Title Residents’ Perceptions of Place in Sejong City’s Community Spaces
Authors 정혜영(Chung, Hyeyoung)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.10.93
Page pp.93-104
ISSN 2733-6247
Keywords Community Planning; Residential Public Space; Perceptions of Place; New Town; Sejong City; Urban Development
Abstract Since the 1970s, the weakening of settlement foundations in South Korea has contributed to a gradual decline in community cohesion. In response, efforts have been made to integrate community-oriented facilities into new town developments. As part of this strategy, Sejong City introduced the Complex Community model to revitalize residential life, leading to a growing body of related research. However, most existing studies have emphasized supply-driven planning approaches, with limited attention to user perspectives. This study addresses that gap by examining complex community spaces in Sejong’s residential areas from a user-centered viewpoint. Multiple case sites were analyzed for their physical characteristics, and a resident survey was conducted to explore the relationship between spatial attributes and perceptions of place. Findings indicate that the physical features of complex communities strongly influence residents’ perceptions, particularly in shaping place identity. Complex Community centers, commercial facilities near central areas and transit corridors, and adjacent public spaces were perceived as meaningful due to their close connection with daily life. Applying high-quality design to these spaces and improving their connectivity with surrounding public areas is therefore essential to establishing the Complex Community as genuine centers of everyday residential life. This study contributes academically by highlighting user perspectives and offers practical insights for future community space planning in residential settings.