The research team led by Professor Kim Jeong-mun of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has published research findings in a leading international journal presenting a new analytical framework for nighttime safety perceptions in urban parks.

The research team, composed of Professor Kim Jeong-mun, PhD candidate Kim Jong-rae, and Dr. Jeong Pureum, reported that their in-depth analysis of nighttime safety perceptions experienced by urban park users was published in the latest 2026 issue of Urban Forestry & Urban Greening (IF 6.7, top 5% in JCR), a world-leading journal in urban green space and environmental studies. The paper is titled "Design, presence, and perception: An exploratory path analysis of nighttime safety perceptions in urban parks."

This study is notable for applying exploratory path analysis (EPA), a technique that has been relatively underutilized in prior related research. Through this approach, the team systematically identified the complex interaction structure among park design elements, presence-related factors within spaces, and users' psychological safety perceptions.

In particular, the study empirically demonstrates that safety perceptions in nighttime environments are not limited to physical lighting or facility improvements, but operate organically through spatial configuration and user perception. It is being recognized for providing practical evidence that can be applied to future urban park design and management policies.

Professor Kim Jeong-mun said, "It is meaningful that we were able to derive significant results by attempting a novel research methodology that had not been sufficiently reported previously," and added, "The work has been evaluated by the academic community as an excellent achievement in terms of methodological novelty and practical value."

PhD candidate Kim Jong-rae and Dr. Jeong Pureum, who participated in the research, said, "Thanks to our advisor's continuous guidance and advice, we were able to grow as researchers," and added, "We are grateful that the long, diligent research process resulted in publication in an international journal."

This research outcome has once again demonstrated the international research competitiveness of the JBNU Department of Landscape Architecture, and it is expected to make a significant academic and social contribution to creating safe and pleasant urban environments.