• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.109-120
• /
• 2016

This study aims to assess vulnerability in urban thermal environments of Seoul by using indicators frequently used in previous studies as well as effective indicators for spatial planning like urban and environmental planning. For this purpose, fifteen indicators that influence urban thermal environments such as heat waves, urban heat island effects, and urban micro-climates were identified based on literature reviews. Indicators for presenting urban structure and spatial properties were included; for example, building volume as 'exposure to climate', buildings completed before 1980 as 'sensitivity', and green space areas as 'adaptive capacity'. Among them, twelve indicators were applied to assess vulnerability in urban thermal environments of Seoul by using a GIS spatial analysis combined with fuzzy logic. The results show that the Gangnam area is identified as more vulnerable to a heat environment as compared to the Gangbuk area. In the Gangnam area, Seocho-gu, Gangnam-gu, Dongjak-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Gangseo-gu were relatively high in vulnerability, while Dongdaemun-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Jungrang-gu were relatively high in the Gangbuk area. Gwanak-gu, Dobong-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, and Nowon-gu, which include forested areas, have low vulnerability in the sectors of 'exposure to climate' and 'sensitivity' due to the impact of Gwanaksan and Bukhansan. However, some areas with high vulnerability like Seocho-gu and Gangnam-gu may have lower vulnerability if the indicator 'status of air conditioning' from the sector of 'adaptive capacity' is used. This study could support the establishment of a practicable thermal environment policy and spatial planning to reduce heat-related risks in the field of urban and environmental planning.