Cities have declined in many countries in the course of urban growth and change. The urban sprawl accelerated urban decline and the movement of residents. Developed countries have been trying to solve these problems through compact city strategy. This study compares city policies and plans promoted by revitalization projects in five countries. I first analyze the background and progress of each country and derive the characteristics of the cases by comparing similarities and differences. Furthermore, the concept of compact city is identified by comparing according to the criteria for classifying four strategic elements (urban environment, urban community, urban structure, urban management) by analyzing policies and plans of each country. Domestic revitalization projects mainly focus on urban environment and urban community elements and carry out compact city strategy that form a hub as the center of the town. However, in terms of urban structure and urban management, financial and administrative support and organizational system is needed, along with appropriate master plans.