This study investigated the effect of the concentration of ambient fine particulate matter $\left({\mathrm{PM}}_{2.5}\right)$, a transboundary air pollutant, on the livability of neighboring areas of China and South Korea with the aim of informing common policy development. Grey relational analysis (GRA) and panel regression analysis were performed to examine the effect of ${\mathrm{PM}}_{2.5}$ concentration on various livability indicators. The results revealed that urban living infrastructure was an indicator of effect in both South Korea and China. Based on the high correlation between urban living infrastructure and ${\mathrm{PM}}_{2.5}$ concentration, it can be seen that ${\mathrm{PM}}_{2.5}$ clearly affects livability, shown by panel regression analysis. Other key livability indicators were traffic safety, culture and leisure, and climate indicators. Spatial analysis of the livability index revealed that from 2015 to 2019, livability improved in both South Korea and China, but there was a clear difference in the spatial distribution in China. High-vulnerability areas showed potential risks that can reduce livability in the long run. In South Korea and China, areas surrounding large cities were found to be highly vulnerable. The findings of this research can guide the establishment of policies grading ${\mathrm{PM}}_{2.5}$ pollution at the regional or city macro-level.

This study aims to develop an urban livability assessment index that incorporates climate change vulnerability and to apply this index to urban areas in South Korea, thereby analyzing the impact of climate change on living environments and quality of life. Existing frameworks for livability indices often fail to adequately reflect the long-term risks associated with climate change. Consequently, this research proposes a new livability index that includes climate change vulnerability, establishing a policy foundation aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The methodology integrates existing livability indicators with climate change vulnerability indicators across 219 cities and districts in South Korea. Utilizing panel regression analysis and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) analysis, the study evaluates the spatial clustering characteristics and potential risks in each area. The results indicate that urban infrastructure significantly influences livability, with climate change vulnerability indicators forming high clusters primarily in southern regions. Furthermore, the study confirms economic disparities within the metropolitan area, as well as the exacerbation of social inequalities in regions vulnerable to disaster safety and social services. This research underscores the necessity of integrating climate change vulnerability into livability indices, suggesting that such indices can serve as critical criteria for urban policy formulation and the evaluation of regeneration projects.

A smart city (SC) should be planned and constructed based on Urban Growth Management. There is insufficient research to assess whether projects designed for the creation of SCs are in-line with both Smart Growth and Sustainable Growth practices, which are the foundation of Urban Growth Management. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the projects designed for the creation of SCs in Korea have been conducted using Smart Growth and Sustainable Growth practices. We selected the Sejong 5-1 Neighborhood and Busan Eco Delta City as case study areas. We evaluated the SC plans based on both Smart Growth principles and Sustainable Growth indices. As a result, we found that SC plans in both case study areas have primarily focused on economic growth opportunities that have followed some technological indicators. The indicators for equitable approval processes, efficient development patterns, and resiliency to hazards, but, were all found to be lacking in the urban planning considerations for these cities. This article proposed that Urban Growth Management such as Smart Growth and Sustainable Growth is important for environmental policy.