Abstract

This study performed GIS and statistical analyses on the location and spatial characteristics of the slum in Daejeon. Spatial data of 648 slum residents in Daejeon were collected and 131 residents among them were surveyed. The results showed the trends of higher rent, lower social exclusion and closer neighboring relations in slum center than the surrounding areas, which could be interpreted as the interrelated multilateral effects of the micro- (housing), meso- (relations), exo- (community) and macro- (government policy) systems. The strong bonds among neighbors and various supports from social service facilities elevated the slum area's rent and diminished residents' social exclusion more than housing conditions (for instance, poor hygiene and low safety). Slum tenants willingly paid a premium for their substandard housings and refused moving to governmentally provided modern housing units. In urban development, administrative authorities need to be cautious about slum uprooting. Much rather an alternative renewal approach is needed which protects the slum's intimate relations while improving its overall living standards.