Integrating Thermal Comfort and Social Vulnerability into Climate-Adaptive Spatial Planning for Heatwave-Resilience in Rural South Korea

Thermal comfort indices, such as the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), are crucial for assessing outdoor thermal conditions and their impacts on human health, especially during extreme heat events (Saud Ghani et al., 2021). While UTCI has been widely used in urban studies, its application in rural areas characterized by high proportions of elderly residents, outdoor workers, and limited infrastructure remains underexplored (Park, Jongchul, et al., 2020). As heatwaves become more frequent and severe due to climate change, identifying priority areas for thermal environment improvements in rural regions is essential to enhancing outdoor comfort and resilience (Korea Rural Economic Research Institute, 2023).The purpose of this study is to identify priority areas for improving heatwave resilience in rural areas. This study analyzed the relationship between thermal comfort indices and land cover to provide a basis for climate-adaptive spatial planning. It also assessed social vulnerability using statistical indicators that account for socio-demographic factors influencing heatwave resilience.Using Jeollanam-do, South Korea, as a case study, this research systematically analyzed vulnerability by employing approaches to assess both thermal comfort and social vulnerability. Jeollanam-do is highly vulnerable due to its predominantly agricultural economy and significant elderly population, making it a critical region for heatwave-related research. To evaluate thermal comfort, the UTCI was calculated using ERA5 Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) data, combined with air temperature, humidity, and wind speed data from weather stations. Social vulnerability was assessed through indicators such as the percentage of elderly population and the availability of healthcare services, which were normalized and integrated to provide a comprehensive analysis of rural heatwave vulnerability.Research findings revealed that Gangjin-gun, a coastal region in Jeollanam-do, was identified as the most vulnerable area due to high UTCI levels and significant social vulnerabilities, including a high proportion of elderly residents and insufficient welfare infrastructure. To address these challenges, proposed strategies include expanding healthcare services, implementing welfare policies tailored to the elderly, and adopting climate adaptation measures such as cooling centers, heatwave warning systems, and smart farming. Additionally, climate-adaptive spatial planning is emphasized, focusing on green-blue infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, wetlands, tree-lined streets, and shaded community spaces to improve outdoor comfort and strengthen long-term resilience.These findings highlight the importance of integrating thermal comfort indices, land-use analysis, and socio-demographic factors into rural spatial planning. Tailored strategies that address environmental and social vulnerabilities can improve rural resilience to heatwaves while contributing to effective climate-adaptive spatial plans, ensuring that vulnerable communities are better prepared for future climate challenges.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;This work was supported by Korea Environment Industry &amp;amp;Technology Institute (KEITI) through "Climate Change R&amp;amp;D Project for New Climate Regime.", funded by Korea Ministry of Environment (MOE) (RS-2022-KE002123) This work was carried out with the support of "Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development (Project No. PJ0171102022)" Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea