This study aims to explore improvement strategies to enhance the utilization of mountainous urban parks by conducting an in-depth analysis of spatial use characteristics, focusing on a highly utilized example of such parks. In South Korea, urban park ...
This study aims to explore improvement strategies to enhance the utilization of mountainous urban parks by conducting an in-depth analysis of spatial use characteristics, focusing on a highly utilized example of such parks. In South Korea, urban park policies have primarily emphasized quantitative expansion, resulting in the designation of mountainous areas, which are difficult to develop, as urban parks. However, these mountainous parks have often been underutilized due to their failure to reflect user needs. Accordingly, this study examines the environmental conditions, spatial usage, and user behavior of Choansan Park, which demonstrates diverse patterns of utilization as a mountainous park, to suggest future improvement directions. First, mountainous parks were classified into five categories based on slope and accessibility. The analysis revealed two major types: gently sloped mountainous parks (gently sloped mountainous parks and moderately sloped mountain parks) and steeply sloped mountainous parks (steep mountainous parks and very steep mountainous parks). The gently sloped type showed higher utilization due to the possibility of diverse spatial configurations, whereas the steeply sloped type was predominantly used in connection with surrounding mountain trails, rather than for typical park functions. Choansan Park was classified as a gently sloped mountainous park, consisting of gently sloped areas such as the Chang-gol Sports Ground, Healing Town, Ecological Park, and Sports Town, as well as moderately sloped mountain areas such as the Wildflower Garden, Sky Garden, and Generations Harmony Park. Through spatial and behavioral surveys, the characteristics of park usage were identified. Contrary to the common perception that mountainous parks have low spatial utilization, Choansan Park demonstrated efficient use of its terrain by providing recreational and resting spaces in gently sloped areas and scenic spaces such as gardens and observation decks in steeper areas. In addition, the park's internal circulation system, utilizing stairs and ramps, and the external trail connections effectively expanded the park's usable area. Survey results indicated that walking and exercise were more frequent motivations for park visits than rest, and the most valued aspect of the park was its scenic beauty. These findings suggest that mountainous parks offer unique attractions distinct from flat urban parks and that terrain-sensitive spatial design can enhance user satisfaction. Furthermore, program operations within Choansan Park contribute to providing diverse user experiences, mitigating spatial limitations, and serve as a strategic approach to overcoming the topographical constraints of mountainous parks. This study empirically identified user characteristics according to the environmental conditions of mountainous parks through GIS analysis and field observations, and examined the interactions among slope conditions, spatial composition, and program operations in Choansan Park. The findings can serve as a fundamental resource for future planning and management strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of mountainous urban parks.