Ethnic entrepreneurship is one of the key factors of community economic development. This article explores how religious institutions enhance ethnic entrepreneurship through social capital in the Los Angeles Korean community, which has high self-employment rates and active participation among its Christian congregations. The role of religious institutions is rarely discussed in terms of entrepreneurship. The article finds that religion-based social capital has greatly benefited the small business development of this ethnic community. Korean ethnic congregations have acted as small business incubators through social networking and capital accumulation. In addition, the article asserts that contemporary community development should reemphasize social capital, religious institutions, and entrepreneurship.

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This article addresses the theoretical background and controversies of social capital in relationship to urban crime. It posits that social capital is a key asset to improving crime prevention. When people and organizations are densely related, it creates high levels of bonding and bridging social capital. In terms of crime, social capital builds the trust necessary to sustain a healthy community. However, evidence suggests that in some cases social capital may enhance crime by creating unity among street youth gangs and other parochial groups in a community. In the context of the nature and economics of urban crime, this article mainly addresses urban planning and development approaches and remedies. As more is learnt about the concept, and about the mechanisms that provide the protection, planners will be able to develop targeted interventions to support the growth and maintenance of social capital, improving community social structures and community safety.

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(1) What is the role of the government in enhancing social economy? South Korea has implemented projects and programs to enhance social economy. This paper discusses the positive role of government intervention by looking at the case of community business in South Korea. In addition, some limitations are discussed. (2) Qualitative data based on in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders and participants were included. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of government documents and literature was conducted. (3) In spite of some bureaucratic and institutional limitations, the village company program of Korea has played an important role in enhancing the social economy for ten years. In particular, the early stages of government intervention in Korea have been successful. (4) However, when the government intends to get involved in enhancing the social economy, it is necessary to carefully prepare formal and informal institutions.