Changes in Urban Walking Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Metropolitan City of South Korea

This study aimed to assess how social distancing measures impacted the choice of walking as a transportation mode, environmental preferences for walking, and walking practice among urban residents in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. Data was collected through an online survey from September 21 to 28, 2020, when the second level of social distancing measures was implemented; 2,112 participants aged 19 years or older were included in the analysis. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the choice of walking as a means of transportation increased by 10.1 percent points, while that of public transportation decreased by 16.9 percent points. Environmental preferences for walking were more than moderate in neighborhood public open spaces, neighborhood streets, and riverside trails. Despite the increased choice of walking as a means of transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic, walking practices by purpose decreased significantly. In particular, the decrease in walking practice was more pronounced in utilitarian purpose than in leisure purpose. The present study suggests that social distancing measures have an overall effect on environmental preferences, travel attitudes, and behaviors related walking among urban residents in the metropolitan city. To break the physical inactivity habits established during the pandemic, guidelines for promoting walking should be developed, with a focus on increasing the frequency of walking practice. In the post-COVID-19 era, urban and transportation planning in metropolitan cities need to adjust their focus on the development of neighborhood assets related to walking as a health promotion strategy for the upcoming pandemic.