setting for interaction between nature and people, communication among local residents, and emotional bonding (Park, 2014; Kim, 2017). Urban gardens seem to enhance life satisfaction as they are created and nurtured by local communities. It has also been emphasized that programs that foster a sense of community among residents and encourage their voluntary, active interaction and participation are important factors in activating local communities (Lim, 2022). Overseas cases where green social spaces, including urban gardens, have contributed to the activation of local communities show that in many countries—including the United States, Japan, Germany, and Canada—various green social spaces, such as community and urban gardens, have been created and are being systematically managed. The detailed operating guidelines are as follows: First, establish an organizational system for communication and cooperation among stakeholders; second, manage participatory sustainability programs, such as volunteer work, festivals, and education; and third, operate communal spaces accessible to all, with consideration for the socially disadvantaged (https://blog.naver.com/unckor/221373048856).
This study focused on urban gardens in the Haebangchon area (hereinafter referred to as Haebangchon Urban Gardens), which were created for the 2019 Seoul International Garden Show and have been continuously maintained and managed since then. The purpose was to suggest development directions for urban gardens and provide basic data for creating alternatives that sustainably activate local communities. To this end, local residents and garden managers were surveyed about their satisfaction with the gardens and their perceptions of the role of urban gardens in the local community.
Research Methods
The urban gardens created and maintained in the Haebangchon area for the 2019 Seoul International Garden Show were selected as research sites. These gardens are located in Yongsan 2-ga-dong and Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. A total of 13 gardens were identified, including 5 show gardens, 5 student gardens, and 3 civic gardens that were preserved and not cleared out of the 19 gardens originally created for the garden show. For this study, 10 show and student gardens were chosen as research sites, as they were found to have secured, occupied spaces and clear patterns of use by their users.
To establish the purpose of this study and to conduct it, the study was structured in detail into a literature review, a field survey of the status of the research sites, and a survey of residents’ and civic gardeners’ perceptions of the role of urban gardens.
First, a literature review was conducted, categorizing studies on urban gardens and community revitalization. Regarding the functions and roles of urban gardens, Kim and Lee (2017) suggested aesthetics, comfort, eco-friendliness, functionality, and connectivity, while Park (2017) proposed the aesthetic, mental, and health effects as private domains, alongside the social, economic, and environmental effects as public domains. Kim (2017) viewed the values of urban gardens as a solution to urban challenges, encompassing amenities (spatiality), community spaces (sociality), granting placeness (regionality), and venues for urban festivals (culturality). In studies of community revitalization, Cha (2008) suggested solidarity (including a sense of belonging and intimacy), network building, and participation in local politics as components of revitalization. Kim (2015) categorized the development factors of local communities into a sense of community and community attachment, while Choi (2015) highlighted the strong connection with local governance through a sense of community and the improvement of the local living environment. Based on the findings from the literature review, key components for understanding the role of urban gardens and perceptions of community revitalization were derived (Fig. 1). Based on key findings from previous studies, survey items designed to assess perceptions of urban gardens were reconstructed. Regarding urban gardens, the main categories were grouped into “spatial/social aspects” and “regional/cultural aspects.” To construct the survey items, sub-items were developed under the “spatial/social aspects” to address the environmental, aesthetic, and social functions of urban gardens. Under the “regional/cultural aspects,” sub-items focused on the cultural and landmark roles of urban gardens within the region. Regarding the revitalization of the local community in Haebangchon, the main categories were divided into “participatory aspect” and “sense of community aspect.” Under the “participatory aspect,” the formation of resident organizations, participation programs, and financial support from local governments were set as sub-items of the survey. Under the “ sense of community aspect,” local attachment, a sense of local belonging, and neighborhood connections were set as sub-items. To assess perceptions of each element, a 5-point Likert scale was used, with responses ranging from 1 to 5: “Strongly Disagree,” “Disagree,” “Neutral,” “Agree,” and “Strongly Agree.” This allowed for the quantification of perception levels.
Second, to propose strategies for the use and activation of the gardens that are suitable for the region, the current status and maintenance conditions of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens were surveyed, and the changes before and after their creation were analyzed. The survey items on the current status were categorized into location, spatial components, and maintenance status. Specifically, location was assessed in terms of garden type and area; spatial components were evaluated based on the ratio of planting area to facility area, planting status, and the condition of facility pavements; and maintenance status was determined by whether regular maintenance was carried out by civic gardeners (Table 1).
