Recently, as the interest in pedestrians’ safety has increased, walking trails have been developed around the country.

Since Seoul’s walking trail was constructed, the number of users has been steadily increasing as the usability and accessibility also increases. However, conflicts are frequently occurring between the local governments and landowners or users of walking trails, and are expected to increase after the implementation of the Abolition System in a Long-term unexecuted Urban Park in 2020. Efficient management methods are needed to proactively respond to complaints from landowners and users of trails. Therefore, this study focuses on the conflict cases that occurred in the trails of Seoul and analyzed the implications of the problems through similar internal and external cases, related systems and structures, and derived a solution for conflict management.

First, related systems and management structure were examined. This study examined the concept of walking trails, management plan and how policies at the national or local government level were operated through research literature and media. Seminars were held by specialists to derive solutions and implications for similar conflict cases in Japan.

Second, the location, cause of conflict, and level of conflict were examined. For the section with specific location information, the surrounding land distribution and facilities were reviewed through GIS data and field survey.

Third, each case was analyzed in terms of the cause of conflict and person(s) concerned. We summarized the characteristics of the site with conflict cases. The conflict management system was deduced in consideration of the implications from the characteristics of conflict resolution. Conflict experts were reviewed and supplemented to make effective plans.

As a result, the conflict management methods were proposed based on compensation plan, conflict prevention management plan, and management system improvement plan. All conflict differ in nature because of different land characteristics and different surrounding conditions. Compensation should be made in consultation with landowners in consideration of regional characteristics, value in use and ecological environment. Therefore, the purchase cost and usage fee of the trail were calculated and the results used to select the criteria for consultation with landowner. In addition, 100% reduction of property tax was proposed to revitalize the green practical use contract. Conflict Impact Analysis is used to prevent conflict management to comprehend private land for major trails and the persons concerned, and predicted areas of conflict risk to enable local governments to respond in advance. Regarding management system improvement plan, manuals on walking trail use and conflict management should be prepared for safe use to prevent and systematically manage conflicts by sharing their management methods and procedures. Moreover, to efficiently manage conflict, we proposed ways to build conflict management cooperation system with citizens, corporations, organizations, and experts.