1. How to get to Phu Quoc from South Korea
Phu Quoc's strongest point in attracting South Korean tourists is its direct flight system. It only takes about five to six hours to fly, and tourists from Seoul or Busan will arrive at the Pearl Island. Currently, many airlines such as Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Korean Air, Jin Air, or Vietjet Air are operating direct flights with regular frequency, making travel to Phu Quoc more convenient and easier than ever.
The visa exemption policy helps Phu Quoc "ascend" in the top Vietnamese destinations for Korean tourists. (Source: Collected)
Besides the convenience of travel, the 30-day visa exemption policy also makes the journey for Korean tourists more convenient. They do not need to prepare complicated applications or papers, just need to bring a passport to easily enter and start their vacation. This advantage helps Phu Quoc increase its competitiveness with many other famous tourist destinations in the region such as Thailand or Singapore.
A very useful suggestion for Korean tourists when visiting Phu Quoc is to book a combo of flight tickets and hotel instead of booking individual services. This method not only helps save significant costs but also makes scheduling more convenient. Tourists can easily refer to and book on major, reputable travel platforms such as MyRealTrip, Klook, Peaktime or KKDay.
An important note when traveling to Phu Quoc is that it has two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from November to April every year and this is considered the best time to visit the island. During this season, the weather is sunny and warm, the sky is clear blue, the sea is calm, which is very convenient for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and island experiences. This is also the period when Phu Quoc welcomes the most Korean tourists, especially couples who choose this place as their honeymoon destination. Therefore, if you want to have a complete trip, you should schedule your itinerary during the dry season to fully explore the beauty of the "Ngoc" Island.
2. Transportation in Phu Quoc
Upon arriving in Phu Quoc, Korean tourists can easily choose various modes of transportation depending on their needs and itinerary:
- Ride-hailing taxis: Tourists can book cars directly through apps; a method familiar with the habit of using apps in Korea.
- Traditional taxis: With about 2,000 vehicles ranging from 4 to 7 seats, taxis are still a convenient option that tourists can hail directly on the street.
- Motorbikes: For young Koreans who love to explore freely, renting a motorbike is an experience worth trying. Rental prices range from 120,000 to 200,000 VND (~ 6-10,000 KRW) per day, depending on the scooter or automatic type. Before receiving the vehicle, check the brakes, lights, and turn signals carefully to ensure safety.
- Public buses: The ticket price is only about 20,000 – 50,000 VND (~1-3,000 KRW) per trip, suitable for budget tourists. However, as attractions are often far from the main road, buses may cause inconvenience for the packed schedules of Korean tourists.
- Self-drive cars: For families with young children, renting a self-drive car offers comfort and independence. This is also a popular mode of transport for Korean customers who are accustomed to driving during domestic trips.
- Group tour vehicles: If traveling in a large group, guests can rent vehicles from 7 to 45 seats. Many travel companies in Phu Quoc offer package services, including Korean-speaking guides.
- Boats and canoes to islands: To explore surrounding islands such as Hon Thom, Hon May Rut, or Hon Gam Ghi, boats and canoes are the only means of transport. Korean tourists often choose 3-island or 4-island tours, which include pick-up and drop-off services from the hotel, as well as snorkeling experiences.
An indispensable experience when traveling to Phu Quoc is exploring the island by boat. (Source: Collected)
3. Choosing accommodation in Phu Quoc
During the journey of Phu Quoc travel , accommodation plays an important role in creating a complete experience. This island not only boasts beautiful beaches but is also famous for its luxurious resort system, designed to please even the most discerning guests, including Korean tourists who value comfort and sophistication.
3.1. Budget accommodation
Valley Sen Bungalow
Lotus Valley Bungalow (Source: Collected)
Address: Hamlet 3, Cua Lap, Duong To, Phu Quoc The bungalow space in a quiet green garden, very suitable for the healing style of Korean tourists. With a Phu Quoc Travel itinerary of 2-3 days in the South of the island, this is an ideal stop for couples needing privacy and a beautiful photo background for social media.
Lotus Home Phu Quoc
Lotus Home Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)
Address: Group 5, Cay Sao Hamlet, Phu Quoc Wooden houses face the ocean directly, walk to the fishing village to enjoy seafood. Many Korean tourists liken it to a "tropical version of Jeju". If you want to travel to Phu Quoc for sunset views every afternoon, prioritize this place.
3.2. Luxury Accommodation
The iconic seashell-shaped pool in the work of "wizard" Bill Bensley. (Source: Collected)
Most notably, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – a resort masterpiece at Kem Beach designed by architect Bill Bensley. The space, rich in classic French style and world-class service, makes this place a top choice for Korean couples on their honeymoon.
