Two major Korean newspapers spotlight Phu Quoc as the "new standard for family trips"
Korea's English-language papers The Korea Herald and Korea JoongAng Daily (the English edition of JoongAng Ilbo) ran features one after another from April to May 2026 on Phu Quoc, an island at the southern tip of Vietnam, as "a travel destination replacing Guam and Saipan for Korean families." What both papers highlighted in common wasA round-trip airfare package for a family of six at about 2 million won (about 1,350 USD, about 200,000 yen)—overwhelming cost competitiveness.
Compared with Guam and Saipan, long popular from Korea as traditional family beach resorts, airfare, lodging, and local meals are all cheaper in Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc is now becoming so established in Korea's travel industry that it's called "Vietnam's Jeju Island."
Resorts where Korean guests top 70%—the numbers show their presence
In 2025,About 4.3 millionKorean visitors came to Vietnam, making up about 20% of all foreign travelers. On Phu Quoc Island specifically, Koreans hold the largest share of inbound travelers, and Korean arrivals in the first half of 2025 rose 38.4% year on year.
At some resorts, of the guests,more than 70% are Korean.Signage across the island is posted in the order of Vietnamese, Korean, then English, and restaurants and spas keep Korean-speaking staff on hand.
| Indicator | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Korean travelers to Vietnam (2025) | About 4.3 million | About 20% of all foreign travelers |
| Korean arrivals in Phu Quoc (first half of 2025) | +38.4% year on year | No. 1 by country |
| Share of Korean guests (some resorts) | Over 70% | Korea Herald report |
| Round-trip airfare for a family of six | About 2 million won (about 200,000 yen) | Far cheaper than Guam |
| Phu Quoc tourists, January–February 2026 | 2.2 million | +57.7% year on year |
Three reasons it's chosen for family trips
Cost-performance—both airfare and local costs are cheap
According to a traveler who spoke to the Korea Herald, a round-trip airfare package for a family of six runs about 2 million won—30 to 40% cheaper than the same conditions for Guam or Saipan. Local meals can be enjoyed from 30,000 to 50,000 VND (about 150 to 250 yen) each, and a massage runs around 200,000 VND (about 1,000 yen) an hour. There are reports of cases where a five-night family stay came in at or below the cost of three nights in Guam.
A wealth of facilities for kids and families
Phu Quoc has the world's longest three-cable over-water ropeway, the Hon Thom Cable Car (about 8 km), and Aquatopia Water Park, along with facilities where children can play all day. At night, water shows with fireworks such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea are held, and night entertainment the whole family can enjoy has become a fixture.
Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, set on Ong Doi Cape, is a villa resort with private pools that accommodates three-generation stays. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay features themed spaces for children and provides kids' care services.
Direct flights launch—no transfer from Incheon
On April 17, 2026, Sun Phu Quoc Airways launched a direct Incheon–Phu Quoc flight. Vietjet Air also operates scheduled service, securing access of about five and a half hours with no transfer.Phu Quoc International Airport completed a 47-million-dollar expansion,and it can now handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and A350. Immigration has also been cut from the previous 18 minutes to 6 minutes.
Korean-language support and infrastructure—removing the "language barrier"
In line with the surge of Korean travelers, Korean-language support at Phu Quoc's hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas is advancing rapidly. Menus and signs list Korean right after Vietnamese, and it's not unusual for Korean to come before English. K-POP plays in commercial facilities, and there are even stalls serving Korean fried chicken and tteokbokki.
Phu Quoc Island isa 30-day visa exemption.an eligible area, and Koreans can enter with just a passport. Since a separate system applies from mainland Vietnam's 45-day visa exemption, procedures are simple for package tours and independent travel alike.
Voices from the industry—resort operators and travel agents
- A resort manager on Phu Quoc Island: "When the ratio of Korean guests gets this high, securing Korean-speaking staff becomes the top management priority. Even in the off-season, bookings from Korea stay firm."
- A Korean travel agency representative (interviewed by the Korea Herald): "Since airfares rose in 2024, Guam's cost-performance for family trips has worsened. On the same budget, Phu Quoc lets you stay two extra nights, so specific requests for it are increasing."
- A Vietnam tourism expert: "Phu Quoc is rapidly growing into one of Southeast Asia's top resort destinations, and the momentum will continue."
Impact on travelers—an option for Japanese travelers
The Phu Quoc boom sparked in Korea is a trend Japanese travelers can't overlook either. From Japan, you can reach Phu Quoc via Ho Chi Minh City in about eight hours including the connection.In 2026, China overtook Korea to reclaim the No. 1 spot for visitor numbers to Vietnam,but when it comes to Phu Quoc, Korea maintains a commanding presence.
With Guam and Saipan airfares from Japan also staying stubbornly high, Phu Quoc is worth considering as a "hidden-gem resort that balances price and facilities." For three-generation trips or those with kids in particular, the advantage of staying in a private-pool villa at an affordable price is significant.
Ripple effects on the industry—Phu Quoc's next move ahead of APEC 2027
Infrastructure development for APEC 2027 is underway on Phu Quoc, and a rush of new hotel construction continues.Vietnam's first Hilton hot-spring resortis opening on Ha Long Bay, and with entries by international-brand hotels accelerating across Vietnam, similar moves are expected on Phu Quoc.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Featured media | The Korea Herald / Korea JoongAng Daily |
| Direct flight | Incheon → Phu Quoc (Sun Phu Quoc Airways, launched April 17, 2026) |
| Visa | Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption |
| Best season | November–April (dry season) |
| Currency | 1 USD ≒ 25,800 VND (as of May 2026) |
| Access from Japan | About eight hours via Ho Chi Minh City (including the connection) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Phu Quoc visa-free for Japanese travelers too?
Phu Quoc Island grants a 30-day visa exemption regardless of nationality. It's a separate system from mainland Vietnam's 45-day visa exemption, and you can enter with just a passport.
Are tourists from countries other than Korea increasing too?
Phu Quoc tourists in January–February 2026 numbered 2.2 million, up 57.7% year on year, with arrivals from China, India, Russia, and Taiwan also surging. Korea maintains the largest share while the mix grows more international.
How much do things cost in Phu Quoc?
Meals start from around 150 to 250 yen each, and a massage runs about 1,000 yen an hour. At a level 30 to 40% cheaper than Guam or Saipan, it's an environment where costs are easy to keep down even on a long stay.
Related reading
- Everything you need to know about Phu Quoc's 30-day visa exemption 2026
- Phu Quoc International Airport completes expansion with a 47-million-dollar investment
- China overtakes Korea to reclaim No. 1 for visitors
Source:
VnExpress International – South Korean media highlight Phu Quoc’s growing appeal for family travel
VietnamPlus – Phu Quoc becomes new go-to spot for Korean tourists
Travel And Tour World – Phu Quoc emerges as a leading family destination for South Korean tourists
