Gentrification and the online–offline information gap: A linguistic landscape analysis of Seosulla-gil

Seungrae Kim^*, Min-Gyeong Choi, Eun-Jee Shin, Jun-Young Paik^**

Yonsei University

Abstract

This study explores gentrification beyond physical displacement and examines it as a new dimension of linguistic and informational inequality. Focusing on Seosulla-gil in Seoul, it compares the amount and accessibility of information in offline (storefront signs) and online (Instagram posts) linguistic landscapes. In the offline sphere, policy restrictions on signboard size have reduced information beyond store names, turning informational absence into aesthetic symbolism. Conversely, online platforms provide extensive contextual information— brand stories, philosophies, and community activities—creating an informational gap between the two spheres. However, this expansion presupposes digital access and excludes groups that lack digital literacy from fully engaging with such information. To mitigate this exclusion, this study proposes two complementary guarantees: the guarantee of digital accessibility, emphasizing institutional responsibility for digital literacy education, and the guarantee of informational accessibility, encouraging shop owners’ voluntary information disclosure and language policies based on the right to access information. Together, these dual guarantees suggest that the exclusion and marginalization caused by gentrification can be transformed into the restoration of publicity and inclusivity.

젠트리피케이션과 온･오프라인 정보 격차
: 서순라길의 언어경관 분석을 중심으로

초록

Vol. 40 No. 4 (2022.12)

Journal Abbreviation j. Korea Saf. Manag. Sci.
Frequency Published four times annually in March, June, September, and December
Doi Prefix 10.14353/sjk.
Year of Launching 1993
Publisher The Sociolinguistic Society of Korea

Indexed/Tracked/Covered By