The reciprocal relationship between social capital and community development in a Korean Chinese enclave: the case of Daerim 2-dong in Seoul

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between social capital and community development as well as the interaction mechanism between different types of social capital in community development in a Korean-Chinese enclave in Seoul, Korea. For empirical analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 community members in Daerim 2-dong, the largest Korean-Chinese enclave in Korea. The empirical analysis shows that as an input of community development, bonding, bridging, and linking capital all led to the improvement of both social and physical community environments. Furthermore, community development activities increase social capital by facilitating contact and interaction among community members. Additionally, bonding capital among the Korean Chinese was found to be a critical factor for developing bridging and linking capital in the community development process. These results suggest a two-way association between social capital and community development. Based on these findings, this study suggests that greater attention should be paid to the two-way association to promote a reciprocal relationship between social capital and community development in ethnically diverse communities. Moreover, the usefulness of bonding capital among migrants should be considered in community development.