Third, to understand satisfaction with the urban gardens and perceptions of their role in activating the local community, a survey was conducted among Haebangchon residents and civic gardeners who were familiar with the gardens in the area. The survey was conducted by distributing an online questionnaire to internal civic gardeners who regularly manage the Haebangchon gardens, as well as external civic gardeners who knew about these gardens and had experience managing urban gardens in other regions, even if they do not manage them directly. In the questionnaire, the gardens in Haebangchon were referred to as “Haebangchon Urban Gardens” to establish the term “urban garden” for the surveyors. The survey items, which were derived from a literature review on the urban gardens and the local community, were divided into four main categories: general characteristics of the respondents, the status of Haebangchon Urban Garden use, satisfaction with their functions and roles along with detailed improvement requirements, and perceptions of local community revitalization through urban gardens. For sub-items on respondents’ general characteristics, Han (2021) suggested gender, age, occupation, and place of residence, while Hwang (2017) presented adding the duration of residence. For sub-items on the status of urban garden use, Hwang (2017) proposed residents’ awareness of such spaces, while Han (2021) presented frequency, time, and purpose of use, as well as visiting groups. For sub-items related to satisfaction with the function and role of urban gardens, Han (2021) presented overall satisfaction with garden space and effectiveness of its use, while Kim (2017) suggested amenities (spatiality), community (communication), placeness (local uniqueness), and venue for urban festivals (culturality) as the values and roles of urban gardens. For sub-items related to local community revitalization, Bae (2018) suggested participatory networks and a sense of community, while Nho (2012) emphasized organization, active participation, expertise, and participation programs. Hong (2022) suggested programs, facilities, and education that take in to account local characteristics, interaction, and common bonds; as well as interaction with neighbors, and sustained interest. As such, under the main categories of survey items, a total of 21 detailed sub-items were developed (Table 2). The survey was conducted from November 19 to November 23, 2023, and a total of 91 responses were collected and statistically analyzed. The survey data were processed using SPSS Statistics 29.0, with descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and frequency analysis. Based on this, we sought to determine Haebangchon Urban Garden users’ satisfaction and their perceptions of local community revitalization through these gardens, as well as to propose a development direction for urban garden creation.
Results and Discussion
Research site status
A total of 10 sites were surveyed to assess the status of urban gardens in Haebangchon, including 5 show gardens and 5 student gardens. Among the five show gardens (Tables 3 and 4), Garden A is a 50m2 relaxation space, with 34% of the area dedicated to green space and 66% to facilities. Plant species in this garden include one tree species (Zelkova serrata), three shrub species (Ligustrum obtusifolium, Buxus microphylla var. koreana, and Rhododendron yedoense), and 15 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants (including Hosta longipes, Saxifraga stolonifera, and Aster koraiensis). Facilities include a pergola and pavements made of wooden decks. Garden B is a 50m2 relaxation garden, comprising 90% green space and 10% facility space. Plant species include three tree species (Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Diospyros kaki, and Cornus officinalis), five shrub species (including Rhododendron yedoense, Berberis koreana, and Hydrangea serrata), and 20 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants (including Carex maculata, Pennisetum alopecuroides, and Echinacea purpurea). Facilities include wooden benches (seven spots) and a sculpture design (one spot). Garden C is a 20m2 flowerbed garden, consisting entirely of green space (100%). Plant species include one tree species (Prunus persica), three shrub species (Hydrangea paniculata, Nandina domestica, and Chaenomeles speciosa), and ten species of ground covers and herbaceous plants (such as Hosta plantaginea and Liriope muscari). Facilities include a steel sculpture (one spot) and a mural on the retaining wall adjacent to a flower bed. Garden D is a 50m2 relaxation garden, made up of 60% green space and 40% facility space. Plant species include six tree species (such as Acer palmatum and Prunus armeniaca), five shrub species (including Nandina domestica, Rhododendron yedoense, and Kerria japonica), and 15 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants (including Pachysandra terminalis, Liriope muscari, and Mukdenia rossii). Facilities include a rest bench (one spot), a wooden trellis (one spot), and gravel paving. Garden E is a 40m2 relaxation garden consisting of 75% green space and 25% facility space. Plant species include three species of shrubs (Euonymus japonicus, Hydrangea paniculata, and Nandina domestica), and 15 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants (including Sedum kamtschaticum and Kalimeris pekinensis). Facilities include brick and wooden planters (located in one spot). All five show gardens have been regularly maintained by civic gardeners.
