This study analyzed the types of relationships among local residents and among actors of a market in a rural region of Chungcheongbuk-do. It aimed to identify the characteristics of various relationships within the community by utilizing the relations...
This study analyzed the types of relationships among local residents and among actors of a market in a rural region of Chungcheongbuk-do. It aimed to identify the characteristics of various relationships within the community by utilizing the relationship types proposed by Lee and Kim (2021): egoistic, provident, and communal relationships. Through interviews and surveys, the study found that emotional bonds function significantly among these rural residents, with provident and communal relationships being relatively salient. The market and merchants’ association served as mediators, facilitating communal relationships among merchants, who perceived the market’s development as being linked to their businesses and life. However, the overall intensity of the three types of relationships was weak among both merchants and visitors, which may negatively impact the market’s function. The findings contribute to a multifaceted understanding of relationships in rural regions and suggest that the framework of relationship types is theoretically useful for application in regional contexts. There is a need for further in-depth analysis of relationship types and quality through various regional and market case studies.