Starting next month, South Koreans traveling to Taiwan will notice a change on their electronic entry declaration forms where 'Korea' is replaced by 'South Korea.' This change follows Taiwan's protest against how South Korea labeled it as 'China (Taiwan)' on its own entry declaration system. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 18th, asserting that if the South Korean government does not respond to their demands by the end of the month, measures will be taken to enforce the usage of 'South Korea' on corresponding entry documents.

The tension arose after South Korea's Ministry of Justice fully implemented the electronic entry declaration last year, allowing travelers to select 'Taiwan' for their nationality but continuing to label 'China (Taiwan)' as the point of origin or destination. The Taiwanese government raised concerns over this labeling, leading to discussions between the two governments. However, after Taiwan's strong criticism of the South Korean system in December, the issue was elevated to a more public arena, with Taiwan expressing disappointment over how it was being treated amidst significant trade relations.

In a statement, the Taiwanese Ministry emphasized the need for mutual respect and equality, urging the South Korean government to rectify the situation swiftly. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also commented about the need for South Korea to respect the will of the Taiwanese people. This ongoing discourse highlights the sensitive nature of cross-strait relations and the implications of national identity in diplomatic engagements, particularly as Taiwan asserts its sovereignty in the face of external pressures.