A Comparative Study on the Operation Status and Users Perceptions of URBAN GARDEN FIELDS

Purpose: This study was conducted to present differences, problems, and improvement measures by investigating and comparing the operation status of public and private vegetable gardens operated com-munal gardens by the initiating entity. Method: This study collected data from prior studies, literature, media, interview with public officials, garden managers, and users, and on-site survey and conducted variance analysis, frequency analysis, and cross analysis. Results: The study found that urban vegetable garden users are mostly men, married couples, and families, and people aged between 40s and 70s. People with higher educational background tended to use them more, and the occupation of the users included employees of commercial businesses, the self-employed, and housewives. In the public-private comparison of the management and operation, allowing and using vinyl mulching was found to be a problem. In the public-private comparison of environment and facilities, it was found that the environment was similar, but the facilities were different from each other in the private sector. In comparing users perception, the public sector preferred the operation by local governments, while the private sector preferred the joint operation of the public and private sectors. The preferred area for sale was 17 to 33 square meters, and the inconvenient facilities were the toilets of the private sector. The activity satisfaction comparison showed that the effect of the use of urban gardens fields included being helpful for the production and sharing of safe agricultural products, health, and exercise, and helpful for mental health and providing exercise effects in terms of the health satisfac-tion. Conclusion: To sum up, urban agriculture is believed to spread the pluralistic value of agriculture, im-prove the urban environment, and help urban residents to utilize their leisure time and improve the qual-ity of life.