S.Korean couple describe Vietnam’s Phu Quoc as resort paradise of sunshine

Phu Quoc, known as the ‘pearl island,’ has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic tourism hotspots over the past many years.

South Korean tourists have been among the largest and fastest-growing visitor groups, reinforcing Phu Quoc’s appeal as a favored destination for travelers from the Northeast Asian country.

Sunset, romantic bridge set scene for couples

On their second day on the island, the couple, Jun Won and Jin, headed to Hon (Kiss) Bridge in Hoang Hon (Sunset) Town, where they waited for hours to witness the sunset.

As the sky gradually merged with the sea on the distant horizon, the weather remained clear and cloudless, allowing the moment to unfold perfectly.

The sun, glowing red like a fiery sphere, slowly dipped into the ocean, while the water shifted from shimmering gold to a warm crimson hue.

The couple could hardly hide their amazement, repeatedly exclaiming in awe at the natural spectacle.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Jun said many of their friends had already visited Vietnam and Phu Quoc, often recommending the island as an ideal resort destination for family holidays.

Those recommendations played a role in the couple’s decision to include Phu Quoc as one of three stops on their Vietnam trip.

“It’s winter in South Korea now, and the weather is extremely cold, but here it feels like summer,” he said.

“We wanted to come to Phu Quoc to enjoy the warm sunshine, swim in the sea, and truly relax.”

As avid beach lovers, the couple have previously traveled to destinations such as Osaka in Japan and several locations in Thailand.

Despite hearing glowing praise about Phu Quoc before their arrival, they said the island still managed to exceed their expectations.

“Phu Quoc welcomed us with beautiful weather, warm sunshine, and incredibly friendly local people,” Jin said.

“We loved the scenery here. Everywhere we go feel picturesque and impressive.”

Sharing that the moment of watching the sunset from the famous Kiss Bridge was truly special, she said this island really is ‘an ideal destination, especially for couples looking to create beautiful memories.’

‘Phu Quoc feels like Hawaii’

The couple spent four days discovering different corners of the island, with their favorite spots including Sunset Town, Hon Thom, and the Phu Quoc night market, where they sampled local cuisine and enjoyed the lively evening atmosphere.

One night was reserved specifically for the multimedia performance ‘Kiss of the Sea,’ which left a strong impression on them with its combination of visuals, music and storytelling.

Another highlight of the trip, according to Jun and Jin, was Phu Quoc’s diverse and appealing food scene.

From fresh seafood to local specialties, the island’s culinary offerings added to their overall satisfaction and sense of discovery.

When comparing Phu Quoc with other destinations they had visited, Jun offered high praise: “Phu Quoc feels like Hawaii.”

“The sea has an emerald-blue color, the beaches are white, fine, and very clean. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel relaxed.”

After leaving Phu Quoc, the couple continued their holiday in Vietnam with a stop in Nha Trang.

Reflecting on their journey, Jun and Jin said they were certain they would recommend Vietnam, and especially Phu Quoc, to friends back home.

“We’ve had so many interesting and unexpected experiences here,” Jin said.

“It’s a trip we will remember for a long time, and we hope others will come and experience it for themselves.”

With its growing international profile, resort-style atmosphere, and strong appeal to visitors seeking sun and sea during colder months, Phu Quoc is increasingly positioning itself as a must-visit destination on Vietnam’s tourism map.

In 2025, the island welcomed more than 8.1 million visitors, including over 1.8 million international arrivals, generating nearly VND44 trillion (US$1.67 billion) in tourism revenue.