Residential mobility, urban preference, and human settlement: A South Korean case study

Considering the theory of place attachment, we examine the relationship between residential mobility preference and socio-demographic characteristics, social ties, and environmental perceptions. Based on the application of this western theory to a different national and community-level context, social and economic factors that contribute to such mobility preference are considered. Categorical and multilevel models are employed using cross-sectional census and survey-based data collected from residents in seven South Korean cities. Economic condition, degree of education, transportation elements, social ties, environmental perception, and place-based characteristics were found to contribute to residential mobility preference.