A Comparative Study of a Slow City and an Urban Region: A Deeper Look into the Quality of Life in Hadong-gun and Busan

The purpose of this research is to advocate the establishment of slow cities by providing evidence that contrasts the lives of urban region residents to those of slow city residents. Methods such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, and testing were used to compare residents' perceptions of the quality of life in a slow city and in an urban region. The results show that slow city residents are generally satisfied with the conditions of the local infrastructure, including public safety, regional environment, economic conditions, and participation in the community. However, their level of satisfaction was lower in comparison to the residents in the urban region with regards to educational opportunities, cultural activities, and health care. This finding suggests that more attention needs to be placed on these areas, while maintaining current ways of living and preserving traditional values. The residents of the slow city need to be informed of the conflicts that arise between preservation and development. Any improvements that will enhance their quality of life need to be made within specific boundaries. The research provides grounds to justify both the designation of slow cities and promote the slow city movement by strengthening residents' understanding and support of the project. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]