"Million dollar" view at Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort (Source: Compilation)
At Ong Doi Cape, Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort offers a unique experience where guests can watch both the sunrise and sunset right from their private villa. This is an ideal choice for Korean families, who often seek privacy and a cozy space for connection.
Giant swimming pool for tourists to enjoy (Source: Collected)
More youthful and dynamic is Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, with an infinity pool overlooking the sea and a vibrant atmosphere, very suitable for young Korean groups who love combining relaxation with entertainment.
Separate and spacious villas suitable for all family members (Source: Compilation)
Next is New World Phu Quoc Resort, a "sea village" nestled beside Kem beach. The design carries the breath of Vietnamese tradition with thatched roofs. This is a top choice for Korean families on long holidays, where children have space to play and adults enjoy rare tranquility.
Visitors can choose to stay right amidst the iconic structures of Sunset Town (Source: Collection)
Finally, there is La Festa Phu Quoc Curio Collection by Hilton, located right in the heart of Sunset Town. The hotel offers a Mediterranean style, perfect for visitors to check in at every corner during their stay. From the hotel, Korean tourists will be able to walk and fully experience Sunset Town, or call a buggy to take them to all the hottest entertainment spots in town.
4. What to do when traveling to Phu Quoc?
4.1. Sunset Town
Sunset Town (Thị trấn Hoàng Hôn) is reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, a favorite check-in spot for Korean tourists. Every cobblestone street, every colorful row of houses becomes a perfect backdrop for photos. Visitors can take pictures from any angle, as the entire town is like an outdoor film set, where the sunset light makes the scenery even more romantic and vibrant.
Sunset Town has breathed life into the pristine pearl island of yesteryear. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Kissing Bridge
Reaching out into the vast sea, the Kissing Bridge, a unique bridge in the world with its "no-touch" design, is the new symbol of Phu Quoc. This is one of the must-visit destinations when traveling to Phu Quoc , renowned as the most beautiful sunset viewing spot on the Pearl Island. Admission fees in South Phu Quoc range from only 50,000–100,000 VND (equivalent to approximately 2,500–5,000 KRW), making it very accessible for Korean tourists who want to fully experience the journey.
Cau Hon is praised worldwide for its unique design (Source: Collected)
4.3. Kiss of the Sea Show
When night falls, don't miss the Kiss of the Sea show at 9:00 PM daily. This is a performance on the sea with water, fire, lights, and fireworks; holding the Guinness World Record for the "Outdoor theater with the largest water screen and capacity in the world". Visitors will be immersed in a symphony of light and music. The daily artistic fireworks displays create the most brilliant visual feast on Ngoc Island. Kiss of the Sea Show tickets are priced at 650,000 VND/person (~32,000 KRW), and a package of 2 tickets for couples is 1,300,000 VND (~64,000 KRW), which also includes the Cau Hon ticket.
Show Kiss of the Sea is the most anticipated destination for Korean tourists on their journey to Phu Quoc tourism. (Source: Compilation)
4.4. VUI-fest Night Market
After the show, strolling around the VUI-Fest night market is also a memorable experience. The vibrant festival atmosphere, stalls of grilled seafood, snacks, and souvenirs create a bustling ambiance, suitable for young Korean groups traveling to Phu Quoc who enjoy exploring and experiencing the local cuisine and culture.
At the night market, there are many options suitable for South Korean tourists (Source: Collected)
4.5. Sun World Hon Thom
Experience crossing the sea to admire the islands from above with the record-breaking three-wire cable car line (Source: Collected)
The experience that South Korean tourists cannot miss when traveling to Phu Quoc is taking the Hon Thom cable car, the world's longest three-wire cable car line, where visitors can admire the panoramic view of the Jade Island from above. The Sun World Hon Thom cable car ticket price is listed at 750,000 VND/adult (~37,000 KRW) and 600,000 VND/child (~29,500 KRW), with children under 1m being free. At Sun World Hon Thom, two unmissable experiences are Exotica Village with the Serpent's Fury and Aquatopia Water Park.
A one-of-a-kind wooden roller coaster experience for Korean tourists (Source: Collected)
Moc Xa Thinh No is the first wooden roller coaster in Vietnam, over 900m long with speeds of up to 80 km/h, delivering ultimate thrills as it rushes through sharp turns amidst forests and the sea.
