Abstract

Purpose:This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution and locational characteristics of elderly residential welfare facilities in response to Korea’s rapidly aging society and to provide policy implications for balanced welfare development. Research design, data and methodology: Using public data from Statistics Korea and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) were applied to Si–Gun–Gu units within the Seoul metropolitan area to identify spatial concentration patterns and regional disparities. Results: Elderly welfare facilities were found to be concentrated in central Seoul and the southern Gyeonggi region, while peripheral areas showed lower accessibility and distinct spatial imbalance. The Global Moran’s I value (0.21, p < 0.01) confirmed a positive spatial autocorrelation in facility distribution. Conclusions: The findings highlight the limitations of city-centered welfare supply structures and emphasize the need for balanced spatial planning of elderly welfare facilities to enhance accessibility and regional equity.