수도권 지역 식품사막의 공간적 분포 특성 분석: Open Source Routing Machine 방법론을 활용하여 = Analysis of Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Food Deserts in the Seoul Metropolitan Area: Using Open Source Routing Machine Method

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Korea is undergoing rapid demographic changes driven by an aging population, declining birth rates, and a rise in single-person households. As population concentration in metropolitan areas intensifies, the risk of food deserts is increasing. The elderly population, in particular, faces significant challenges in accessing fresh food due to physical limitations and restricted digital accessibility. This study aims to analyze food deserts in the Seoul metropolitan area by evaluating physical accessibility to grocery stores in conjunction with social and economic factors. Using the Open Source Routing Machine, the shortest routes from residents to the nearest grocery stores were calculated. The results, confirmed through Kendall’s Tau correlation analysis, revealed a negative relationship between population density and grocery store accessibility, indicating that the food desert phenomenon is not confined to rural areas but is also prevalent in urban settings. Food deserts are predominantly inhabited by seniors aged 65 and older, who encounter mobility challenges in accessing food. This perpetuates social exclusion and impairs the elderly’s ability to exercise their fundamental rights. This study underscores the critical importance of addressing spatial disparities and enhancing food accessibility for vulnerable populations. The findings advocate for the development of policies to mitigate spatial inequality and establish a fair and inclusive food environment.