Exploring active living among urban young adults in Seoul, South Korea: a spatiotemporal qualitative study.

This study examines how urban assets influence active living among young adults in a physical activity-friendly neighborhood in Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Using a spatiotemporal qualitative design with in-depth interviews, cognitive mapping, and activity tracking of 26 residents aged 19–39, the research found that young adults view active living as a self-directed pursuit balancing personal growth and social engagement within a compact urban environment. Key urban assets such as parks, fitness centers, bike lanes, cafés, and walkable streets facilitate physical activity and social interaction, though participants also reported psychological pressure from the competitive urban context. The findings suggest that public health policies should promote equitable access to diverse urban amenities while addressing mental well-being to support sustainable active lifestyles among young adults in dense cities.