South Korean international student numbers in China dropped by 78%, with tensions over THAAD and COVID-19 contributing to negative perceptions.
China has experienced a significant decline in the number of international students from South Korea, with a 78% drop between 2017 and 2023. Factors such as China’s zero-COVID policy, tensions over THAAD, and South Korean business retreat from China have contributed to this decline.
South Korean students are wary of China due to strict lockdowns during the pandemic and negative experiences. Despite efforts to attract students back, China’s image as a higher education destination has been tarnished.
The geopolitical rivalry between China and the US, particularly regarding THAAD, has strained relations with South Korea. This has resulted in a decline in Chinese tourists and students in South Korea.
Overall, the decrease in South Korean students studying abroad aligns with a larger trend of declining outbound students from South Korea. The shift towards countries like Japan is expected to continue, impacting South Korea-China relations in the near future.
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