Abstract
This study aims to explore and classify typologies among residents of public rental housing in South Korea by examining their experiences of discrimination and social capital. Social capital refers to the network of relationships, trust, and social cohesion that facilitates collective action and mutual support within a community. Discrimination experiences encompass the unfair treatment individuals face based on various characteristics, leading to social exclusion and reduced oppor-tunities. The analysis, based on data from the 2021 Seoul Public Rental Housing Panel Survey involving 4,683 individuals, utilized latent class analysis (LCA), chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVAs to identify distinct group characteristics. Four typologies emerged from the analysis: 'Group Seeking Friendly Neighbor Relationships', 'Group Accepting Losses', 'Group with High Social Capital', and 'Group Indifferent to Neighbors'. Each group demonstrated unique residential characteristics, perceptions of social integration, and resident activities, with significant differ-ences observed in mental health outcomes. Notably, the study revealed unconventional insights that challenge existing academic discussions, such as the identification of groups with a strong inclination to support neighbors despite experiencing discrimination, and a group expressing a clear desire for neighborly interaction. The findings suggest that to effectively address discrim-ination in public rental housing, policies should incorporate comprehensive approaches that consider social, economic, and cultural elements alongside physical integration. These policy recommendations aim to foster inclusivity and reduce conflict within public rental communities. Furthermore, these insights could be valuable for other countries seeking to develop or improve public rental housing policies. By integrating social capital-building initiatives and addressing discrimination comprehensively, these strategies can contribute to enhancing community cohe-sion and reducing social tensions on a global scale.