CreatripTeam

A Korean-owned restaurant in Phnom Penh, operating since 2007, is facing its worst crisis as customers disappear amid fallout from recent violent incidents involving Koreans. Owner Kim Geum-ok says sales fell about 80% after a brief post-COVID recovery; some nearby businesses report zero revenue. Locals’ anti-Korean sentiment (반한감정) fueled by unfounded beliefs that Korea is allied with Thailand against Cambodia has reduced visits from Cambodian patrons. Travel agencies report mass cancellations and a sharp drop in bookings, and flights now carry only a handful of Korean passengers, mainly for family paperwork. Community members fear Cambodia will be stigmatized by the crimes, and call for careful screening of travelers and an end to treating all residents as criminals. The community hopes for a swift resolution so daily life and businesses can recover.