Travel

Phu Quoc targets top three among Korean outbound spots

In 2025 alone, the island welcomed more than 8.1 million visitors, including over 1.8 million foreigners, with the RoK and India emerging as dominant source markets that together drove more than half of foreign arrivals.

First Koreans arrive in Phu Quoc in 2026 (Photo: VNA)
First Koreans arrive in Phu Quoc in 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Seoul (VNA) – Phu Quoc Island, located in the southern province of An Giang, has quickly risen to fame as one of Southeast Asia’s top resort hotspots, according to the latest Booking.com data on travel trends among Korean tourists for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

Booking.com's analysis of search data from October 2025 through mid-January 2026 revealed an unprecedented spike in interest from the Republic of Korea (RoK), with volumes shooting up by as much as 71% year-on-year. The sharp rise vaulted Vietnam's "Pearl Island" all the way from 15th to 5th place among the most-searched destinations by Korean travellers planning their Tet getaways.

The momentum underscores a clear pivot in Korean consumer preferences. Rather than flying to bustling urban hubs like Bangkok (Thailand) or Vietnam's traditional draw Da Nang, they are craving serene, upscale resort escapes that offer complete relaxation. Phu Quoc is outshining even places like Japan's Sapporo, which only saw a 31% bump in searches.

The island's ascent through 2025 and into early 2026 stems largely from heavy infrastructure and tourism investments. Air links have expanded dramatically, with direct flight frequencies from the RoK to Phu Quoc hitting record highs by late 2025. Carriers like Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air and VietJet Air have ramped up services from Seoul, Incheon and Busan, trimming flight times to roughly five hours.

Phu Quoc's premium resort ecosystem also matches Korean tastes, with five-star properties that deliver privacy and exclusivity. Luxury clusters in the island's southern and northern zones offer customised services for Korean guests, such as Korean-speaking staff and familiar cuisine options, catering directly to their demands.

Cost competitiveness further fuels the surge. Compared to domestic Korean resorts or Japan's fancy beach escapes, Phu Quoc provides accessible luxury, with sharply competitive rates across accommodation, services and dining.

Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director & Vice President for Asia Pacific at Booking.com, said the figures point to Korean travellers leaning more into trips that feel restorative, emotionally full, rather than just checking off sights.

On its present trajectory, Phu Quoc is poised to challenge for a spot among the top three favourites for Korean outbound travellers in the coming years.

In 2025 alone, the island welcomed more than 8.1 million visitors, including over 1.8 million foreigners, with the RoK and India emerging as dominant source markets that together drove more than half of foreign arrivals./.

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