‘No Chinese’ cafe in popular Seoul district sparks racism debate

[Gutted]

‘No Chinese’ cafe in popular Seoul district sparks racism debate ahead of Apec meet​

Published Oct 28, 2025, 03:19 PM
Updated Oct 28, 2025, 06:45 PM

The post drew attention after Henry, a Chinese influencer living in South Korea who has more than 190,000 followers, condemned the cafe on social media.

PHOTO: PERMANENT.HABITAT/ INSTAGRAM

The post drew attention after Henry, a Chinese influencer living in South Korea who has more than 190,000 followers, condemned the cafe on social media, saying: “It’s 2025, and racism still exists.”

His video titled “Do Korean cafes openly discriminate against Chinese people?” went viral on Instagram and Chinese platforms, prompting widespread commentary on the potential rise of xenophobia in South Korea.

The controversy soon spread to international forums such as Reddit, where users described the cafe’s policy as a “global embarrassment”.

Others argued that such behaviour would have led to immediate punishment in Western countries. While a few users speculated the cafe might have had prior issues with Chinese customers, the vast majority condemned the decision as blatant racial discrimination.

The cafe owner defended the decision, saying: “Chinese customers change the atmosphere, and I fear crimes involving Chinese nationals.” The owner added that the rule would remain in place “until (anti-Chinese) social tensions ease”, despite acknowledging that Seongsu businesses rely heavily on Chinese tourists.

The incident has fuelled online hate movements, with posts on X encouraging “No Chinese Zone” practices, urging patrons to leave venues serving Chinese customers and share supportive establishments online.

Sookmyung Women’s University law professor Hong Sung-soo warned that such behaviour signals a dangerous normalisation of discrimination.

He said: “Exclusion zones that began with children are now extending to nationality and race.

“This is a wake-up call demanding stronger political and social intervention to prevent hate from becoming mainstream.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

The incident has triggered heated discussions on discrimination and rising anti-China sentiment in South Korea.

SCREENGRAB: PERMANENT.HABITAT/ INSTAGRAM

 

[Gutted]

 

[eatshitndie]

buy coffee must show passport.

 

[batman1]

Come to sinkeeland where all foodcourts are selling spicy mala. 555

 

[Ng Cheh Hwang]

Come to sinkeeland where all foodcourts are selling spicy mala. 555

because u understand chinese, china thinks singapore belongs to them.

 

[batman1]

because u understand chinese, china thinks singapore belongs to them.

They say 5000 years ago, all chinese come from the same roots.

 

[syed putra]

So its not just the europeans who barred chinese snd dogs from their premise in shanghai.

 

[Ng Cheh Hwang]

They say 5000 years ago, all chinese come from the same roots.

The british don't own USA
and Germany don't own UK because Anglo Saxons are Germanic

 

[syed putra]

The incident has triggered heated discussions on discrimination and rising anti-China sentiment in South Korea

Chinese are too loud. Lack manners and decorum. Thinks if got money, can do anything.

 

[syed putra]

The british don't own USA
and Germany don't own UK because Anglo Saxons are Germanic

Anglo saxons were eventually beaten by viking normans.
If you go to Nordic countries, they still proud of the days they rape and pillage entire europe .