This study aims to: identify the structure of public’s recognition of social cohesion in Korea; explain the relationship between social exclusion, perceived social conflict and perceived social cohesion, and; explore the relationship between the level of social cohesion and happiness.

Previous studies on social cohesion have identified that Koreans understand social cohesion from various perspectives. Understanding factors that cause these different perspectives of individuals may be useful in making effective policy responses.

As a part of this study, a face-to-face survey was conducted of a total of 3,669 adult Koreans by using a structured questionnaire which includes questions concerning sub-concepts of social cohesion, social changes, international comparison of the level of social cohesion, and the degree of social exclusion. The survey was conducted from June to July of 2016.

This report is comprised of 7 chapters. Following Chapter 1, an introduction, Chapter 2 analyses the structure of the recognition of social cohesion based on the evaluation of how Koreans perceive the state of social cohesion and weight the elements of social cohesion. Chapter 3 diagnoses the level of social cohesion in Korea by comparing the results of survey measurement of the state of social cohesion with that of international survey measurement of it. Chapter 4 examines Koreans’ perceived social conflict and analyses its relationship with the level of social cohesion. Chapter 5 examines the sense of deprivation and its relationship with per-ceived social cohesion. Our analysis in Chapter 6 is about the relationship between the level of social cohesion and happiness. Lastly, Chapter 7 summarizes the preceeding discussions and suggests policy implications.

The main findings are as follows. First, many Koreans regard social mobility as a prerequisite for a cohesive society. Second, there is a significant gap between Koreans’ subjective life satisfaction and objective living conditions. Third, the effect of economic conflicts on social cohesion has led to values conflicts. Fourth, people’s sense of deprivation of basic living conditions, cultural life, and preparedness for the future has a negative effect on their perception of social cohesion. Fifth, perceived social cohesion has a positive effect on emotional happiness, life satisfaction, and eudaemonic happiness and decreases depression.