Social Capital and Residential Satisfaction in South Korea: A Comparative Study of Communities in Seoul, Yeoju and Gwacheon

Abstract

Research suggests that social capital has positive influences on the improvement of quality of life (livability) and the creation of wealth. Some Western scholars have been interested in traditional social capital as an important element of modernization and rapid economic development in East Asian countries. This study compares and contrasts elements of social capital and residential satisfaction across three different residential communities in South Korea, namely apartment estates (Seoul and Gwacheon) and a rural village (Yeoju). Two major questions are posed: first, what differences exist in terms of the perception of the level of social capital and the reputation of the area within the different neighbourhood contexts? Second, what is the relationship between residential satisfaction and the perception of social capital? Using the results from 487 heads of households surveyed, this study assesses commonly recognized elements of each community, which includes social capital, social mix and residential satisfaction in the communities. The study findings suggest that three factors—norms, trust and networks—contribute equally to the case study areas. Also, ageing population and duration of residence were relevant to the development of neighbourhood-based social capital and residential satisfaction, and these factors need to be carefully considered by housing policy makers, social planners and others involved in implementing human settlements policies.