The Korea Local Administration Review

This study investigated the effect of physical environment on the local attachment through neighbor relations. In doing so, this study examined the previous research on the physical environment, neighbor relations, and local attachment. Online surveys of citizens in Seoul were conducted and the structural equation model (SEM) was utilized to analyze survey data. The results showed that the physical environment level had direct or indirect effect on the local attachment through neighbor relations. In more specific, the safety from crime, facility, and natural disaster had the greatest effect on the local attachment. In addition, neighbor relations were found to have significant mediating effects between the physical environment and local attachment. The results implied that more attention should be paid to enhancement of the local attachment.

□ Keywords: Physical Environment, Neighbor Relations, Local Attachment, Structural Equation Model