Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

Community is crucial for human beings not only because they are born with communal self but also because social cooperation is more efficient than competition in many cases. Human beings are defined as Homo communicus living in residential community which is important for the fulfillment of their primary needs. Residential community is an ‘intimacy zone’ where personal and emotional interactions are made. This study aims at examining the health of residential community in Korea by exploring the level of place attachment and neighborhood trust. Previous studies indicate that place attachment and trust are influenced by three dimensions such as residents’ characteristics, house types and regional environment. This study conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey and it shows that place attachment moulds neighborhood trust. The results of path analysis demonstrates that place attachment and trust appear high in detached house areas. Age of residents also gives positive influence on the level of place attachment and neighbourhood trust. This result gives significant policy implications for the development of residential community in Korea. Residential community as an intimacy zone has been eroded and desperately needs to be revitalized. For this, more concern should be given to the issue of desirable size of residential community and the types of houses. Detached house area must be supported by governmental policies.