Contents
INTRODUCTION
RELEVANCE OF THE TRUST DEBATE TO KOREAN SOCIETY
RISE OF LARGE CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS AS SOCIAL CAPITAL
FAMILIAR TRUST AND GENERALIZED TRUST
TRUST AND GOVERNANCE
STATUS OF TRUST IN KOREA
FAMILIAR TRUST
GENERALIZED TRUST
INSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL TRUST
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
CONCLUSION
Abstract
This paper reviews the relevance of the debate on trust in Korea, with particular focus on the different levels of trust. While familial and interpersonal trust is high, generalized trust, such as for anonymous others, meritocracy, and the rule of law, appears to be low. Institutional and political trust, which is a specific form of generalized trust, is especially low. Younger, better educated, and more affluent Koreans tend to maintain a higher level of generalized trust and a lower level of political trust. In Korea, these individuals become source of civic activist and community. Statistical analyses also find that Koreans who engage in everyday political affairs, party and campaign activities tend to accept the legitimacy of political challenge and protest.