Enhancing Design of Public Spaces for Regional Cities through Universal Design : Case Study of Public Design Improvement in Gyeongju City, South Korea

Despite its rich historical and tourism assets, Gyeongju City in South Korea faces challenges of an aging population and economic decline. To address this issue, this study emphasizes the importance of city branding through a universal design approach as a strategic solution to attract new residents and tourists while enhancing the quality of life for current inhabitants. A mixed-method study was employed, including field observations and surveys of 550 residents, to investigate the current state of public design in Gyeongju and discover opportunities for design improvements. The results of the study revealed the significance of adopting universal design in the development of public design strategies in Gyeongju. Based on the findings, we proposed and applied a set of universal design guidelines tailored to Gyeongju City's unique characteristics. This research is expected to offer valuable insights into the development and application of public design strategies, assisting policymakers, designers, and stakeholders in creating more inclusive and accessible public spaces.