Why aren’t South Koreans studying in China anymore? | East Asia Forum
Many see Beijing as an unfair economic coercer responsible for dirty air over South Korean skies, making China more unpopular than ever with students.
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Factors contributing to the decline of South Korean students studying in China
South Korean students studying in China have declined 78% since 2017.
Factors contributing to this decline include a decrease in the school-age population, a shift in the perceived economic benefits of studying abroad, and rising anti-China sentiment.
Anti-China sentiment is driven by diplomatic conflicts, economic coercion, and air pollution concerns.
The South Korean government aims to increase international student numbers, but negative public sentiment towards China may hinder these efforts.
The decline in South Korean students studying in China may exacerbate anti-China sentiments and public attitudes towards future cooperation between Seoul and Beijing.
Esther Song's Expertise and Affiliations
Esther Song is an Associate Professor at the University of Bergen.
She is also an associate at the Institute for Asian Studies at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies.
Decline in South Korean Students Studying in China and its Implications
South Korean students studying in China have declined by 78% since 2017.
Factors contributing to this decline include a decrease in the school-age population and a shift in the perceived economic benefits of studying abroad.
Rising anti-China sentiment is also a significant factor, driven by diplomatic conflicts, economic coercion, and air pollution concerns.
