Over the past half-century, the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) has achieved rapid growth driven by supply-oriented policies focused on expanding metropolitan transport networks. However, the region now faces a paradox characterized by increased commuti...
Over the past half-century, the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) has achieved rapid growth driven by supply-oriented policies focused on expanding metropolitan transport networks. However, the region now faces a paradox characterized by increased commuting times, traffic congestion, and regional imbalances. This phenomenon suggests that the supply of physical infrastructure (Mobility) does not automatically translate into tangible life opportunities for citizens (Accessibility). Grounded in Amartya Sen’s “Capability Approach,” this study aims to investigate the structural discrepancy—termed the “Potential-Realized Gap (P-R Gap)”—between “Potential Accessibility (PA),” representing the theoretical aggregate of opportunities provided by the city, and “Revealed Accessibility (RvA),” evidenced by citizens' actual movement patterns. Furthermore, by developing the “Revealed Accessibility Index (RAI)” to quantify this gap, the study diagnoses the state of accessibility realization in the SMA, longitudinally evaluates the effects of infrastructure supply, and identifies the urban environmental determinants mediating this relationship. Ultimately, this research proposes a paradigm shift in policy from mere “supply” to “support for realization.”
This study integrates mobile phone-based “SMA Movement Data” (from KT) with transport network data (GTFS, OSM) for analysis. First, in the indicator development and diagnosis phase (Chapter 3), a log-logistic distance decay function was applied to reflect the unique travel characteristics of the SMA, with distance impedance parameters estimated directly. Using PA and RvA calculated through this method, the study categorized accessibility realization patterns at the 250m grid level into four types (Opportunity Maximization, Constraint Overcoming, Structural Constraint, and Local Settlement) based on the RAI (conversion efficiency). Second, the longitudinal effect analysis (Chapter 4) utilized the opening of the “Byeollae Line (Line 8 extension)” in August 2024 as a case study. A quasi-experimental design combining Propensity Score Matching and Comparative Interrupted Time Series (PSM-CITS) models was employed to verify the causal effects of new infrastructure supply on the RAI. Third, the determinant analysis (Chapter 5) employed the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to analyze the impact of the built environment on the RAI, stratified by mode (car/public transit) and demographic group (gender/age).
The analysis presents three key findings:
First, the structure of accessibility realization in the SMA and the discovery of “forced mobility.” SMA residents demonstrated higher tolerance for travel impedance compared to those in Western contexts, such as North America. Notably, cross-analysis of PA and RAI showed that satellite cities on the outskirts of Seoul (e.g., Gimpo, Namyangju) exhibited “Constraint Overcoming (LH: Low PA, High RAI)” characteristics. Despite insufficient infrastructure, these areas showed high realization rates driven by essential travel for survival, suggesting a state of “forced high efficiency” where residents compensate for poor environments by incurring higher costs, rather than achieving positive efficiency.
Second, the differential effects of new infrastructure supply. The analysis of the Byeollae Line opening showed that infrastructure supply immediately improved the RAI for essential travel during the morning peak hours nearly twice as much as during off-peak hours. In particular, “Constraint Overcoming” areas, which previously lacked infrastructure, exhibited a “J-curve” effect where travel patterns were structurally reorganized immediately after opening. This was accompanied by a decrease in car travel efficiency, proving that a modal shift to public transit effectively occurred.
Third, the urban environmental determinants of conversion efficiency and vertical equity. The spatial econometric analysis revealed that “apartment complexes” function as key platforms enhancing conversion efficiency for both cars and public transit through secured parking and pedestrian connectivity. Conversely, “slope” and “distance to subway stations” acted as more severe barriers for the elderly and women. Specifically, elderly men responded sensitively to subway accessibility, while elderly women were more sensitive to bus stop density, confirming that dependent transport modes and constraint factors vary by demographic group.
This study empirically demonstrates that the aggregate expansion of physical infrastructure does not lead to an increase in real opportunities for all citizens. Therefore, future transport policies must move beyond simple facility supply and focus on “supporting realization” to help convert citizens' potential into actual functionings. Specifically, tailored accessibility strategies considering regional types and demographic characteristics are required, such as: (1) early expansion of metropolitan railways and strengthening urban self-sufficiency for “Constraint Overcoming (LH)” areas; (2) improvement of “last-mile” pedestrian environments and expansion of feeder bus networks for mobility-constrained groups like the elderly and women; and (3) introduction of apartment-level mobility infrastructure (parking, pedestrian safety) in low-rise residential areas. This study is significant in that it redefines “accessibility” from physical possibility to human-centric real capability and presents a concrete methodology for realizing Transport Justice by empirically verifying gaps using big data.