Taiwan Protests South Korea’s China Taiwan Label on Arrival Forms Amid Diplomatic Tensions, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Taipei authorities have strongly denounced the move after finding that South Korea’s e-arrival card for tourists designated Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)”. The designation, which appeared on the online registration form for incoming travellers, is expected to add diplomatic tension between Taiwan and South Korea amid growing political and diplomatic disputes among China, Japan, and Taiwan.

South Korea’s Controversial Online Arrival Form

The e-arrival card introduced by South Korea, designed to streamline the entry process for international travelers, contains a drop-down menu where users are prompted to enter both their “previous departure place” and “next destination.” Recently, Taiwanese tourists found that Taiwan was labeled as “China (Taiwan)” under both fields on the form. This sparked an immediate backlash from Taipei, which condemned the designation as “unfriendly” and “factually incorrect.”

Taiwan’s foreign ministry expressed its disappointment with the listing, stating that the Taiwanese government had lodged formal representations with Seoul, urging a correction of the inaccurate label. The ministry emphasized that the categorization was causing confusion and unnecessary inconvenience for Taiwanese visitors and negatively affecting public sentiment in Taiwan.

The Diplomatic Context: Rising Tensions Between China, Taiwan, and South Korea

The controversy comes at a time when regional tensions are running high, particularly in the context of Taiwan’s complex relationship with China. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a part of China and has repeatedly stated its intention to reunify the island by force if necessary. While Taiwan operates as a self-governed entity with its own government and institutions, most countries, including the United States and Japan, do not officially recognize it as an independent state. South Korea’s actions, while intended to streamline administrative procedures, have inadvertently drawn Taiwan into this sensitive geopolitical situation.

The incident also coincides with a broader diplomatic dispute between China and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on November 7 about Japan potentially responding militarily in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan have further strained relations. Beijing has since criticized Tokyo’s position, suspended imports of Japanese seafood, and raised the issue at the United Nations. South Korea’s position on Taiwan, which strives for non-official cooperation with the island while maintaining ties with China, has been thrust into the spotlight amid these escalating tensions.

Taiwan’s Diplomatic Protest and South Korea’s Response

Taipei’s foreign ministry expressed its dissatisfaction with the situation, stressing that the “unfriendly listing” could harm Taiwan’s image and the ease of travel for Taiwanese citizens. Taiwan’s government has made it clear that it does not support the “China (Taiwan)” label and has urged South Korea to amend the form.

In response, South Korea’s foreign ministry stated that the issue would be reviewed carefully. It acknowledged Taiwan’s concerns but emphasized that it would continue consulting with relevant authorities before deciding on a course of action. The ministry also reiterated Seoul’s commitment to maintaining non-official, substantive cooperation with Taiwan, underlining that the visitor registration issue did not alter South Korea’s overall approach to its relationship with the island.

Despite the diplomatic protest, Beijing has remained silent on the matter, reflecting its generally hands-off approach to issues directly involving Taiwan’s international relations. Nevertheless, Beijing’s influence continues to affect global perspectives on Taiwan, with many countries avoiding formal recognition to avoid angering China.

The Impact on Tourism: Confusion for Taiwanese Travelers

The labeling of Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” on South Korea’s arrival form has created confusion for Taiwanese tourists, many of whom are frequent visitors to South Korea. The inconvenience stems not only from the incorrect categorization but also from the broader implications of how Taiwan is perceived on the global stage. For Taiwanese travelers, the label is more than just an administrative mistake—it represents a diplomatic issue that touches on Taiwan’s sovereignty and its place in the international community.

Tourism between Taiwan and South Korea is a significant industry, with many Taiwanese travelers visiting South Korea for leisure, business, and cultural exchange. Any misstep in the way Taiwan is represented in official documents could potentially harm the flow of tourists between the two countries. In this context, Taiwan’s government is particularly concerned about how its citizens might feel about traveling to a country that has seemingly embraced a politically charged label.

A Broader Diplomatic Struggle: Taiwan’s Isolation and Regional Tensions

The Taiwan-South Korea incident is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of diplomatic challenges that Taiwan faces in its bid for international recognition. Despite Taiwan’s strong global presence in areas like technology and trade, it remains excluded from most international organizations and is not officially recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations.

This diplomatic isolation has been further exacerbated by the actions of neighboring countries such as South Korea, which, while maintaining economic and cultural exchanges with Taiwan, still falls short of recognizing its independence. As regional tensions in East Asia grow, particularly with China’s assertive stance on Taiwan, Taiwan’s international travel experiences may continue to be complicated by diplomatic disputes.

South Korea’s Balancing Act Amidst Rising Geopolitical Tensions

South Korea finds itself in a delicate position, trying to balance its relations with China and Taiwan amid escalating regional tensions. On the one hand, South Korea has significant economic ties with China, and any move that might alienate Beijing could have severe repercussions for South Korea’s economy. On the other hand, South Korea is committed to maintaining cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges with Taiwan, a country with which it shares values such as democracy and free markets.

South Korea’s diplomatic stance reflects the complexities of modern international relations, where countries must carefully navigate sensitive issues like Taiwan’s status. The incident with the e-arrival form highlights the difficulties that countries face when managing the competing interests of major powers like China while trying to maintain cordial relationships with other nations, including Taiwan.

The Ongoing Diplomatic and Tourism Implications

Taiwan’s protest over South Korea’s labeling of Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” underlines the struggles Taiwan is facing on the international stage. The confusion caused to Taiwanese travelers might make for long-lasting effects on the tourism and diplomatic relations between Taiwan and South Korea. As the issue unfolds, it becomes a case of how deeply political and diplomatic issues touch upon such everyday matters as travels and tourism.