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Decommissioning gas stations in Seoul: Determinants of closure and land-use transitions

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  • Han, Jihyun
  • Kim, Saehoon

Abstract

Global decarbonization is rendering legacy infrastructure like gas stations obsolete. This study analyzes gas station closure dynamics in Seoul, South Korea (2009–2023), treating them as stranded assets in a city undergoing a rapid energy transition. Using a novel mixed-method design that integrates geographic information system (GIS), logistic regression, and qualitative interviews, we analyze 223 decommissioned stations to link closure determinants with post-closure land-use transitions. Our findings revealed that sites in commercial zones were 82% more likely to close (OR = 1.818, p < 0.05). Additionally, greater competition and proximity to subways emerged as significant predictors of closure (p < 0.1). Contrary to conventional assumptions, closures were driven by location-specific economic pressures and urban structural factors rather than by declining fuel demand alone. Post-closure land-use analysis revealed diverse transformation pathways. While the transitions were dominated by residential (27.8%) and commercial (27.3%) developments, 45.7% of the sites fell within district-unit planning zones, indicating a strategic urban planning influence. These findings provide crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers to manage the transition of fossil-fuel infrastructure in the context of sustainable urban development.

Suggested Citation

  • Han, Jihyun & Kim, Saehoon, 2026. "Decommissioning gas stations in Seoul: Determinants of closure and land-use transitions," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:166:y:2026:i:c:s0264837726001055
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2026.108021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saehoon Kim, 2019. "Design strategies to respond to the challenges of shrinking city," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(1), pages 49-64, January.
    2. Youngmee Jeon & Saehoon Kim, 2024. "Housing abandonment and socio-spatial inequalities: experience from a shrinking inner-city area of Incheon, South Korea," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(11), pages 2901-2918, October.
    3. Markard, Jochen & Raven, Rob & Truffer, Bernhard, 2012. "Sustainability transitions: An emerging field of research and its prospects," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 955-967.
    4. Geels, Frank W., 2002. "Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective and a case-study," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(8-9), pages 1257-1274, December.
    5. Gregor Semieniuk & Philip B. Holden & Jean-Francois Mercure & Pablo Salas & Hector Pollitt & Katharine Jobson & Pim Vercoulen & Unnada Chewpreecha & Neil R. Edwards & Jorge E. Viñuales, 2022. "Stranded fossil-fuel assets translate to major losses for investors in advanced economies," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 12(6), pages 532-538, June.
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