Owner Promises Correction After Meeting With Human Rights Commission
SNS Notice to Be Withdrawn
On November 2, Yonhap News Agency reported that the National Human Rights Commission of Korea has launched an investigation into a cafe in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, after the cafe publicly declared that it would not accept Chinese customers, sparking controversy.
Chinese group tourists who entered through Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon are moving by tour bus. Photo by Yonhap News
According to a representative of the Human Rights Commission on November 2, a complaint was filed claiming that the cafe’s restriction on Chinese visitors could constitute racial discrimination, and the commission recently held an interview with the business owner. During the interview, the commission requested that the owner remove the “No Chinese” notice posted on social networking services (SNS), and the owner reportedly agreed to comply, submitting a signed confirmation of this decision.
The Human Rights Commission plans to compile the results of its investigation, including the signed confirmation, and submit them soon to the Committee for the Correction of Discrimination. According to the National Human Rights Commission Act, the scope of investigation includes not only state institutions and local governments but also corporations, organizations, and individuals suspected of discriminatory acts.
The controversy began when the cafe owner posted a message in English on the official Instagram account stating, “Sorry, but we do not accept Chinese customers.” This post quickly spread both domestically and internationally after a Chinese influencer living in Korea shared a critical video about it on social media.
Analysts have noted that this incident occurred amid a rise in negative perceptions of Chinese visitors in certain areas, coinciding with the recent allowance of visa-free entry for Chinese tourists. In response, Jeong Wonoh, head of Seongdong-gu District Office, stated on SNS, “Since Seongsu-dong is a destination for both domestic and international tourists, I will do my best to persuade the business owner,” expressing his intention to address the issue.
As the controversy grew, the cafe owner explained, “This action was taken in consideration of the prevailing anti-China sentiment in society.” He added, “When Chinese customers visited, Korean customers reacted uncomfortably, and I wanted to prevent this. If the social atmosphere stabilizes, I will accept Chinese customers again.”
According to a recent public opinion survey, 69% of Korean adults hold a negative perception of China, while only 22% have a positive view. The main reasons for negative perceptions included issues related to public order, China’s communist state system, its alliance with North Korea, and the possibility of interference in domestic politics. However, when asked about their sympathy for anti-China protests, 53% responded that they did not sympathize, making up the majority.
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