SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium

Follow the underground passages from Samseong Station deep into COEX Mall and, in the middle of a shopping centre, you suddenly find yourself under the sea. SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium opened in 2000 and is Seoul's best-known city-centre aquarium: one route takes you through an undersea tunnel with sharks gliding overhead, past seals and penguins and on to giant Amazon fish. Because it works in any weather, it is a favourite stop for families visiting Seoul.

History: from COEX Aquarium to SEA LIFE

The aquarium opened under COEX Mall in May 2000. A freshwater gallery, a hands-on area for children and a habitat devoted to native Korean fish were added over the following years. In 2022 it joined the Merlin Entertainments family of attractions, and in July 2025 it was refurbished and renamed SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium.

It holds 3,500 tonnes of water in 183 display tanks. Sources differ on the number of animals: around 20,000, or around 40,000 of some 650 species. It is known for an unusually large number of shark species and individual sharks.

What to see

• Undersea tunnel: sharks and rays swim over the clear tunnel, and nurse sharks often rest on the bottom.
• Ocean Kingdom and the Marvelous Marine Gallery: big tanks to linger in front of, including softly lit jellyfish tanks.
• Our Land, Our Fish: a recreated Korean stream and garden, complete with a pavilion and lotus pond, where native freshwater fish swim. It feels quite different from other aquariums.
• Seal Beach Cove and the penguin zone: home to seals and penguins; time your visit to catch the seal talk.
• Rainforest and Mangroves & Beach: look out for the huge pirarucu, a freshwater fish from the Amazon.
• Sea at Night and the Secret Garden of Seahorses: darker rooms for small creatures and seahorses.

Shows and experiences

The daily programme includes a mermaid underwater show, a ray talk and a seal talk. Times can change from day to day, so check them when you enter. For an extra fee you can ride a glass-bottom boat over the shark tank or try a VR undersea adventure.

Nearby

• Bongeunsa: a historic temple just across the road from the north side of COEX, so you can pair the city aquarium with a mountain-style temple.
• Seonjeongneung: royal tombs of the Joseon kings Seongjong and Jungjong, within walking distance.
• Lotte World: the indoor theme park in Jamsil, a good follow-up on a rainy day.

Tripto tips

• Opening hours: open every day of the year, 10:00–20:00, last entry 19:00. Hours may change on short notice.
• Tickets: full price is KRW 35,000 for adults (13 and over) and KRW 31,000 for children from 36 months to 12 years; under-threes go free. Buying on the official website saves up to 20% and gets you a mobile QR ticket.
• Getting there: from Samseong Station (Line 2) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) follow the signs through COEX Mall. Cheongdam Station (Line 7) also works.
• Parking: if you park at COEX Mall, enter your plate number at the machine inside the aquarium for a flat KRW 4,800 for 4 hours.
• Time needed: 1–2 hours is enough for the full route. Weekend afternoons are busy; weekday mornings are calmer.