Phu Quoc is becoming a popular destination for South Korean runners seeking race-cations due to its warm climate, scenic coastal routes, and 30-day visa-free entry. With nearly 10 million Koreans identifying as runners, preferences are shifting from competitive events to leisurely explorations, blending exercise with sightseeing and diverse attractions.
Just a five- to six-hour flight from South Korea and offering a 30-day visa-free stay, the island presents an accessible option for travellers looking to combine light physical activity with leisure. Its year-round warm climate, open coastal scenery, and wide seaside promenades create natural settings for outdoor running, an activity that has rapidly grown into a lifestyle movement among Korean travellers.
Running has surged in popularity in South Korea over the past decade, evolving from an individual fitness habit into a mainstream cultural trend. Industry data suggest that nearly 10 million Koreans now identify as runners, almost double the number recorded in 2015. Valued for its low barrier to entry and mental and physical health benefits, running has become a common way to manage stress in dense urban environments.
Alongside this growth, travel preferences are shifting. Rather than centring trips around competitive races, many runners are embracing race-cations and running tours that prioritise experience over performance. These journeys focus on exploration, scenery, and relaxation, running as a way to engage with a destination rather than measure results.
This trend is increasingly visible in southern Phu Quoc, where Korean visitors have opted for relaxed runs across Kiss Bridge and through Sunset Town, blending exercise seamlessly with sightseeing. Coastal routes, open spaces, and sea breezes transform running into a leisurely way to explore the island, offering a clear contrast to familiar urban paths at home.
Landmarks such as Kiss Bridge, with its distinctive non-touching design stretching over the sea, and the European-inspired architecture of Sunset Town provide varied visual backdrops, turning routine runs into memorable travel moments. Beyond daytime activities, Phu Quoc’s evening attractions, including large-scale shows like Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea, regular fireworks displays, and the Hon Thom cable car -the world’s longest three-wire system – add further depth to the island’s appeal.
As race-cations gain traction among global travellers, particularly from South Korea, destinations that combine accessibility, outdoor activity, and diverse leisure offerings are increasingly in demand. In this context, Phu Quoc is gradually reshaping its image, from a classic beach getaway into a destination that also supports active travel and longer, experience-driven stays.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 