한국국제교류재단

An island that can only be reached by plane or boat. A vacation destination with clear waters and beautiful sunsets. A place of fantasy for local and international visitors alike. This Phu Quoc the “Jeju Island of Viet Nam.”



Phu Quoc, known to some as “the Jeju Island of Viet Nam” or “pearl island,” is located in the south of Viet Nam. Though the island is indeed known for pearls, its nickname is more a reflection of Phu Quoc’s hidden charm, waiting to be discovered like a pearl hidden within an oyster. With an annual average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, crystal clear seas, beautiful beaches, and untouched nature that feels almost primeval, Phu Quoc possesses all the factors of a beloved vacation destination. The coral reefs in the surrounding blue waters are registered as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and more than half of the island’s total area, which boasts a pristine natural environment, is part of a national park.

It hasn’t been that long since this remote island, once visited mainly by more adventurous backpackers who had heard of it through word of mouth, fully opened its doors to tourists. After the opening of an international airport in 2012, large resorts and tourist spots began to appear one after another. Phu Quoc subsequently underwent rapid development, driven by the Vietnamese government’s ambition to turn the island into a tourist locale visited by 3 million people annually.

Phu Quoc’s infrastructure might not compare to that of major mainland cities like Da Nang, but this is bound to have its own appeal to travelers seeking a more local experience. The vibrant energy of the Duong Dong market at dawn, solemn faces of people praying at temples for safe fishing, night markets bustling with tourists from around the globe, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the beach clubs all add to the island’s charm.

With VietJet Air, Jeju Air, and Korean Air (scheduled for November 2023) offering direct flights from Incheon International Airport in Korea, Phu Quoc is quickly catching up to Da Nang as a popular vacation spot for those living in Korea. Why not make the Jeju Island of Viet Nam your next travel destination?