Action Plan Analysis for Age-Friendly Environments in Korean Municipalities Participating in the WHO Global Network - Focusing on Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, and Housing -

초록

This study examines the action plans of South Korean municipalities participating in the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC). Although the importance of urban planning in response to aging populations is increasingly recognized, domestic policies remain largely focused on welfare and social services, often overlooking improvements to the physical environment. To address this gap, the study analyzes how strategies have evolved in three key areas of age-friendly city development: housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, and transportation. An analysis of municipal evaluation reports shows a transition from infrastructure construction in early plans to strategies that prioritize facility maintenance and user convenience in later phases. In the housing sector, economic support and maintenance services were identified as major focus areas. Transportation strategies shifted from building infrastructure to enhancing services, including age-friendly vehicles, specialized transit options, and driver education programs. For outdoor spaces and buildings, later plans emphasized user-centered elements such as benches and expanded green areas. The findings suggest the importance of continuous infrastructure upkeep, standardized evaluations that reflect residents’ actual needs, and stronger cooperation among municipalities to support more effective age-friendly planning.

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