IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has played a central role in South Korea’s urban safety initiatives for over 30 years. Traditionally focused on improving physical environments—such as installing lighting, increasing visibility, and reducing blind spots—CPTED has contributed to crime prevention and reduced fear among residents. However, the country is now undergoing significant social transformations, including population decline, rapid aging, urban infrastructure deterioration, and an increase in vacant or underutilized spaces. These challenges call for a comprehensive re-evaluation of conventional, uniform, and supply-driven CPTED approaches. This paper proposes a renewed strategic direction for CPTED beginning in 2025, structured around three key pillars. First, a data-driven policy design approach is essential. Integrating police crime statistics, 112 emergency call data, and geospatial environmental information enables an empirical understanding of how physical surroundings influence crime perception and risk. The development of a CPTED Typology Indicator (CPTI) will allow for regionally tailored strategies, offering policymakers a practical tool for classifying local environments by risk profile. Second, institutional restructuring is necessary to ensure long-term policy sustainability. Currently, there is no dedicated legal framework governing CPTED, and related programs are dispersed across multiple ministries. Establishing a unified legal basis that incorporates urban planning, architecture, and public safety is crucial for coordinated and sustainable implementation. Third, community engagement must be strengthened. Public surveys, participatory workshops, and awareness campaigns are vital in fostering citizen ownership and ensuring policy relevance to local needs. In conclusion, CPTED in South Korea must evolve into a comprehensive urban safety policy that integrates both crime prevention and broader public safety concerns.