The aim of this study is to identify the level of social mobility and to suggest policy recommendations to enhance social cohesion in Korea. Social mobility is regarded as a pillar of social cohesion with social exclusion and social capital. As part of this study, a survey was conducted of a total of 4,052 adult Koreans aged 19~75 sampled across the country, on which we based our analysis of the level and recognition of social cohesion and social mobility.

The main results of our analysis are as follows. First, the trend of social mobility is analyzed. The younger generation, the more prevalent class and occupational immobility is in both low- and high-income groups. The labor market achievement of younger Koreans was found to have been highly influenced by their parents’ educational attainment and family’s economic background. Also, the recent trend toward higher education has reduced the impact of the educational attainment of younger Koreans on their wage levels.

Second, the generational relationship between education attainment and social mobility is identified. Social mobility toward high-class has been reducing. The probability for people to obtain educational excellence and to move to socioeconomically higher is reducing. Plus, background variables, including the level of class and social capital, are stronger than education attainment of their parents. This implies that policy intervention is required to ease the disparity of private education and to strengthen social capital of the disadvantaged.

Third, the relation between social mobility and social cohesion recognition is examined. While social cohesion recognition becomes negative as people are young and show generational differences, social mobility experiences are mixed. The recognition to social cohesion has a significant effect on social cohesion recognition, suggesting the possibility and perception of social mobility can be a meaningful index of social cohesion.

Lastly, the international level of social mobility is compared. In the past, social mobility experience toward higher class in Korea was more widened than other countries. In the present, however, the opportunity of success fell, with showing a bigger decline. As a result, the negative prospect on social mobility is increasing.

The findings of this study led to several policy recommendations. First, increased policy attention for flexible social mobility is needed. In other words, the reduction in private education gap, the investment in social capital and inclusive education are required. Second, there is a need for social security, such as job security, the stabilization of livelihood through housing support. Third, the remaining inequality of result should be addressed. To put it in other words, fair distribution in labor market attracts education investment, restoring social vitality to Korea.

*Keywords: Social Mobility, Social Cohesion, Inequality of education, Social Trust, Social Inclusion, Social Capital