Korean Badge Store Appears in Taiwan\n “It’s an Effective Method” Taiwanese Welcome\n As Anti-China Protests Spread in Korea\n “I’m sorry as a Korean citizen” Repentations
“I’m from Taiwan.”
Black letters on a circular white background. The phrase ‘I’m Taiwanese’ is embedded. It is a badge that is recognized as a ‘essential’ among Taiwanese visiting Korea these days.
Among Taiwanese tourists visiting Korea, a “Korean Taiwanese badge” has emerged to inform them that they are “not Chinese.” It is a reaction that has occurred after the image of China’s hatred in Korea, such as anti-China protests, has become so strong.
A Taiwanese netizen recently posted a picture on social media Thread, saying, “There is a lot of Chinese hate in Korea. Do I have to wear this badge when I travel to Korea?” The badge has the Korean phrase “I’m Taiwanese” and “I’m from Taiwan” in English. Under the badge, a character with a Taiwanese flag (Cheongcheon, 100 days, Jihongi) is even drawn.
The netizen even drew attention by sharing the address of an online shopping mall selling Korean Taiwanese badges. The site has several badge designs with the same phrase on them. The badge is engraved with the Korean word ‘I am Taiwanese’.
Taiwanese netizens’ responses are also favorable. Taiwanese netizens said, “It is difficult to distinguish by appearance. Along with the response, “It’s an effective method,” various reactions are pouring out, including “I feel bitter because I have to wear a badge during my trip to Korea,” and “I should take a badge in Japanese to Japan.”
The posts left by Korean netizens are also interesting. One netizen said, “When you speak Chinese, you can’t tell whether you’re Chinese or Taiwanese. I think the badge can reduce misunderstanding. I welcome Taiwan as a loving Korean.” Comments containing self-reflection such as “I oppose the atmosphere of hatred,” “I’m sorry as a Korean citizen,” and “I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip.”
Although the anti-China atmosphere is growing, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Korea is steadily increasing. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, 605,000 Chinese tourists visited Korea in August, accounting for a third of all foreign tourists. This is a 1.7-fold increase from January (364,000). According to the Ministry of Justice’s tally, 525,396 Chinese people entered the country last month, up 16.4% from the same month last year, exceeding the pre-COVID-19 level (578,000 in August 2019). Recently, various posts of nuisance committed by Chinese people, such as the Jeju Yongmeori Coastal Spokesperson Incident and the Seongsan Ilchulbong Group Dance Incident, have appeared, contributing to the anti-China atmosphere.
Shin Ik-soo, travel journalist
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