외국인의 거주지분리 변화에 대한 연구: 서울시의 팬데믹 전･후의 변화를 중심으로 = A Study on Changes in Residential Segregation of Foreign Residents: Focusing on Pre- and Post-Pandemic Periods in Seoul

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examined the changes in residential segregation of foreigners in Seoul before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing resident registration population statistics from 2018 to 2021 across 25 administrative districts in Seoul, the study compared and analyzed the proportion of foreign residents and the degree of residential segregation based on the dissimilarity index. The findings revealed that although the proportion of foreign residents decreased overall after the pandemic, the level of residential segregation between foreigners and natives did not show statistically significant changes. This suggests that rather than directly affecting foreigners' residential choices or segregation patterns, the pandemic likely led to a reduction in the absolute number of foreigners due to economic hardships and entry restrictions. These results align with previous studies indicating that higher proportions of residents do not necessarily correspond to higher levels of residential segregation. However, whether residential segregation itself is socially positive or negative cannot be determined simply by its level, as it may reflect voluntary residential choices and various local factors such as living convenience. Future research should further explore these dimensions.