Structural exclusion and cultural vitality as mediator: a spatial analysis of cultural inequality in Seoul

Abstract

This study investigates structural mechanisms of spatial cultural inequality in Seoul by analysing 3,206 cultural events across 25 districts using spatial econometrics and path modelling. Findings reveal a pronounced centre-periphery divide (Moran's I = 0.168, p = 0.047) and suggest that socioeconomic advantage is associated with cultural participation primarily through a “Cultural Vitality Index” (β = 0.405, p = 0.007), with negligible direct income effects. A 20-minute travel-time threshold showed the strongest accessibility association (r = 0.495**; Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.060**), providing tentative support for mobility-based barriers, while significant spatial variation in citizen-led events (F = 16.531, p < 0.001) evidenced governance inequality. The study's originality lies in its integrated quantitative framework combining spatial statistics with path modelling to operationalise “cultural vitality” as a theoretically grounded mediating variable, providing actionable policy insights for advancing spatial cultural justice.