CreatripTeam

At a 2025 parliamentary audit, lawmaker Min Hyung-bae reported a sharp rise in anti-Chinese (혐중) demonstrations at popular Seoul tourist spots like Myeong-dong and Jamsil — from 4 events last year to 56 this year, a 12-fold increase. About 30% of recent rallies in the Myeong-dong area were identified as targeting Chinese visitors. Incidents included verbal abuse, physical harassment (e.g., hitting with the Taegeukgi (South Korean national flag)) and disruptions to train services. Min criticized the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for limited measures, saying monitoring alone is insufficient as tourist districts risk becoming symbols of hate rallies. Acting KTO President Seo Young-chung said the agency is monitoring the situation under a four-stage crisis manual (interest–caution–alert–serious) and promoting Korea’s hospitable image via local SNS and industry cooperation. Lawmakers warned that rising anti-China sentiment could slow recovery of Chinese visitors, who remain well below pre-pandemic levels, and urged stronger KTO action. Seo acknowledged the problem’s seriousness and pledged to bolster responses.