UPDATE (Apr 2026): I visited again in 2026, this time with a toddler in tow! It was a fantastic choice as my toddler is obsessed with animals and love saying ‘fish!’. It also helps that there are lots of areas for her to move around.
They seemed to have renovated and updated the entire aquarium – totally understandable, since it was almost a decade since I last visited!
I’m adding some of the most recent photos here so you can take a look at how much it has changed.
For instance, they moved the jellyfish exhibits to the front of the aquarium, which I think is a good call since this is arguably one of the most attractive exhibition:
All the visitors were very tickled by this fierce-looking toad:
They also have some beautiful white carp that you can feed – just gotta buy some fish feed from the machines nearby!
COEX Aquarium was an unexpected addition to our itinerary for a day at Starfield COEX Mall. However, we decided to go for it since we hadn’t been to an aquarium for a few years.
According to the official website, COEX Aquarium is home to a total of 14 exhibition zones, including over 650 different species and more than 20,000 marine animals.
An aquarium in a shopping mall sounded a tad strange. We were also (somehow) under the impression that it wasn’t going to be very big.
All these made the admission fee of 28,000 won (for adults) look a bit iffy, but we were so wrong.
The front part of the aquarium may be a little boring, as it mostly involves looking at fish that are quite common (e.g. clownfish), as well as some species commonly found in Korea.
But things started getting really interesting as we walked further into the aquarium.
Look at these interesting ‘aquariums’ where they house fishes!
A lot of these aquariums are everyday items, ranging from refrigerators to water coolers. Not only are they pretty, but also interactive – a big draw for kids, as they get to play with the ‘aquariums’.
They also have interesting exhibitions like these:
Although it is an aquarium, the residents here go beyond aquatic animals. It is also home to animals from many climates, including prairie dogs (!), rabbits, and penguins.
My personal favourites from the aquarium were the jellyfish and penguins. They had quite a few jellyfish species, and it was fascinating to see how they propel themselves in the water!
That being said, seeing other marine creatures such as sharks and stingrays is still very exciting. This is especially when they’re swimming right above your head.
I won’t spoil too much of it, and leave it to you to see what other animals and exhibits they have for yourself.
Is COEX Aquarium worth visiting?
This is a place I would strongly recommend if you have kids, enjoy looking at animals, or have a leisurely afternoon to spend in Seoul.
I would say exploring the entire aquarium takes about 2 hours, depending on the crowds and how thoroughly you’re looking at the animals.
Be warned though, tickets are quite pricey at 33,000 won for adults, so if you’re not keen on looking at exhibits and animals then I would advise you to give this a miss.
TICKETING
Individuals: Adults 33,000 won / Children 29,000 won
* Infants under 36 months offered free admission when accompanied by one parent.
OPENING HOURS
10:00-20:00 / Friday & Saturday 10:00-21:00
* Admission is available until one hour before closing time.
DIRECTIONS
Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513 (삼성동)
For more information, visit KTO’s website here.
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