Port-City and local population relationship : the perception of Busan citizens of the Port

Abstract

Ports play a key role in international trade, as integral hubs where passengers and cargoes are loaded, discharged, and transshipped. However, the function of ports is becoming more diversified, expanding on roles as industrial clusters, as well as logistical centers. Such roles combined, reap numerous and significant benefits, mainly with growth of jobs and wealth creation, for the local population living in the city, and beyond. Citizens’ awareness of the function and value of ports may not be positive, because of a range of negative factors such as emissions, noise, and road congestion, which can influence their perception. This study’s contribution focuses on empirically evaluating the perception of Busan citizens of the local port, by applying Q methodology. The links connecting the port-city and local population, are assessed by identifying: 1) The level of awareness of the Busan citizens of the port; 2) Factors perceived as positive as well as factors perceived as negative by Busan citizens. There are four main factors, derived from the analysis: 1) Port functional knowledge; 2) Lack of social connectedness port-city; 3) Environmentally concerned and; 4) Absent port’s ripple’s effect. Policy recommendations suggest focusing on improving citizens’ perception of the port, for each of the four main factors derived from the analysis.