This study aims to explore whether and to what extent two types of polycentricity, morphological and functional, affect the level of urban economic performance. In the analysis, it is found that morphological polycentricity is positively associated with the level of labor productivity whereas functional polycentricity is negatively related to it. In the context of the Korean urban system, characterized by the domination of a few cities and high levels of population density, regions which are more morphologically polycentric and functionally monocentric are likely to have higher labor productivity. These results reflect the processes of agglomeration economies and their impact on urban dynamics. This study contributes to the debates on the impacts of polycentricity on economic performance by examining this relationship in the East Asian context, not in Europe or America, and by distinguishing between effects of two types of polycentricity.

This study measures and estimates the potential environmental and economic impacts of introducing transit-oriented corridors in Korea. By developing a TOC planning model concept through regression analysis, authors examine the relationship between TOC planning factors and transport modal share, and the impact of transit accessibility on transport modal choice. Several conclusions were drawn from the results; first, in order to promote mass transit, the area's residential and commercial features must be intensified through a combination of mixed-use and a low ratio of road. Second, the transit modal choice analysis revealed that accessibility to mass transit is an important variable in determining its usage, along with the number of blocks per unit area and the pedestrian environment of the vicinity. Third, the results suggest that strengthening city-wide reliance on mass transit is effective in reducing environmental hazards to a significant degree: with a ridership ratio increase expected in the range of 3.5 to 5.9%, the resulting decreased road traffic would reduce CO 2 emissions by 391 to 686 thousand tons. Finally, in terms of boosting the regional economy, higher pedestrian volumes of commuters would increase annual income for neighborhood retailers in the range of 7.4 to 13.6 million dollars.

This research aims to present a standardized evaluation system to review and further enhance users’ levels of satisfaction with technologies, facilities, and services of a modern smart city at a time when the smart city paradigm has shifted from the focus of its infrastructural features to citizens. The study also seeks to verify the standardized system, so as to explore the possibility of its future application. For the goals, this research established the Structural Equation Model (SEM) based upon the basic structure of the Customer Satisfaction Index, which is a widely used ex-post assessment model, and upon implications of related studies. To verify the SEM, this study chose two cities, which are located far away from one another and employ different business methods, and conducted a survey of 212 and 197 residents, respectively, with the results being applied to the model for analysis to ascertain if the SEM is reliable and adequate. The analysis results showed that the model secures explanatory power in statistical terms, partially proving that it can be developed into a post-evaluation system for a citizens-centric smart city down the road. However, as meaningful differences were spotted in accordance with characteristics of each urban project, this study tried to come up with the background information of and reasons for such variations, to present implications for urban planning.

This study aims to explore whether railway station areas can be categorized according to locational characteristics on a nationwide level and whether the typological classification is valid for planning and development. Thirty-four railway station areas across Korea are analyzed and categorized using K-means clustering analysis. The results of the analysis prove that for all locational characteristics of land use, transit accessibility, and spatial form, station areas could be categorized into urban cores and suburbs. Moreover, the typological classification according to the location of urban cores and suburbs is valid in terms of development conditions and demand. This result implies that the role of the public and private sectors must be different in setting the space and size of areas of influence, and in forming and developing their use depending on the locational characteristics of station areas. This study contributes to the discussion on diversifying the planning and development of station areas as the heart of sustainable cities by verifying the types of station areas and their differences according to locational characteristics in East Asia, including Korea.

Currently, there is a lack of objective evaluations clarifying characteristics of urban streets from the users’ perspective, particularly regarding the most effective spatial composition. This study investigated the value of spatial components of urban streets preferred by users through a conjoint analysis based on utility value for six streets representing street types in Seoul and evaluated relative preferences for the main characteristics of urban streets in terms of amenity, placeness, and accessibility. The analysis showed that users consider “amenity” as the most important characteristic of urban streets; “green space composition” was rated highest for utility value. The value exchange relationship of utility related to placeness and amenity within a certain threshold level was also confirmed for each of the three characteristics of urban streets. These results show that prioritizing improvements to amenities and green space promotes urban streets policies and projects, and strengthening placeness-related spatial elements is effective once a certain amenity level is secured. This study contributes to the discussion how to minimize differences in planning and user experience for urban streets by objectifying the relationship between user preferences and characteristics of urban streets through utility value.