South Korea's Rising Anti-China Sentiment: A Historical and Social Analysis

Anti-China sentiment in South Korea has been steadily growing, fueled by a confluence of factors ranging from the perceived uncivilized behavior of some Chinese tourists to cultural disputes and environmental concerns like transboundary air pollution. This sentiment is not confined to a specific political group, with both progressive and conservative Koreans expressing a belief in South Korea's superiority over China.

Recent polls underscore this trend. A 2026 survey by the Asan Policy Institute revealed that only 10.8% of South Koreans supported China in the U.S.-China competition, compared to 71.4% who supported the U.S. Similarly, a 2025 Pew Research Center study found that 81% of South Koreans held a negative view of China.

The historical roots of this sentiment can be traced through three distinct phases. Pre-Korean War (before 1950), friction arose from cultural and lifestyle differences between Koreans and Chinese living near the border, exemplified by the 1931 Wanbaoshan incident. Following the Korean War until diplomatic ties were severed with Taiwan in 1992, relations were largely frozen due to the Cold War dynamic, with limited direct animosity towards China despite its involvement in the war.

The significant shift occurred in the 2000s. Increased tourism and student exchanges brought Koreans into more frequent contact with Chinese nationals, eroding initial curiosity and leading to negative perceptions due to perceived uncivilized behavior. The deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in 2017 further exacerbated tensions, as China imposed political and economic pressure on South Korea. Younger generations, in particular, exhibit stronger negative feelings towards China, often coupled with a sense of cultural superiority.