1. Research Goals and Methods

■ Research Goals

￮ From the perspective of creating a new large-scale city outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area, this study aims to propose roadmaps for improving settlement conditions in the Saemangeum region (Saemangeum and itsneighboring areas) based on its prospects for urban growth.

￮ Focusing on Saemangeum and its surrounding areas (i.e., Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan), this study analyzes urban spatial structures to examine the future trajectory of metropolitan growth in the region.

￮ Given  the  Saemangeum project’s phase-specific development goals, this study presents key strategies to provide sustainable and convenient urban services to resident and de facto populations in the region.

■ Research Methods

￮ We reviewed relevant domestic and international cases and interviewed experts specializing in spatial planning, focusing on urban growth-related theories.

￮ Based on the Saemangeum Master Plan (2021), we predicted the phased establishment of major living hubs (residential, commercial, and  publicservices) in the project region while analyzing the functions and spaces of major living hubs in neighboring areas.

￮ Using spatial data, we conducted a spatial analysis of key settlement-condition factors—such as the location, scale, and service hierarchy of related facilities—in the Saemangeum region. 

￮ We consulted experts to identify priority settlement-condition  factors, considering that the Saemangeum project area is a newly reclaimed regional city.

￮ In  light of projected population inflows driven by the Saemangeum development, we presented phased strategies for establishing settlement conditions across the Saemangeum area. 

2. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations

■ Considering the Relative Importance of Settlement Conditions by Phase

￮ Settlement conditions centered on the Saemangeum waterfront city vary across phases of urban growth, and special efforts are required to ensure a minimum level of resident satisfaction during the early phase, when such conditions are limited. 

￮ From a mid- to long-term perspective, providing and managing differentiated and high-quality settlement conditions in terms of urban competitiveness is directly related to the Saemangeum project’s revitalization.

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