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Impact of Frequency of Visits and Time Spent in Urban Green Space on Subjective Well-Being

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  • Sung-Kwon Hong

    (Department of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea)

  • Sang-Woo Lee

    (Department of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea)

  • Hyun-Kil Jo

    (Department of Ecological Landscape Architecture Design, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea)

  • Miyeon Yoo

    (Graduate Program, Department of Environmental Science, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea)

Abstract

Exposure to green spaces can reduce the negative effects of stress. This study examines how frequency of visits and time spent in urban green spaces (UGS) affect urban dwellers’ subjective well-being. We also investigated the numbers of respondents visiting UGS, their primary motivation, and constraints on their ability to visit. Using quota sampling, an online survey was conducted of 400 residents of Daejeon City, South Korea. ANOVA results indicated no significant interactions between visit frequency and time spent in UGS. Respondents who had visited UGS within the past two weeks expressed higher positive and lower negative emotions than did non-visitors, regardless of visit frequency, and regular visitors showed higher general life satisfaction levels. These positive effects were confirmed by estimated structural equation models. However, the time spent in UGS did not affect emotions or life satisfaction in general. Heavy users mostly visited UGS to walk, and light/non-users cited the lack of urban green spaces near their home as the major constraint on visiting UGS. The estimated structural equation models clearly show positive effects from motivation and negative effects of constraints and access time to UGS on visit frequency. To improve urban dwellers’ subjective well-being, UGS should prioritize good walking environments and accessibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Sung-Kwon Hong & Sang-Woo Lee & Hyun-Kil Jo & Miyeon Yoo, 2019. "Impact of Frequency of Visits and Time Spent in Urban Green Space on Subjective Well-Being," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:15:p:4189-:d:254335
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Jonathan P. Reeves & Conor H. D. John & Kevin A. Wood & Phoebe R. Maund, 2021. "A Qualitative Analysis of UK Wetland Visitor Centres as a Health Resource," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Eric Duku & Precious Agbeko Dzorgbe Mattah & Donatus Bapentire Angnuureng & Joshua Adotey, 2022. "Understanding the Complexities of Human Well-Being in the Context of Ecosystem Services within Coastal Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-20, August.
    5. Argyro Anna Kanelli & Margarita Kokkinaki & Marios-Dimitrios Sinvare & Chrisovalantis Malesios & Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos & Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, 2023. "Keep Calm and Go Out: Urban Nature Exposure, Mental Health, and Perceived Value during the COVID-19 Lockdown," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-20, May.
    6. Seulkee Heo & Miraj U. Desai & Sarah R. Lowe & Michelle L. Bell, 2021. "Impact of Changed Use of Greenspace during COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression and Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, May.
    7. Minjung Cho, 2020. "Housing Workers’ Evaluations of Residential Environmental Quality in South Korean Welfare Housing for Low-Income, Single-Parent Families," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-23, July.

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