Every family member can enjoy the games at Aquatopia water park (Source: Collected)
Meanwhile, Aquatopia Water Park is dubbed the most modern water park in Southeast Asia, with over 20 diverse games, from high-speed slides like Serpent King Battle, Dragon Riding Waves to the lazy river and children's pool.
4.6. Grand World Phu Quoc
Dubbed the "sleepless city", Grand World Phu Quoc is open 24/7 and offers a vibrant festival atmosphere that young Indian tourists love. The highlight is the romantic Venice canal with a gondola boat experience, the iconic Bamboo Legend structure, as well as the show
"Vietnamese Essence" combining traditional and modern art.
Unique check-in spot by the Bamboo Legend (Source: Collected)
4.7. Discover local culture
Korean tourists also often seek local cultural experiences during their trip to Phu Quoc. A stroll around the ancient coastal fishing village brings a sense of peace, unlike the hustle and bustle of the streets. Here, they can admire traditional wooden boats, chat with fishermen, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Phu Quoc fish sauce – the island sea flavor that is globally certified. (Source: Collected)
Phu Quoc is also famous for its traditional fish sauce , a globally certified product and a gift that Korean tourists often bring back. Visitors can visit and experience the fish sauce production process. Lush green pepper gardens or specialty sim wine are also on the list of experiences worth trying, making the journey complete and meaningful.
5. Must-try dishes when traveling to Phu Quoc
The cuisine of South Phu Quoc is not only a "specialty of the sea" but also has a very unique character, making Korean tourists easily associate it with freshness, delicate flavors, and a familiar eating style.
Herring salad: Sweet and tender herring meat, rolled with herbs and rice paper, dipped in Phu Quoc fish sauce, not fishy at all. Suggestion: Ra Khơi Restaurant – 131 30/4 Street, Duong Dong.
Grilled razor clams: Sweetness combined with salt and chili, similar to the grilled seafood familiar to Koreans. Suggestion: Hanh Nhung Restaurant – 131 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Town (with a branch in An Thoi).
Bun ken: Unique with a fish-based broth, lightly sweet and sour, served with fresh vegetables. Suggestion: Ut Luom Bun Ken Eatery – 87 30/4 Street, Duong Dong Town.
Bun quay: Experience stirring fish cakes and shrimp cakes into the hot broth yourself. Suggestion: Kien Xay Bun Quay – 28 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong (with branches in An Thoi, South Island).
Sea urchin: Sea urchin porridge, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, raw sea urchin with lime – rich and fatty, easily comparable to Jeju sea urchin. Suggestion: Ham Ninh Fishing Village – Ham Ninh Bridge, South Island or seafood restaurants in An Thoi market.
Abalone: A premium dish, familiar in Korean cuisine, rich in nutrients. Suggestion: Huong Bien Restaurant – 2 Bach Dang Street, An Thoi Town.
Also sea urchin, there will be different ways of preparation in Korea and Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)
6. Pocket some Phu Quoc travel experiences for Korean visitors
6.1. Clothing
When planning a Phu Quoc trip, clothing is an important factor for both comfort and beautiful photos. During the dry season from November to April, Korean tourists should prepare cool t-shirts, maxi dresses, and swimwear to easily participate in beach activities. Don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin. In the rainy season, it's advisable to bring a light jacket or a foldable umbrella, which is convenient for travel and maintains comfort throughout the journey.
6.2. Language
A plus point when traveling to Phu Quoc is that many resorts and entertainment areas have staff who speak Korean. Additionally, due to the large number of Korean tourists visiting Phu Quoc annually, many restaurants and souvenir shops also have Korean menus, creating a friendly and familiar atmosphere for visitors.
6.3. Payment
The payment system in Phu Quoc is quite modern. Resorts, shopping centers, and entertainment areas accept international cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. However, Korean tourists should still prepare some Vietnamese cash for small expenses like seaside dining or night markets in Phu Quoc.
6.4. What to buy as gifts when visiting Phu Quoc?
A Phu Quoc trip will be more complete when visitors share the special gifts of the "Pearl Island" with their loved ones in Korea. The most outstanding is Phu Quoc fish sauce. In addition, black pepper, red pepper, and pearls are also popular choices, both meaningful and luxurious.
Phu Quoc has now become a favorite destination for Korean tourists thanks to the perfect combination of beautiful nature, exquisite resort services, and world-class entertainment experiences. From romantic moments under the sunset at Kiss Bridge to the thrilling sensation on the Wooden Serpent Rollercoaster, from seafood feasts at VUI-Fest to the Kiss of the Sea light show, each experience leaves an unforgettable impression.
