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.