The idyllic island of Phu Quoc, renowned for its pristine pearl farms, and the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang have emerged as top international destinations for Korean travelers, according to a recent survey by Rankify Korea released on July 15.
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| Charming Korean travelers donning the elegant Vietnamese ao dai and conical hat, symbols of the country’s rich cultural heritage. |
The survey revealed that Phu Quoc holds a particular appeal for Korean female tourists, with a remarkable 67% of women choosing it as their preferred vacation spot. This insight was derived from an analysis of gender and age-based preferences for various locations.
On the other hand, Nha Trang, with its stunning coastline and vibrant atmosphere, attracts a more balanced demographic. The survey showed that 64% of women and 36% of men favored this destination. Interestingly, tourists aged 30-39 years old displayed an equal fondness for both Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, highlighting the diverse appeal of these Vietnamese gems.
This data-driven insight is based on a comprehensive analysis of big data, specifically evaluating the search volume on Google Trend Index and Naver during the first week of July and comparing it to the last week of June. By employing such advanced analytical tools, the survey offers a nuanced understanding of Korean travelers’ preferences.
In the aforementioned analysis, Phu Quoc Island, located in Vietnam’s southern province of Kien Giang, emerged as the top destination with an impressive 12,855 points, reflecting a significant increase of 2,962 points from the last week of June. Nha Trang followed closely behind, securing second place with 10,157 points, while Tokyo, Japan, ranked third with 3,796 points.
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| Phu Quoc Island, nestled in southern Vietnam, captivates visitors with its breathtaking coastal scenery and idyllic atmosphere. |
Additionally, Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam, also secured a spot among the top 15 cities favored by Korean tourists. It ranked alongside renowned destinations such as Barcelona, Spain, and Tokyo, Japan, further emphasizing the appeal of Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
Supporting this trend, a travel analysis by Kyowon Tour Travel Easy for Q3 2024 revealed that Vietnam has surpassed Japan as the leading foreign destination for Korean tourists. Vietnam achieved a remarkable 13.7% booking rate, outpacing Japan’s 13.2%. This shift underscores the growing allure of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings.
The analysis also highlighted that during the peak summer travel season in 2024, particularly over the Chuseok (Mid-Autumn) holiday, short-haul destinations dominated the preferences, accounting for 80% of all bookings. Chuseok, the biggest holiday in the Korean calendar, falls between September 14 and 22 this year, and many Koreans are expected to take advantage of this extended break to explore new destinations.
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| Nha Trang captivates visitors with its sandy beaches and breathtaking bay, adorned with 19 islands and islets that dot the coastline. |
In terms of other popular destinations, Japan maintained its appeal with 17% of Korean holidaymakers, while China attracted 14.7%. Vietnam, with its growing popularity, secured a significant 14.4% share of Korean travelers, reflecting a positive trend.
Yong Sung Ok, Regional Director of Southeast Asia for Hanatour, a leading Korean travel company, offered insights into this phenomenon. He attributed Vietnam’s rising popularity to its proximity to Korea and the diverse, captivating travel experiences it offers. “There are plenty of affordable flights to famous tourist attractions in Vietnam,” he shared in an interview with AsiaA News.
Furthermore, according to the Korea Herald, Nha Trang has emerged as an enduring favorite among Korean youth. The city offers a vibrant blend of cultural exploration during the day and a dynamic entertainment scene at night, creating a well-rounded and captivating experience for visitors.
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