Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) Graduate School of Techno-Design, Department of Spatial and Cultural Design PhD candidate Song Meng Ru (Advisor: Kim Ji Eun) has had her paper “Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Traditional Villages in Henan Province: A Multi-Method Comprehensive Analysis” published in the SCIE journal Sustainability.

Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050) is an international academic journal indexed in SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded). It is an interdisciplinary convergence research journal covering all aspects of sustainability, including environment, culture, society, economy, and education. It is recognized for its expansive scope and accessibility, covering diverse topics including sustainable urban planning, smart cities, regional regeneration, spatial cultural design, and ESG management.

This study comprehensively analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics and formation factors of 275 traditional villages in Henan Province, China, using scientific methods. A multi-method analysis framework integrating Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I), GeoDetector, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was established. This revealed that the distribution of traditional villages forms a ‘multi-core clustering’ structure along the north-south axis. Furthermore, it systematically demonstrated that spatial heterogeneity arises from the interaction of natural environment, historical culture, transportation accessibility, and socioeconomic factors. Average precipitation, river density, road density, seowon (academy) density, and regional GDP were identified as key influencing variables.

Professor Kim Ji Eun, the dedicated professor of the Interior and Furniture Design Lab at the Graduate School of Techno Design, stated, "Unlike previous studies that leaned toward single analyses such as individual spatial statistics, this paper combined mixed methodologies to analyze the distribution and causes of traditional villages, thereby filling methodological and evidentiary gaps. It can provide empirical and scientific grounds for establishing future regional regeneration policies and rural revitalization strategies. Particularly, as a study respecting the complex multi-value nature of traditional villages, it is expected to promote interdisciplinary dialogue across fields such as cultural geography, regional planning, and sustainable development."

Student Song Maeng Ru stated, “I aimed to scientifically identify the distribution and influencing factors of traditional villages and present empirical evidence to aid in establishing protection and development strategies tailored to regional characteristics.” She added, “In my doctoral dissertation, I will further deepen and expand this multidisciplinary convergence research for the sustainable development of traditional villages.”

SCIE : https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/23/10825