Phu Quoc has risen to the top of the Rankify Korea’s recently-announced list of the top 10 most popular international destinations for Korean visitors.

Survey data revealed that the island is most preferred by RoK tourists aged 30-39, 67% of them women. The island scored 12,855 points, significantly ahead of Nha Trang (10,157 points) and Tokyo (3,796 points).

Once considered a 'rising star' or a relatively unknown paradise for Korean tourists, as reported by Yonhap News last November, Phu Quoc has since become a top-rated destination.

The island has even charmed K-pop star UEE, who returned twice within six months for her vacations. Mango Fairy, a blogger with 16,000 followers on Naver, praised Phu Quoc as the 'Maldives of Vietnam'. She noted that in Phu Quoc, one can enjoy beachfront villas with private pools of better quality and at more affordable prices than in Phuket (Thailand).

Four Korean airlines have operated direct flights to the island so far, and the number is expected to grow in the future. According to NewSis, Eastar Jet got on the bandwagon with four weekly direct flights from Cheongju from July 17 this year.

General Manager of Korean Air in Vietnam Kim Kye Yong attributed the island’s allure to its untouched nature, luxurious accommodation, the world’s longest three-rope cable car, exciting theme parks, and brilliant European-style architecture.

As Korean tourists, he said, love to take photos and share their experiences on social media, Phu Quoc is a perfect destination where they can relax and enjoy a wide range of experiences at the same time.

An island of endless experiences

The beauty of a tropical paradise has charmed Korean tourists. The island boasts a mild climate, warm sunshine all year round, mountain ranges and large seas with 28 islands of different sizes, a coastline of 150 kilometres and 14 golden and creamy-white sand beaches. It is also home to Phu Quoc National Park and Phu Quoc Marine Reserve, covering over two-thirds of the island’s natural area, being the core zone of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve.

The Korea Herald, the RoK’s most read English-language newspaper, earlier this year described Phu Quoc as an enchanting place with mesmerising sunrises and sunsets, and a romantic natural ambience. Meanwhile, Chosun Ilbo, one of the RoK’s three major mainstream newspapers, stated that the island’s natural beauty is a feast for all five senses.

The two reputable newspapers agreed that the appeal of Phu Quoc for Korean tourists is beyond its natural beauty to include its one-of-a-kind entertainment complexes.

Sunset Town is a standout entertainment complex in the southern part of the island, where tourists can visit the Kiss Bridge, watch the multimedia show Kiss of the Sea and nightly fireworks, see Vietnamese puppetry at A Oi - the first puppet theatre by the sea in Vientam, and visit the Vui Phet night market to enjoy delicious food and captivating street performances. They are seen as “instagrammable” by Korean tourists, meaning they are perfect for taking photos for Instagram - a favourite social media platform among them.

Taking the world’s longest three-rope cable car to Hon Thom (Thom island) from the town is a must-try experience. According to Sun World Hon Thom, Korean visitors make up half of the international visitors using the cable car. They enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Phu Quoc emerald waters from the cable car.

“20 minutes on the cable car to Hon Thom goes by in the blink of an eye as you admire the ever-changing scenery below your feet," described Chosun Ilbo.

Besides the entertainment experiences, Phu Quoc's allure for Korean tourists lies in the dreamlike seaside resorts that cater to families seeking accommodation with pools for extended stays.

In the southern part of the island, on paradise-like beaches, including Bai Kem, are various resorts offering unique experiences for each visit. For high-end tourists, luxurious resorts and hotels, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, New World Phu Quoc Resort, La Festa Phu Quoc, and Curio Collection by Hilton, are suitable options. Meanwhile, for young or budget-conscious tourists, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay or mini-hotels and boutique hotels in Sunset Town are ideal choices. Phu Quoc can cater to all types of tourists.

Experts have predicted that Phu Quoc, with its beauty and attractive experiences, will draw more Korean tourists in the future. Data from the provincial Department of Tourism showed that in the first four months of 2024, the province welcomed nearly 220,000 tourists from the RoK, representing a year-on-year increase of 165%. This positive trend is expected to continue as Koreans are gearing up for Chuseok, one of their most important holidays./.