At a university campus in Seoul, a group of South Korean students frowned as a Chinese student spoke loudly on the phone outside a lecture hall. Some exchanged comments about the disruption. “It’s annoying,” one muttered. Elsewhere, a student hesitated before entering a restaurant whose signs and menu were written entirely in Chinese. “I have close Chinese friends,” he said, “but a place like this feels unwelcoming to Koreans.”
A growing number of young South Koreans harbor negative views toward China, with personal experiences and policy concerns fueling their perceptions, a recent survey showed.
A poll by the Institute for Future Strategy at Seoul National University and The Chosun Ilbo found that respondents in their 20s and 30s rated China’s favorability at 30 out of 100—just two points above North Korea. Across all age groups, 43% saw China as a cooperative partner, but this figure dropped to 26% among those in their 20s and 32% among those in their 30s.
Everyday frictions deepen anti-China sentiment
For many young South Koreans, daily encounters reinforce their skepticism. A 26-year-old Sungkyunkwan University graduate recalled how Chinese students filled an elective classical Chinese course to boost their grades, making it harder for Korean students to enroll. A 27-year-old Yonsei University student expressed frustration over Chinese group project members who contributed little but still received equal credit.
Beyond campus life, historical and security concerns play a role. “Since childhood, I’ve seen reports of disruptive Chinese tourists and China distorting Korean history,” said a 28-year-old university student in Daegu, referencing disputes over ancient Korean kingdoms and growing concerns over data security risks from Chinese technology firms.
Perceived policy disadvantages
Some young South Koreans believe government policies disproportionately benefit Chinese nationals. A 37-year-old maritime worker criticized the system, saying, “I pay high taxes, but foreign nationals, including Chinese residents, receive generous social benefits. I struggle to qualify for national health insurance because of my time abroad, yet foreigners get medical tourism incentives.”
At a recent anti-China rally, a university student highlighted what he saw as an economic contradiction. “China bans Korean pop culture, yet even our flags at anti-China protests are made in China,” he said.
This resentment contrasts with past nationalist movements led by older generations. Choi, a 34-year-old office worker, said, “The generation that pushed the ‘No Japan’ boycott criticized us for drinking Japanese beer or buying Uniqlo clothes. But when young people express discomfort about China, they dismiss it as anti-China hysteria.”
Impact on Taiwanese and Hong Kong residents
As anti-China sentiment rises, some Taiwanese and Hong Kong residents in South Korea report experiencing discrimination. Taiwanese online retailer Songuo Shopping recently sold out of stickers reading “I am not Chinese” in Korean and English.
“People who dislike China often treat Taiwanese the same way,” said Li Chai-min, a 27-year-old office worker from Taiwan. Some Taiwanese and Hong Kong residents now lower their voices when speaking Mandarin in public to avoid negative attention.
A tourist from Taiwan recalled receiving cold treatment at a Jeju restaurant after speaking Chinese. “Now, when traveling in Seoul and Busan, I wear a sticker that says ‘I am Taiwanese,’” she said.
Foreign policy divide
The survey also found that only 53% of South Koreans in their 20s and 30s supported strengthening economic ties with China, the lowest among all age groups. Meanwhile, 47% opposed closer relations, the highest level recorded.
Kim Hanna, a professor at Chinju National University of Education, warned of the broader implications. “Older generations may be wary of China, but it doesn’t shape their foreign policy views as much. For younger Koreans, it’s different,” she said. “Policymakers must be aware that strong anti-China sentiment among youth could have lasting economic and diplomatic consequences.”
