South Korea’s anti-China protests fail to deter tourists, but fall still possible: analysts

The demonstrations coincide with this year’s extra-long “super golden week” holiday – forecast to spark a surge in overseas travel

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Participants in an anti-China rally march from the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Seoul, to the Constitutional Court, on August 10. Photo: The Korea Times

Published: 8:00am, 4 Oct 2025

Chinese tourism to South Korea has remained strong this week despite a rash of anti-China protests in Seoul, with no violence reported and tour groups taking advantage of a new visa-free policy – though analysts warn arrivals could dampen once the extended “super golden week” holiday ends.

Scheduled flights between the two Asian countries are operating as expected, according to the regional head of an aviation intelligence firm. A travel marketing firm also said South Korea remains a top destination for Chinese tourists.

Protesters have taken to the streets of central Seoul in response to the temporary visa-free entry scheme for Chinese tour groups, launched on September 29. Members of the conservative opposition People Power Party have also criticised the policy, citing possible security and public safety risks.

The demonstrations have drawn responses from South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and the Chinese embassy in Seoul. On Thursday, the South Korean leader called for a “crackdown” on the anti-China protests, which he described as harmful to the national interest, according to the Korean news agency Yonhap.

On the same day, the Chinese embassy said it had “regretfully noted” the rallies in Myeongdong and Daelim-dong, two districts frequented by Chinese travellers.

Despite the demonstrations, Chinese tourists appear to be sticking to their plans as both governments oppose the protests and public safety remains normal, said Charles Chang, a finance professor at Shanghai’s Fudan University.

“I would think it would be business as usual,” he said. “If the Chinese embassy said ‘don’t go’, then it would be the total opposite.”

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