The Evolvement of Social Relationships as Influenced by the Spread of the Online Community : A Study on the Interpersonal Ties of Korean Cultural Kinship in Terms of Alumni's Network and Old-Hometowners' Network

Abstract

Despite Korea's high economic growth, its traditional interpersonal relationships continue to play a significant role, especially in terms of cultural kinship among urban immigrants. Reflecting the current unique character of Korea's social structure, online communities have rapidly developed, populated by existing alumni associations and hometown-rooted associations. Related case studies show that the spread of online communities has influenced the evolvement of alumni associations and interpersonal relations of urban immigrants into the extensive alumni's network, vocational cooperation network, and old-hometowners' network.