The purpose of this study was to survey the perception and preference for Korean food among Chinese students residing in Korea (Chinese foreign students, N=69) and China (Chinese-locals, N=98). A total of 76.8% of Chinese foreign students and 70.4% of Chinese-locals had ever eaten Korean food in China before visiting Korea, and motivation to try Korean food at first was ‘easy access to Korean food restaurants’ (Chinese foreign students 38.6%, Chinese-locals 44.9%). The most important factors in selecting Korean food were ‘taste’ and ‘price’ (Chinese foreign students 72.7% and 18.2%, Chineselocals 59.1% and 22.7%, respectively), and needed improvements for Korean food were ‘spicy and salty taste’ and ‘nutritional aspect’ (Chinese foreign students 54.5% and 25.8%, Chinese-locals 33.3% and 36.4%, p<0.05). The scores for perception of Korean food were significantly lower in Chinese-locals (2.99) than in Chinese foreign students (3.31)(p<0.001). Chinese foreign students preferred Bulgogi (20.5%), Neobiani (20.1%), and Galbijjim (17.9%), whereas Chinese-locals preferred Bulgogi (16.1%), Gimbap (16.1%), and Samgyetang (15.2%) (p<0.001). The most preferred condiment was ‘Garlic’ (18.0%) in Chinese foreign students, and ‘Red pepper powder’ (16.4%) in Chinese-locals. The results of the study can be used as a foundation to prepare a globalization strategy for Korean Food.