# Exploring the impact of pandemic fear on visitation to park attractions in urban city: A case study in Seoul, South Korea

## TL;DR

This study examines how fear of the pandemic affected park visits in Seoul, finding that higher fear led to more park visits and fewer visits to other public spaces.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel analysis of pandemic fear's direct impact on public space usage, specifically in urban parks.

## Key findings

- Increased pandemic fear led to more positive sentiments toward parks.
- Higher fear resulted in increased park visits and reduced visits to other public spaces.
- Structural equation modeling confirmed the relationship between fear and park utilization.

## Abstract

This research explores changes in perceptions and utilization of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. It investigates the relationship between fear of the pandemic and individuals’ opinions about open spaces and their visiting decisions. The study surveyed 600 adults from February 22–23, 2022, and used structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The findings revealed that increased fear of the pandemic led to more positive park sentiments, resulting in higher park visits and fewer visits to other public spaces. The research highlights the significance of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic and how people’s perceptions were influenced by their pandemic-related fear.