Among the five student gardens (Tables 5 and 6), Garden F is a 15m2 flowerbed garden consisting entirely of green space. It contains a variety of plant species, including one shrub species (Hydrangea paniculata) and 20 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants, such as Hosta longipes, Festuca glauca, and Dendranthema zawadskii var. latiloba. The garden is maintained by local residents on a voluntary basis. Garden G is a 25m2 flowerbed composed entirely of green space. It features a variety of plant species, including one tree species (Zelkova serrata), one shrub species (Hydrangea paniculata), and 15 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants, such as Pachysandra terminalis ‘Variegata’ and Hosta longipes. The garden is regularly maintained by civic gardeners. Garden H is a 20m2 flowerbed composed entirely of green space. It features 20 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants, such as Hosta plantaginea and Echinacea purpurea. Steel structures are also incorporated into the garden. It is regularly maintained by civic gardeners. Garden I is a 10m2 flowerbed, also made up entirely of green space. It includes one tree species (Zizyphus jujuba) and 10 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants, including Liriope muscari, Dianthus chinensis, and Pachysandra terminalis. The garden is regularly cared for by civic gardeners. Garden J is a 15m2 flowerbed garden composed entirely of green space. Plant species include one tree species (Styphnolobium japonicum), one shrub species (Euonymus alatus), and 20 species of ground covers and herbaceous plants, such as Buddleja davidii and Hosta longipes. The garden is equipped with steel trellises and is regularly maintained by civic gardeners.
Survey results
General characteristics of users and use status of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens
General characteristics of users
A survey was conducted among Haebangchon residents and civic gardeners familiar with the Haebangchon Urban Gardens. The general characteristics of the survey respondents (Table 7) showed that out of a total of 91 people, 29.7% were male and 70.3% were female. The majority of respondents were in their 50s (30.8%), followed by those in their 40s (23.1%), 60s (18.7%), and 30s (12.1%). The occupations of the respondents varied by group. Among the residents, housewives represented the largest proportion at 18.7%, followed closely by the self-employed at 17.6%. Among the civic gardeners, housewives and company employees both had the highest proportions at 16.5%, while the self-employed and students each made up 5.5% of the group.
Use status of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens
The survey examined various aspects of the use of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens, including whether respondents used the gardens, their frequency of use, the time spent, and the purpose of their visits (Table 8). Of the total respondents, 76.9% (70 people) reported using the urban gardens. The frequency of use varied between the two groups. Among residents, the most common frequencies were once a week (15.7%) and 2–3 times a week (15.7%), while among civic gardeners, the highest frequencies were four times a week (10.0%) and once a week (10.0%). This seems to be the result of the fact that the civic gardener group is partly composed of people who directly manage the Haebangchon Urban Gardens. In terms of time spent, the largest group (57.1%) of the 76.9% (70 people) who reported using urban gardens spent less than 30 minutes there, followed by those who spent less than 1 hour (32.9%). When it came to companions, 37.1% of users visited the gardens with friends (including acquaintances or colleagues), followed by those who went alone (32.9%) and with family (25.7%). As for the purpose of use, the most common reason was walking and fitness training (58.6%), followed by rest and relaxation (14.3%), meeting up or social gatherings (11.4%), and appreciating the gardens (10.0%).
