Anti-Japanese Sentiment in Korea - Waegu (Japanese Piracy)

Waegu (Japanese Piracy)

Waegu (倭寇) is the Korean term for Japanese pirates who raided the coastlines of China and Korea from the 13th century onwards.

Japanese pirate raids on the Korean peninsula are recorded as early as 414 on the Gwanggaeto Stele. From the 13th to the mid-16th century, Waegu raids were particularly considered a nuisance in Korea, disrupting commerce 529 times in the Goryeo period, and 312 times in the Joseon period.

In modern times, the term Waegu has been used in Korea as a derogatory or propagandistic term for Japanese invaders.