Impact of Volunteering Satisfaction on Social Capital -Mediating effect of Sense of Community-

This study aims to examine the impact of volunteer activity satisfaction on social capital in the Jeju region and to confirm whether community awareness plays a mediating role in the relationship between volunteer activity satisfaction and social capital. To achieve this, a theoretical discussion of the key factors related to volunteer activity satisfaction, social capital, and a sense of community was conducted, leading to the development of a research model and hypotheses. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 344 adult volunteers engaged in social welfare facilities and organizations in Jeju Island, and multiple regression analysis was performed. The results revealed that satisfaction with volunteer activities significantly influences social capital, and the sense of community partially mediates the relationship between volunteer activity satisfaction and social capital. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed: First, it is necessary to revise the Basic Law on Volunteer Activities. Second, diverse programs that can enhance the sense of community should be developed. Third, efforts are needed to foster changes in perception to promote the formation of social capital. It is hoped that this study's findings will stimulate practical and policy-oriented discussions for improving social capital.