Public Networks as Social Capital: A Case Study of Goryeoin Enclave in Ansan

Goryeoin who have migrated to South Korea rely on personal networks composed of family and relatives to acquire social capital such as solidarity, stability, and job information. However, the more closely Goryeoin are connected to public networks—comprising institutions and organizations supporting their settlement in the host society—the greater their access to social capital within the community becomes. This study examines the formation and functions of public networks that facilitate the settlement of Goryeoin in Ansan, South Korea, home to the largest Goryeoin enclave in the country. Using the concept of social capital as a framework, the research examines the contributions of public institutions, educational organizations, religious groups, specialized support organizations, and Goryeoin-led initiatives that collectively shape Ansan’s public network. It also explores how Goryeoin perceive and utilize the services provided by these networks. Ansan has a relatively well-developed infrastructure to support foreigners, forming the foundation for a robust public network aiding Goryeoin. However, compared to their awareness of these organizations, Goryeoin's actual experience in utilizing their services remains relatively low due to language barriers, as many Goryeoin lack proficiency in Korean. The high awareness and utilization of specialized organizations providing Russian-language services and sharing Goryeoin cultural identity underscore this issue. For these public networks to effectively share their resources with Goryeoin, it is essential to address the linguistic and cultural characteristics that distinguish Goryeoin from other foreign-national groups, such as ethnic Koreans from China. Furthermore, fostering Goryeoin-led organizations as key actors within these networks is vital for advocating their interests to the host society and supporting their stable settlement and long-term integration.