Soundscape is the acoustic environment as perceived in a specific context, shaped by
place, time, and culture (ISO 12913-1, 2014). Unlike noise studies that focus on unwanted
sounds, soundscape research explores how people interpret and emotionally respond to
everyday auditory environments. Urban and rural areas present distinct sound profiles, urban
parks often include traffic and human activity, while rural parks feature more natural elements.
These differences impact well-being, yet studies using objective tools like EEG to assess
soundscape perception remain limited. This study examines how people respond to soundscapes
in urban and rural parks using EEG and subjective soundscape assessments. Ten participants
listened to recorded park soundscapes while their brain activity was measured, focusing on
Theta (4–8 Hz), Alpha (8–12 Hz), and Beta (12–25 Hz) waves. Questionnaires were used to
evaluate perceived attributes and preferences. Results show that Theta waves, linked to deep
relaxation, were more active during rural soundscapes, while Alpha waves, associated with
calm focus, appeared more during urban soundscapes. Participants perceived rural parks as
more calming and restorative, while urban parks were seen as lively but still comfortable. These
findings suggest that different acoustic environments evoke distinct mental states and emotional
responses. Incorporating natural sound elements especially in urban contexts can enhance the
restorative quality of public spaces and improve user well-being