Satisfaction with the Haebangchon urban gardens and perceptions of their role in revitalizing the local community
Satisfaction with the Haebangchon Urban Gardens
To assess the differences in satisfaction with the functions and roles of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens between different groups, an independent samples t-test was conducted. The results showed that, except for two items, all other items were not statistically significant (Table 9). Specifically, in the “spatiality/sociality” aspect, the environmental function item showed a statistically significant difference with a t-value of −1.134 (p=0.006), while the aesthetic function item also showed statistical significance with a t-value of 0.521 (p=0.005). These results support the alternative hypothesis, indicating that satisfaction differs depending on the perceived environmental and aesthetic functions of gardens. When comparing the mean scores, the civic gardener group (3.24) reported higher satisfaction with the environmental function than the resident group (2.98). Similarly, the civic gardener group (3.80) expressed greater satisfaction with the aesthetic function compared to the resident group (2.90). However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant for the “regionality/culturality” aspect. Based on the results of the t-test analysis, the Haebangchon Urban Gardens contribute to the region’s appeal as a green space, enhancing the landscape and helping establish it as a notable attraction. However, the analysis revealed a low level of satisfaction with social function, particularly in terms of fostering connections and interactions among neighbors within the physical spaces of the gardens. In other words, the survey results on the use of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens show that more than 50% of the respondents primarily use the space for walking and fitness activities, which means that its social function as a space for interaction among local residents is limited. This is consistent with the findings of Jeong et al. (2017), who reported that most small community gardens are primarily used for resting, walking, exercising, and enjoying nature. They emphasized the importance of resident participation programs in activating these spaces. For abandoned spaces such as the Haebangchon Urban Gardens to be repurposed and become spaces that enhance a sense of community and life satisfaction for local residents, it seems important to offer opportunities for participation in related community activities, form a management committee with residents as key players, and establish a community membership system to foster a sense of belonging, as suggested by Firth et al. (2011).
Requirements for the Haebangchon Urban Gardens
A survey was conducted to determine the requirements for functions and programs that could be incorporated into the Haebangchon Urban Gardens. The survey divided these requirements into three categories: planting (garden type), facilities, and activity programs (Table 10). Respondents were asked to select two items for each category with multiple responses allowed. In terms of planting (garden type), the resident group preferred flower gardens the most, at 42.9% (39 responses), followed by four-season gardens at 24.2% (22 responses), and herb gardens at 22.0% (20 responses). The civic gardener group, on the other hand, favored four-season gardens the most, at 25.3% (23 responses), followed by flower gardens at 22.0% (20 responses), and herb gardens at 18.7% (17 responses). These results align with the findings of Lim (2022), whose study on community garden planning and design revealed that residents tend to prefer gardens featuring seasonal flowers, natural plantings that create a wild aesthetic, and gardens that retain scenic beauty even in non-flowering seasons by combining flowering plants and grasses. In terms of facilities, the resident group most commonly requested rest areas, with 46.2% (42 responses), followed by gardens with 26.4% (24 responses), and then lighting and design sculptures. The civic gardener group also prioritized rest areas, with 27.5% (25 responses), followed by lighting, vegetable gardens, and smart devices, which received between 11.0% and 19.8% of the responses. In terms of activity programs, the resident group showed the highest request for experiential programs, at 29.7% (27 responses), followed closely by educational programs at 27.5% (25 responses). The civic gardener group, on the other hand, showed an equal and highest request for both educational and viewing programs, each at 22.0% (20 responses).
Perceptions of the role of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens in revitalizing the local community
An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare perceptions of the importance of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens in revitalizing the local community between the groups (Table 11). The results showed no significant differences in most items, except for two. In the category “local community (participatory aspect),” no significant difference was found between the groups. However, in the category “local community (sense of community aspect),” the item “local attachment” was statistically significant (t = 0.382, p = 0.02), as was the item “neighborhood connections” (t = 1.824, p = 0.04). Therefore, the alternative hypothesis was supported, indicating that perceptions of their importance vary based on local attachment and neighborhood connections. Comparing the mean scores, the resident group (4.04) placed greater importance on the gardens than the civic gardener group (3.28) on local attachment. Similarly, the resident group (4.10) rated the gardens as more important than the civic gardener group (3.38) on neighborhood connections. This suggests that the financial support for the Haebangchon Urban Gardens led to improvements in the physical environment and garden management, which had a positive effect on enhancing attachment and solidarity among local members. These results are consistent with the findings of Sim (2012), who assessed that the daily gardens in Haebangchon, despite limited land, fostered interaction among local residents and contributed to improving the physical environment of old downtown residential areas. Even within the spatial constraints of Haebangchon, a high-density area developed from the outset, the remaining green spaces—such as those on streets, rooftops, slopes, and retaining walls encountered in daily life—can be seen as gardens that organically evolve, serving as connection points for local residents’ attachment to the place and the community.
