The zoning system in South Korea originated from the 1934 Chosun Governor-General Ordinance and has since evolved into its current form. In Jeju, the designation of urban planning zones began with a public notice by the Ministry of the Interior in 195...
The zoning system in South Korea originated from the 1934 Chosun Governor-General Ordinance and has since evolved into its current form. In Jeju, the designation of urban planning zones began with a public notice by the Ministry of the Interior in 1952 and has undergone multiple revisions to date. While past urban planning focused on the expansion of urban areas in response to population growth, contemporary planning must address population decline through urban downsizing, consolidation, and the development of more complex, integrated spatial structures. At this critical juncture in urban planning, this study analyzes the appropriateness of existing residential zone designations in terms of their consistency with actual building use and proposes improvements for future residential zoning policies.
First, the consistency of zoning designations was analyzed based on the proportion of residential buildings. Across all residential, commercial, and industrial zones in Jeju City, the relationship between zoning designation and the proportion of residential buildings was examined, confirming that residential zones generally had a higher proportion of residential buildings. However, in some remnant zoning areas or residential zones recently up-zoned from natural green zones, the proportion of residential buildings was found to be relatively low. Conversely, some commercial and industrial zones exhibited the opposite phenomenon.
Second, the distribution and density of prohibited building uses within residential zones were analyzed. Prohibited uses were selected by referencing the 「National Land Planning and Utilization Act」, urban planning ordinances, case studies, and the 「Act on the Protection of the School Environment」. These uses were then analyzed by Eup/Myeon/Dong (administrative divisions) and specific residential zone classifications. The analysis revealed that the number of prohibited-use businesses per unit area increased sequentially from Type 1 General Residential Zone to Type 2 General Residential Zone, and then to Semi-Residential Zone. Notably, the density of prohibited-use businesses in semi-residential zones was more than 10 times higher than that in Type 1 General Residential Zones. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the variety of prohibited uses diversified as zones were upgraded from Type 1 General Residential Zone to Semi-Residential Zone.
Third, regarding the consistency of residential zone designation, five case areas were selected and analyzed based on the criteria presented in the Urban Management Plan reorganization. Most semi-residential zones within the case study areas were found to meet the criteria for upgrading to commercial zones. Additionally, many areas within Type 1 and 2 General Residential Zones also met the criteria for upgrading to semi-residential zones. It was also confirmed that the distribution of prohibited-use buildings within these areas was located either along the boundaries of Type 1 and 2 Residential Zones or within Semi-Residential Zones, indicating that Semi-Residential Zones effectively serve as a buffer between residential and commercial areas, consistent with their designated purpose.
Based on the research findings, the following policy recommendations are proposed. First, it is necessary to establish an analytical system that allows for the examination of current zoning consistency and ensures the sustained maintenance and management of modified zoning areas and the city's overall direction. Second, a further subdivision of zoning categories and a reestablishment of permitted uses are required to foster a healthy residential environment. Third, beyond mere physical criteria, it is essential to develop standards that comprehensively consider factors such as infrastructure conditions, surrounding environments, and regional characteristics, enabling the upward or downward adjustment of current zoning classifications, and even facilitating changes between residential, commercial, and industrial zones when necessary.
This study is significant in that it employs a GIS-based empirical analysis to examine the relationship between zoning designations (residential, commercial, and industrial) and actual building uses within the urban area of Jeju City. Future research should be complemented by expert interviews, resident surveys, field investigations, detailed district-level analyses, incorporation of floor-specific building data, comparative studies with other regions to enhance generalizability, and time-series analysis to provide a more multidimensional and rigorous understanding of spatial dynamics.
Keywords : Zoning, Residential Areas, Jeju City, Consistency, Permitted Building Uses, Policy Recommendations