Why do residents participate in neighborhood associations? The case of apartment neighborhood associations in Seoul, South Korea

Private governments are organized by residents to resolve collective action problems in neighborhoods and provide services that are public in nature for the community residents. This article builds knowledge of private governments by examining apartment complexes in Seoul, South Korea, and explores the determinants of citizen engagement in neighborhood associations. Apartment complexes in Seoul are forming physical neighborhoods that make its segregated life boundary distinct. This research proposes that the neighborhood associations in Seoul may create social spaces where people pursue human values and social goods and promote civic engagement in the community. To explain factors that affect residents who participate in neighborhood associations, we analyzed the Apartment Community Survey in Seoul. The results indicate that residents who participate in social groups and community programs and live in communities for a long time are more likely to participate in neighborhood associations.