Formation and transformation of kinship associations in Cheongju, South Korea: A case study of the jeon juchoi Kinship association

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the formation and functional changes in kinship associations in Cheongju, a local city in South Korea. The formation and changes in kinship associations are closely related to rural-urban migration. The population of South Korea became concentrated in the cities after 1960. Migrants actively formed new kinship associations in major cities, such as Seoul. Kinship associations in Cheongju have been formed since the 1970s due to a remarkable increase in the population of that city. People who achieved economic and social success in the city developed strong connections with lineage villages of Chungcheong-buk-do. Thus, kinship associations in cities grew by accepting migrants from the lineage villages. The associations helped newcomers to settle in the city because they were able to introduce jobs and places to live. Kinship associations are being reformed and reorganized in accordance with the population growth and people's demands in urban areas.