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Population decline and population aging have made shrinking cities a critical issue. Urban shrinkage occurs within individual cities and through interactions with metropolitan areas; therefore, a metropolitan perspective is required, although research at this scale remains limited. This study examines changes in urban centrality and their determinants in the Busan–Ulsan metropolitan area between 2010 and 2019. The unit of analysis is si-gun-gu, and commuting flow data were used to calculate in-degree and out-degree centralities through social network analysis. Changes in centrality were then analyzed, and multiple regression was conducted with centrality change as the dependent variable. Results show that some shrinking cities maintained centrality despite population decline, while some non-shrinking cities experienced decline. For in-degree centrality, significant factors included manufacturing workers (–), service workers (+), fiscal self-reliance (–), residential development (–), central region (+), and administrative area size (+). For out-degree centrality, elderly population (–), total floor area of buildings (+), fiscal self-reliance (+), and central region (–) were significant.

This study analyzes the substitution patterns between online and offline shopping in the post-COVID-19 period using data from Seoul’s administrative districts, focusing on retail sub-sectors and regional characteristics. The study found that online shopping substituted offline channels for durable goods, while offline shopping for non-durable goods increased in the post-pandemic period, and semi-durable goods exhibited a complementary relationship. The results show that the likelihood of online substitution was found to be higher in areas with a greater concentration of young adults and lower income levels across all retail categories. In the case of semi-durable goods, a decline in the number of offline retail establishments was significantly associated with an increased probability of online shopping dominant substitution. For durable goods, physical constraints within the commercial environment— such as steeper average slopes and a lower proportion of commercially zoned land—emerged as significant determinants. Urban planning policies should be tailored to reflect regional shopping patterns, and selective support programs for small businesses are recommended to address local retail dynamics by retail sub-sector.

Despite various policies attempted to improve old low-rise residential areas, their improvement remains challenging in non-capital regions due to issues such as business feasibility. Therefore, by identifying where old low-rise residential areas are concentrated and understanding their specific characteristics, appropriate countermeasures can be established. There is a need for specific strategies tailored to local conditions, and in this process, comprehending the spatial distribution characteristics of old residential areas is crucial. Accordingly, this study aims to construct a database of the current status of old low-rise residential areas and urban-related projects in Daejeon Metropolitan City. Through the selection of diverse indicators, it classifies the types of old low-rise residential areas, derives their distinct characteristics, and subsequently draws implications for future improvement strategies for these areas according to each type. Indicators for physical environment, socio-demographics, economy and industry, and site characteristics were established, and a total of five types were derived through cluster analysis. These can be defined as follows: Cluster 1: Low-efficiency Aging Areas, Cluster 2: Natural Greenbelt Settlement Areas, Cluster 3: Old Downtown Areas near Stations with Aging Infrastructure, Cluster 4: Aging Development Areas, and Cluster 5: Emerging Downtown Areas. By focusing on grid cells that are not included in currently ongoing redevelopment zones and urban renewal promotion projects, this study was able to identify areas marginalized from existing development initiatives. Furthermore, establishing strategies that correspond to the characteristics of each derived type can significantly contribute to the formulation of future urban management plans.

This study examines whether low-rise residential areas in Seoul function as ‘incubating’ spaces that support the economic and social independence of youth households(19~39 ages). Drawing on related theories, housing choices were interpreted as strategies for self-reliance and growth rather than mere economic constraints. Using data from the 2022 Seoul Housing Survey, a binary logistic regression was conducted comparing low-rise and apartment residents, with variables including housing cost burden, accessibility and acceptability, and youth-dense districts. The findings show that low-rise housing acts as an economic buffer by easing housing costs and serving as a transitional stage in the life cycle. Young residents tend to prioritize economic rationality while partly considering safety. Policy implications include improving the physical and safety environment of youth-concentrated areas, enhancing transport accessibility, and providing stepwise financial support to facilitate upward housing mobility.

With the increasing diversification and complexity of urban regeneration projects in Korea, the role of intermediary support organizations has become increasingly emphasized. Among them, Urban Regeneration Centers (URCs) serve as pivotal institutions that connect local governments, residents, and experts, thereby playing a central role in determining the effectiveness of urban regeneration policies. However, many URCs are constrained by short-term operational structures, unstable staffing systems, and a lack of continuity in project implementation, which collectively hinder their organizational sustainability. This study aims to explore a sustainable operational model from a mid- to long-term perspective by conducting an empirical analysis of the Cheonan Urban Regeneration Center. Utilizing qualitative methodologies including in-depth interviews, a Delphi survey, and comparative case analysis, the study comprehensively examines key factors such as organizational structure, human resource management, financial stability, and potential for functional expansion. The findings indicate that functional specialization, establishment of a stable staffing system, integrated organizational restructuring, and legal-institutional reinforcement through transformation into a public foundation are essential conditions for sustainable operation. Based on these results, the study provides policy implications to support the institutionalization and strategic advancement of Urban Regeneration Centers nationwide.

In recent years, urban spatial changes have rapidly progressed worldwide, emerging as a major issue alongside demographic shifts such as low birthrates and population aging. These changes call for a shift away from conventional growth-oriented land use policies toward a new paradigm in urban planning. Accordingly, this study aims to present an objective analytical model to evaluate the urban growth stage of Daejeon Metropolitan City, incorporating indicators across demographic-social, economic-industrial, and physical-environmental dimensions. In particular, various population indicators, including living population data, were utilized to assess the city’s functionality and vitality in a more comprehensive manner. Daejeon Metropolitan City is exhibiting signs of counter-urbanization in terms of population size and density, showing relative decline compared to surrounding areas. The growth rate of business establishments is low, indicating ongoing suburbanization, while building permits have recently increased, suggesting a trend toward urban re-concentration. Although the number of registered and resident populations remains stable, the influx of foreigners and visitors is relatively low. These findings suggest the need for strategies to attract younger and working-age populations, enhance spatial efficiency through high-density and mixed-use development, and expand the inflow of foreigners and tourists to strengthen urban vitality.