Analyzing Urban Compactness in Small and Medium-sized Local Cities Within Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

This study examines the compactness of small and medium-sized local cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, utilizing Japan's urban structure evaluation indices. These indices, drawn from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's urban structure evaluation handbook, Japan's analytical case studies, and available domestic statistical data, were applied to evaluate the compactness of 15 cities with populations under 100,000. The findings pointed to high compactness in Yeongju-si, Yeongcheon-si, and Mungyeong-si, contrasting with low compactness in Cheongsong-gun, Yeongyang-gun, and Bonghwa-gun. This suggests a necessity for compact city policies in these areas. This research underscores the need and potential direction for compact city policies in smaller cities across South Korea.