Taiwan changes 'Korea' to 'S. Korea' in immigration system in protest over Seoul's labeling of it as China

People hold Taiwan flags at an event where Cheng Li-wun, the chairwoman of Kuomintang, Taiwan's largest opposition party, makes a speech in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday. Reuters-Yonhap

Taiwan said Wednesday it has changed Korea's name in its immigration systems from "Korea" to "South Korea," in a reciprocal move as Seoul continues to list it as "China (Taiwan)" on its e-arrivals despite its repeated calls for a "correction."

Taiwan's foreign ministry also warned that it will take further corresponding measures if it hears no positive response from Seoul by the end of this month.

The ministry said in a statement that the change took effect March 1, with the nationality of Koreans on its foreign resident certificates now listed as "South Korea," instead of "Korea."

It said the measure came as a reciprocal measure, as Seoul has yet to "correct the inappropriate labeling" of the island state in its e-arrival card system.

"In line with the principle of reciprocity, Taiwan has, since March 1, 2026, adjusted the designation of 'Korea' in its Alien Resident Certificate to 'South Korea,'" it said.

"Should no positive response be received by then, Taiwan will take corresponding measures regarding how Korea is designated in relevant fields of its Taiwan Arrival Card system, in order to demonstrate its firm commitment to safeguarding national dignity and the principle of reciprocity," it said.

Taiwan lodged a similar complaint with Korea in December, urging Seoul to alter the name to Taiwan.

Korea has argued that it has maintained the existing labeling in foreigners registration or visa systems since 2004 and Taiwan is aware of the fact.

"We are reviewing the matter in consideration of various factors," a Seoul official said earlier. "This is not a new issue. We will address it appropriately based on our fundamental position."

Korea severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1992, when it established formal relations with mainland China. Despite the lack of official ties, the two sides have maintained practical relations in economic and other areas. They maintain representative offices in each other's capitals.

China considers Taiwan, self-governed since it broke away from the mainland in 1949, as part of its territory that must be reunified by force if necessary, and it has strongly objected to any country that challenges this stance.