Korean media name Phu Quoc as the destination that embodies movement in 2026

THE HANOI TIMES — Early 2026 coverage in Korean outlets such as Hankyung suggests that while escaping winter remains a key motivation, it is no longer the sole driver. 

For the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026, travelers are seeking destinations that embody movement, departure and a sense of renewal.

With its warm and stable climate and a growing number of direct flights from South Korea, Phu Quoc is increasingly regarded as a destination that meets all the conditions for a smooth and auspicious start to the year.

According to the Phu Quoc International Airport, in early 2026 the island is served by an average of around 13 daily flights connecting it with major Korean cities such as Seoul, Busan and Cheongju.

This dense network of direct routes has helped position Phu Quoc as a destination that feels “new yet familiar,” allowing travelers to enjoy short Lunar New Year breaks without pressure on time or scheduling. 

Korean media also note that a flight time of roughly five hours is considered “just right” for early year travel, particularly for families and middle-aged travelers, who make up a large share of Lunar New Year holidaymakers.

While South Korea experiences the coldest part of winter, Phu Quoc maintains temperatures of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, with warm sunshine, calm seas and a relaxed atmosphere that creates a striking seasonal and emotional contrast. 

Rather than offering an overly hectic or crowded pace, Phu Quoc is described as a destination with a “balanced rhythm of rest.”

Well-known beaches such as Kem Beach and Sao Beach, with their soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, along with resorts spread across the island, provide privacy and a sense of completeness. These qualities align closely with the growing “healing travel” trend among Korean tourists.

Beyond relaxation, Korean media emphasize the symbolic meaning of the Lunar Year of the Horse in East Asian culture, a year associated with movement, speed and the beginning of new opportunities.

For many Korean travelers, the first trip of the year is not merely a holiday, but a way to mentally “set the pace” for the months ahead.

In this context, Phu Quoc is seen as naturally reflecting that symbolism. From a tourism infrastructure that operates in a coordinated manner, to frequent direct flights and experiences designed for immediate enjoyment upon arrival, the island presents a dynamic yet unhurried image.

Iconic attractions such as the world’s longest three-cable car line to Hon Thom, coastal entertainment complexes and Sunset Town, where life flows from late afternoon into the night, highlight an energy that is lively without being rushed. 

Must-see destinations include the Kiss Bridge and large-scale multimedia shows such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea, along with two nightly fireworks displays, which are also cited by Korean media as emotional touchpoints that leave a strong impression on early year journeys.

Notably, the planned launch from the second quarter of 2026 of direct routes between South Korea and Phu Quoc by Sun PhuQuoc Airways, an airline bearing the island’s name, is viewed by observers as a further step toward a seamless “aviation – resort – entertainment” experience.

Korean media note that this move represents more than additional flights, but a direct connection between travelers and the tourism and entertainment ecosystem that has taken shape on the island.

According to the Korean media, Phu Quoc is entering a clear phase of repositioning on the early year travel map for Korean visitors.

No longer simply a winter escape, the island is increasingly perceived as a destination that combines accessibility, ease of enjoyment, rich experiences and symbolic meaning.

In the Lunar Year of the Horse 2026, Phu Quoc thus becomes not just a travel option, but a way many Korean travelers choose to begin their journey for the year ahead.