Changes in Space Usage Behaviours after the Implementation of Seoul’s Bus Rapid Transit Project in Jongno Street: A Social Data Analysis

Abstract

This study analysed blog data to examine visitors’ behavioural changes following the introduction of a bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Seoul to vitalise public transport. Using blog texts, we assessed the appearance frequency of numerous keywords, including “Jongno Street” (the target location), “public transportation,”, and “bus-only lane”, to identify and categorise frequently visited places and examine the changes in user behaviours before and after project implementation. Based on this analysis, we categorised the significant places into nine types (public spaces, cultural and religious places, open spaces, major places, historic sites, streets, and structures) in accordance with Jongno’s attributes. We found that the scope of visitors’ activities increased within a 1-km radius of the bus station and most people visited open spaces, streets, and major places and engaged in various activities before reaching their final destination. The visitors who used public transport often walked to their destinations within a 1-km radius. This showed that the BRT system implemented on Jongno Street contributed to the creation of a vigorous, walkable urban environment.