Can urban greening using abandoned places promote citizens’ wellbeing? Case in Daegu City, South Korea

• Published in: Urban forestry & urban greening 2021-01, Vol.57, p.126956, Article 126956
• Main Authors: Jin, Hyun-Young, Kwon, Youngsang, Yoo, Seunghyun, Yim, Da-Hye, Han, Sujin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abandoned places; Urban greening; Urban regeneration; Wellbeing
• ISSN: 1618-8667; 1610-8167
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126956

•Some Korean cities are grappling with urban decline and neglect.•Urban vacant and abandoned spaces have an adverse impact on health and recession.•Community regeneration is holistic development of space and community relationships.•Green spaces facilitate emotional, physical, mental, and social wellbeing.•Distribution of regenerated spaces needs to improve to reach a wider audience. This study investigates the multidimensional health benefits of revitalizing abandoned urban spaces versus the adverse impact of vacant properties on residents. We examined the city of Daegu, South Korea, which has endeavored to change vacant spaces into small urban farms and community shelters. In the study, in-depth interviews and intercept surveys were conducted with nearby residents. The results show that various problems are caused by abandoned housing and re-appropriating vacant lots has a multidimensional influence on residents’ wellbeing. Resident interview data shows that converting empty houses into community green spaces improved citizens’ mental wellbeing and reduced unfavorable perceptions of abandoned places. The intercept survey also identified positive factors that promote citizens’ mental welfare. In addition, these projects offered residents potential health benefits by promoting physical activity, stress relief, and mutual interaction. For cities experiencing urban shrinking and decline, both in South Korea and in other developed countries, there are considerable opportunities for converting abandoned places into urban green places conducive to promoting citizens’ wellbeing.