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It’s not often I write about attractions that I don’t particularly enjoy, but my visit to COEX Aquarium in Seoul was a mix of hit and miss. I’ve been to plenty of aquariums around the world, and while I don’t expect every single one to blow me away, this one left me with a split opinion.
The pros? It’s very accessible and a great family destination. The cons? The setup felt more focused on themed decoration than on the animals themselves, which left me wondering what others thought about that balance.
Here’s my honest breakdown so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your Seoul itinerary.
How to Get to COEX Aquarium
COEX Aquarium is inside COEX Mall in Gangnam, Seoul. The easiest way to get there is to take the Seoul Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station and follow the underground signs to COEX Mall. The beauty of this location is that you can get from the subway to the aquarium without ever stepping outside — perfect for rainy days or extreme weather.
Other Aquarium Options in Seoul
If you’re an aquarium fan, COEX isn’t your only choice. Other options include:
- Lotte World Aquarium – Known for its modern design and focus on large marine animals.
- Aqua Planet (IIsan) – Located a bit outside the city but has larger exhibits and a wider range of species.
SEA LIFE COEX Seoul Aquarium Ticket
COEX Aquarium Ticket Prices
- Adults: ₩33,000 (about $25 USD)
- Teenagers: ₩28,000 (about $21 USD)
- Children: ₩24,000 (about $18 USD)
You can get find discounted tickets on booking sites like Klook or Trazy, which can save you a few dollars or by booking in advance through the website.
Pros & Cons of COEX Aquarium
Pros
- Super accessible location – You can get there entirely indoors from Samseong Station.
- Reasonable ticket prices compared to other major aquariums in Asia.
- Kid- and stroller-friendly – Wide paths and rest areas make it easy for families.
- Easy to combine with other activities – Being in COEX Mall means you can shop, eat, or watch a movie the same day.
- Variety of exhibits – From tropical fish to penguins, there’s a decent range to see.
Cons
- Theming over nature – Many exhibits are surrounded by fake plants, plastic corals, and decorative props. I’m no marine life expert, but it felt less about creating authentic habitats and more about making themed “zones” that look good in photos. In some cases, the fake vegetation was so busy it almost distracted from the animals.
- Crowded layout – Certain sections can feel cramped, especially during peak hours.
- Flow feels inconsistent – Some exhibits are beautifully done, others feel more like filler.
- Potentially underwhelming for aquarium enthusiasts – If you’ve been to more naturalistic or cutting-edge aquariums, this might not impress.
I’d be curious how other visitors feel about the heavy theming — maybe it’s just me, but I found it distracting compared to more natural setups.
Every single piece of vegetation or decoration is fake plastic.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an rainy day activity in Seoul that’s family-friendly and centrally located, COEX Aquarium ticks all the boxes. But if you’re an aquarium enthusiast hoping for highly realistic habitats and top-tier exhibit design, you might prefer checking out Lotte World Aquarium instead.
COEX is convenient, affordable, and fun for a casual visit — just go in with realistic expectations.
