Abstract
This study is to suggest the improving methods for rural community centers by analysis of 30 community centers in Samnangjin-eup, Miryang city, Gyeongnam. To fulfill this purpose, the facilities, usable condition and management system were examined. The user needs and level of satisfaction were also investigated through the interviews with 858 citizens. The average size of the centers is $96m^2$, and 73% of them are one-story buildings. Women use the community center more frequently than men in ratio of 6:4. 43.4% of interviewees visit the center 1 or 2 times a month, but on the other hand 27.4% of them use the center almost every day. Recess is surely the main purpose, and health care and community meeting are next two reasons. 67.8% and 72.4% of them are not satisfied with the inside and outside of the community center respectively. The interview results demonstrate that the most important issue is the lack of facilities. To improve the community centers in Samnangjin-eup, first of all, various kinds of indoor and outdoor facilities must be equipped. Secondly, considering the center is the core of rural community life, the qualitative improvement in accommodation is also needed as well as facility diversification. The efficiency of space utilization is another issue. A small piece of land or abandoned space must be utilized. Moreover, it is very critical that the users are mostly seniors and elders, so improvements of facilities will be executed in terms of safety and convenience. Finally, administrative and financial support should be made for the people, so as to maintain the the rural community center on their own.