Exploring the network structure and operational context of urban community organizations for the promotion of walking in Seoul

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the network structure and operational context of urban community organizations for the promotion of walking in Seoul. Methods: We conducted social network analysis (SNA) with working-level staff in 63 organizations and conducted in-depth interviews with 17 cases. Results: The total network density was 0.04 in seven diameters. The network was centralized around governmental organizations, with a proportion of 50.8%. The network consisted of four clusters that each operate walking growth projects. In central analysis results, the public health center was identified as an organization that can exert the most significant structural influence. In-depth interviews, the decision-making process, and the operational contexts of urban walking policy were categorized into four overarching themes: “Differences in perceptions of the organization,” “Two-sided effects of budget use,” “Differences in attitudes toward cooperation,” and “Challenges of inter-organizational cooperation for promoting walking.” Conclusion: The network structure for promoting walking in district A was formed around governmental organizations, which is insufficient for reflecting the opinions and surveillance of civil society. Only in the urban walking project of the health center was a civic organization actively participating in the decision-making process and was multi-sector cooperation taking place.