Anti-American sentiment in Korea

Anti-American sentiment in Korea began with the earliest contact between the two nations and continued after the division of Korea and Korean War. According to an October 2025 KStatResearch poll, 56% of South Koreans had a favorable view of the United States, while 40% had a negative view.

One particular focus of such sentiment has focused on the presence and behavior of American military personnel (USFK) on the peninsula. There have been a number of high-profile cases of American soldiers being involved in violence against Korean people, with an example being the 2002 Yangju highway incident, as well as the 2008 Camp Humphreys expansion controversy. The ongoing U.S. military presence in South Korea, especially at Yongsan Garrison in central Seoul, remains a contentious issue. While protests have arisen over specific incidents, they may be reflective of deeper historical, anti-Western sentiment. Anti-American sentiment has also increased during the second presidency of Donald Trump due to doubts about the reliability of the United States as an ally.