Conclusion
This study was conducted to understand the status of urban gardens for local community revitalization and members’ perceptions of the role of urban gardens. As research sites, the study focused on ten urban gardens in the Haebangchon area—five show gardens and five student gardens—created for the 2019 Seoul International Garden Show (referred to as Haebangchon Urban Gardens). Users’ and citizen gardeners’ satisfaction with the urban gardens, as well as their perceptions of the urban gardens’ role in revitalizing local communities, were surveyed and analyzed. Based on the results, we sought to derive necessary improvements for future urban garden plans.
An analysis of satisfaction with the Haebangchon Urban Gardens showed that both groups were highly satisfied with the aesthetic function, which allowed them to appreciate the beauty of space. Both groups also expressed strong satisfaction with the role of the urban gardens as landmarks in the Haebangchon area. This suggests that spatial design, including planting and facilities, is necessary to create beautiful landscapes and for the urban gardens to serve as significant landmarks in the area. An analysis of the requirements for the Haebangchon Urban Gardens revealed that flower gardens and four-season gardens were preferred in terms of plantings, while resting areas and vegetable gardens were most desired in terms of facilities. In addition, there was a strong demand for educational and experiential programs. This result is similar to the suggestions made by Han et al. (2021) for improving community gardens in neighborhood parks through citizen participation: adding events and programs, expanding rest areas and amenities, providing active guidance and promotion, and planting a variety of herbaceous species. Based on the satisfaction results for the Haebangchon Urban Gardens, it seems necessary to enhance the aesthetic function by creating flower gardens and four-season gardens, while expanding participation opportunities through educational programs on plant cultivation and management, as well as experiential programs such as vegetable gardening. This would help give the region its own unique characteristics. An analysis of the perceptions of local community revitalization through the Haebangchon Urban Gardens revealed that both groups considered financial support from the local government to be the most important factor in activating urban gardens and local communities. T-test results, which examined differences in perceptions between the two groups, showed that the civic gardener group expressed high satisfaction with the physical environment of the gardens, including their environmental and aesthetic functions, as well as their positive effects on the local area. In contrast, the resident group emphasized the importance of the benefits the gardens provide to local residents, such as fostering local attachment and a sense of community among neighbors.
As a result, the following suggestions are made regarding the development direction of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens for the revitalization of the local community. First, since both residents and civic gardeners have expressed positive satisfaction with the aesthetic function of the urban gardens and their role as local landmarks, it is necessary to develop detailed plans that include appropriate plantings, facilities, and programs, tailored to the unique characteristics of each garden location. By establishing vegetable gardens in the steep alleys, staircases, and unused spaces of Haebangchon, an old, detached housing area, and creating flower and four-season gardens to provide recreational, educational, and experiential functions, such gardens in narrow downtown residential areas could foster a practical and creative green culture. This aligns with the findings of Sim and Zoh (2015), who reported that urban gardens in downtown low-rise residential areas, such as Haebangchon, should rediscover and tap into the potential and value of spaces that reflect a sense of place and location. They suggested incorporating features such as stepped gardens, flower pots on walls, eaves of porches, window frames, and rooftop gardens that connect to the daily culture of residents. Jo and Choi (2019) also emphasized the importance of shared spaces, such as gardening or vegetable gardening areas for residents to engage in together, as well as resting spaces that promote interaction among residents, as components of community gardens.
Second, it was found that both the resident and civic gardener groups placed significant value on the environmental, aesthetic, and community solidarity-building functions of urban gardens. This is consistent with the findings of Lee (2021), who highlighted the importance of activating community gardens through resident-driven private sector involvement and resident-centered civic gardener communities to foster garden cities in Korea. Park et al. (2016) suggested the key effects of the urban garden in Sujin 2-dong, Seongnam-si, in the context of urban regeneration, including improving street aesthetics, addressing living environment challenges, and promoting self-sufficient production and community engagement. Kwon (2017) emphasized the environmental functions of the alley gardens in Bisan 2-dong and 3-dong, Seo-gu, Daegu, such as mitigating heat waves, as well as the positive socio- cultural changes, including the development of a supportive neighborhood community through the creation and management of the alley gardens. Klinenberg (1999) and Semenza et al. (1996) both emphasized the importance of urban gardens in their studies of the Chicago heat wave, noting that they not only enhance the physical environment, such as reducing temperatures, but also alleviate social isolation, thereby improving individual health, fostering communication with neighbors, and building solidarity within the local community. It seems important to plan the Haebangchon Urban Gardens as a green platform (operational control hub) by fostering not only communities centered around local residents and merchants, but also civic gardener groups, based on environmental sustainability, aesthetics, and regional identity.
