CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

This study was conducted with the objective of establishing waterfront development strategies that leverage the water resources of hungcheongbuk-do as a foundation for restructuring urban spaces and driving regional revitalization. Focusing on key local water bodies such as Daecheong Dam, the Namhangang River, Musimcheon Stream, and the MihoRiver, the study comprehensively reviewed relevant domestic and international case studies along with local spatial conditions and planning contexts, to explore how these areas can be transformed into vibrant living hubs combining ecological, cultural, tourism, and everyday functions.The research entailed theoretical exploration as well as comprehensive analysis of major waterfront development cases in Korea and abroad. Domestic cases included the Hangang Renaissance Project in Seoul, Busan North Port Redevelopment, Sejong Lake Park, Gapcheon Ecological River Restoration in Daejeon, Gwangcheoncheon Urban Regeneration in Gwangju, the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration in Seoul, and the designation of the Taehwagang River in Ulsan as a National Garden. Internationally, the study examined projects such as the Thames Gateway in the UK, Yokohama’s Minato Mirai 21 in Japan, HafenCity in Hamburg, Germany, the Willamette River Revitalization in Portland, USA, and the Marina Bay Development in Singapore. These cases confirmed that waterfront development is not merely about improving landscape or promoting tourism, but serves as a flexible urban regeneration mechanism apable of restructuring urban functions, restoring ecosystems, and rebuilding civic communities. Unlike large-scale coastal port cities, the waterfront areas in Chungcheongbuk-do are subject to physical limitations and various regulatory onstraints. However, these areas also exhibit high ecological value and excellent accessibility to urban cores, indicating strong potential for transformation into neighborhood-centered waterfront spaces. Based on this understanding, the study proposed three core strategic directions for Chungbuk-style waterfront development: the creation of compact yet high-density community nodes, the establishment of flexible planning systems that can navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and the activation of waterfront areas through multi-functional and phased development. 

Based on these findings, the study presents the following policy recommendations: 

First, it is necessary to establish locally tailored development strategies that reflect each site’s spatial characteristics and utilization potential.

Second, even under overlapping regulations, the region must pursue gradual and use-centered approaches that focus more on activation than on physical development.

Third, the strategy must enhance integration between waterfront spaces and surrounding commercial, tourism, and cultural functions.

Fourth, a collaborative governance system should be established that centers on community-led initiatives.

Fifth, development models should shift toward small-scale, mixed-use formats suitable for the inland nature of Chungcheongbuk-do’s water resources.

This study confirms the need to move beyond the conventional perception of waterfronts as natural scenery or water-friendly zones, and instead recognize them as strategic spatial assets that can lead urban restructuring and regional innovation. 

By doing so, the waterfront areas of Chungcheongbuk-do can be reimagined as key growth engines, and this study provides practical spatial lanning directions and policy foundations to support their transformation.