Da Nang, Phu Quoc emerge as top short-haul destinations for South Korean travelers to Vietnam
DNO - With a flight time of around five hours and reasonable prices, Da Nang and Phu Quoc have increasingly become top choices for short trips among South Korean travelers in Vietnam.
According to data from Yanolja Research, a research platform under Yanolja which is one of South Korea’s leading travel technology companies, South Korean travelers, faced with limited budgets and holiday time, are increasingly prioritizing destinations that strike a balance between travel time, cost, and overall satisfaction.
In addition, with the rise of the "micro-trip" trend, South Korean travelers are showing a clear preference for destinations that are both time-efficient and cost-effective, while still offering fulfilling experiences.
More recently, “experiential tourism” has also become a key deciding factor. Yanolja’s research indicates that Millennials and Gen Z in South Korea no longer view travel as merely a form of relaxation, but rather as an opportunity to accumulate new experiences and share them on social media.
Amidst these changes in consumption patterns, Vietnam is emerging as a key destination.
In particular, Da Nang and Phu Quoc have become top choices for short trips for South Korean tourists in Vietnam thanks to their harmonious blend of natural landscapes and diverse experiential offerings, coupled with the advantage of only about 5 hours of flight time and reasonable costs.
In Da Nang, the combination of nature and modern tourism infrastructure is seen as a major draw. The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills which is famous for its giant stone hands lifting the walkway has become a globally recognized tourism icon.
Additionally, European-style themed spaces, flower gardens, the indoor entertainment complex Fantasy Park, and spiritual-cultural sites such as Linh Ung Pagoda in Ba Na Hills together create a diverse and appealing visitor itinerary.
Meanwhile, Phu Quoc is rapidly positioning itself as Vietnam’s flagship island destination, featuring modern infrastructure integrated with coastal landscapes such as Santo Port, Sunset Town, Hon Thom cable car, and Kiss Bridge.
The island’s appeal is further enhanced by daily fireworks displays and large-scale multimedia shows such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea.
The expansion of air routes is also playing a crucial role in boosting demand. Sun PhuQuoc Airways is accelerating the expansion of its international network, with plans to launch Phu Quoc - Seoul flights in April 2026 and Phu Quoc - Busan air services in September 2026.
Moreover, the visa exemption policy of up to 30 days for international visitors to Phu Quoc has significantly contributed to improving accessibility for global visitors.
With advantages in geographical proximity, cost efficiency, and distinctive experiential offerings, Da Nang and Phu Quoc are solidifying their central position in the travel demand of South Korean visitors to Vietnam.