Third, to maintain the functions and roles of urban gardens, it is necessary to mandate that local governments create a database to facilitate the seamless transfer of operational tasks. Kim (2021) pointed out the need for renovation and the shortcomings of the garden management system by evaluating the degree of deterioration of urban gardens 10 years after a garden show, and stressed the need for objective evaluation through the creation of a database, including periodic assessments and management of urban garden deterioration. Lee et al. (2024) also suggested the creation of a dedicated department within local governments and the establishment of an operational cooperation system between local governments and relevant departments to foster the creation and management of sustainable urban gardens.
Fourth, to organize the management of urban gardens and systematically ensure the sustainability of urban gardens, an annual financial management plan tailored to gardens should be established. Kim (2021) noted the systemic nature of urban garden management, involving both civic gardeners and garden management professionals in gardens preserved after a garden show. He also highlighted the need for a financial plan for garden renovation to address the structural issues that fail to prevent gardens from deteriorating despite ongoing garden management activities. As it has been five years since the creation of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens, an active budget plan should be developed to maintain the quality of each garden.
Fifth, a communication system should be established between local governments, partners (such as businesses and nonprofit organizations), and local communities to set and share goals for garden spaces and explore ways to ensure their sustainable development. Song (2010) emphasized the importance of establishing resident-led governance for the sustainability of village and alley gardens in urban regeneration and proposed the following: a shift in the role of local governments from being business-led to being a partner that encourages resident participation; ordinances and codes of conduct that promote changes in resident involvement; ongoing cooperation; and the formation of governance structures composed of both residents and experts. In North America, community garden guidelines are typically developed by local governments and NGOs to empower residents to manage their own community gardens through active participation. These guidelines serve as a foundation for residents to operate community gardens independently. This suggests that community urban garden operations are built on active resident involvement, supported by a governance system that includes civic groups (such as resident councils), local governments, and expert groups (Jo and Choi, 2019). Lee et al. (2024) also highlighted that for the sustainability of local garden projects, it is crucial to establish a cooperative system between neighboring local governments based on resident, as well as a cooperative system between relevant departments within local governments; program development involving experts; and efficient, flexible project management. As such, the establishment of a resident-led consultative body and the development of governance based on communication and cooperation with local governments, businesses, and experts are commonly emphasized.
Haebangchon, the subject of this study, is a detached housing area that was formed naturally and serves as a representative residential neighborhood for working-class people in downtown Seoul. Compared to other residential areas, its physical environment has changed little, and many residents have lived there for a long time. In particular, the urban gardens in the area, which make efficient use of small spaces, are not only green spaces that encourage interaction among local residents, but also places for food production, health, hobbies, leisure, education, and community revitalization, contributing to improving the quality of life for the residents. Therefore, this study is significant in re-examining the inherent potential and value of urban gardens as an integral part of the daily culture for residents who make Haebangchon their living base, as well as in advancing the development direction for fostering a sustainable local community.
This study examined differences in satisfaction with the Haebangchon Urban Gardens and perceptions of their roles in the local community between Haebangchon residents and the civic gardeners responsible for managing the gardens. However, due to the limited number of civic gardeners in the sample, external civic gardeners with experience managing urban gardens in other regions were also included, which makes it challenging to generalize the findings to the characteristics of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens. In the future, more case studies and empirical research with civic gardeners of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens are needed. In addition, a survey was conducted on the status and management activities of the Haebangchon Urban Gardens, along with residents’ and civic gardeners’ perceptions of the gardens from the perspective of revitalizing local communities, among the urban gardens preserved after the Seoul International Garden Show. This should be followed by a comparative study of the current status and management of urban gardens at other sites preserved after the garden show, as well as a survey of users, to identify ways to continuously revitalize and operate urban gardens based on site type.
PDF Links
PubReader
ePub Link
Full text via DOI
Download Citation
