Korean media hails Phu Quoc as “Asia’s rising star” ahead of APEC 2027

Recently, Herald Business reported that Phu Quoc has been officially selected as the host city for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027. The article emphasized that the event not only strengthens Phu Quoc’s international profile but also serves as a major catalyst for the island’s comprehensive transformation.

Repositioning Phu Quoc on the global tourism map

Korean media now regard Phu Quoc as more than just a resort destination, seeing it as a rising symbol of sustainable and integrated tourism in Southeast Asia. Herald Business highlighted that hosting APEC 2027 marks a new chapter in Phu Quoc’s journey to becoming a “world-leading eco-smart tourism city.” The island is gradually upgrading its infrastructure, technology, and service culture to meet increasingly rigorous international standards.

The article referenced the island’s development motto — “Green Island – Smart City – Carbon-Free” — as proof of its sustainable development direction. Herald Business praised the collaboration between local authorities and pioneering enterprises like Sun Group in reshaping the island into a modern, eco-friendly, and globally recognized destination.

The paper also listed a series of key projects currently underway, including: upgrading Phu Quoc International Airport and seaports, expanding the road network, constructing a multi-functional complex to serve APEC, developing high-end resorts, establishing Sun PhuQuoc Airways, and implementing a smart waste management model across the island. These efforts, according to the article, not only prepare Phu Quoc for APEC 2027 but also reflect its long-term ambition to become a leading eco-smart tourism hub in the region.

Herald Business also spotlighted the scale of projects currently in the planning stages in Phu Quoc as part of preparations for APEC 2027. The island is set to develop a large-scale multifunctional complex, highlighted by a convention and exhibition center spanning a total floor area of 95,200 square meters. Notably, the convention hall alone will cover 11,000 square meters – surpassing the size of Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, the world’s largest convention hall to date. Herald emphasized the complex’s standout feature: its seamless connectivity to a series of iconic destinations and landmarks, including Kem Beach, Kiss Bridge, the world-class show Kiss of the Sea, and the world’s longest three-wire cable car linking to Hon Thom Island.

Phu Quoc's Popularity Among Korean Tourists

Herald Business described Phu Quoc as a rising star in Asian tourism, citing its impressive achievements: one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing air transportation hubs, among the top 3 most beautiful islands in Asia, and ranking in the top 2 destinations in Vietnam most loved by Korean travelers.

According to a report by Agoda, Phu Quoc is currently the second most popular destination for Korean tourists in Vietnam (after Nha Trang), and ranks third among holiday destinations favored by Chinese tourists.

Recently, according to representatives from Phu Quoc International Airport, in the first half of 2025, Korean tourists led the number of international arrivals to Phu Quoc with nearly 280,000 entries — an increase of over 35% compared to the same period last year (around 204,773 entries).

K-pop melodies now echo throughout Phu Quoc — from New World Phu Quoc Resort, Sunset Town, King Kong Mart to Sun World Hon Thom theme park. “Staff at resorts and hotels — including top-tier brands like Sun Group — are not only able to communicate in Korean but also deliver professional and friendly service, helping solidify Phu Quoc’s image as an ideal destination for Korean travelers,” Herald Business noted.

According to Herald Business, Phu Quoc’s success stems from its bold 30-day visa waiver policy for all international travelers, strong support from international media, and the dedication and professionalism of staff from pioneering corporations like Sun Group. Following the milestone of APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is expected to maintain its growth momentum and become a major focal point in regional tourism, further strengthening its global profile as a premier destination.