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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.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting South Korea
- Emergency: Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance services. These lines are available 24/7 and usually offer English-speaking support.
- Language: English is spoken in most tourist areas and by younger Koreans, though it’s less common in rural towns. It’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases like “Annyeonghaseyo” for hello, “Kamsahamnida” for thank you, and “Joesonghamnida” for sorry. For live translation help, download Papago (by Naver).
- Navigation: Google Maps and Apple Maps do not work reliably for directions in Korea. Instead, download Naver Map or KakaoMap. Both offer accurate public transport, driving, and walking directions, and have English-language support built in.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink across South Korea, though many locals still prefer bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and guesthouses will either provide bottled water or have a filtered dispenser available.
- Driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side in Korea, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for tourists. Most traffic signs are in both Korean and English, but city driving can be fast-paced and stressful, especially in Seoul. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is the most convenient option for finding hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and traditional hanok stays across Korea. Many listings include free cancellation, no prepayment, and access to a reliable rewards system for frequent travelers. Browse my recommendations for where to stay in Seoul here.
- Islands: South Korea has several beautiful islands to explore, including Jeju, Ulleungdo, and Geoje. Jeju is best reached by domestic flight, while others require ferries from mainland ports. You can use 12Go Asia or check directly with ferry operators to plan your route.
- Activities: There’s no shortage of things to do in Korea, from exploring palaces, to color analysis experiences and traditional markets to joining food tours, hiking, or even staying overnight at a Buddhist temple. For hassle-free bookings with verified reviews, use Get Your Guide to arrange activities in advance.
- Public Transport: Korea’s public transportation is fast, efficient, and easy to use. Major cities like Seoul and Busan have extensive subway networks, while intercity travel is best done using KTX high-speed trains or long-distance buses. As soon as you arrive, get a T-money card for easy access to subways, buses, and even taxis. You can also purchase a SIM card and T-money package online or at the airport to stay connected and ready to travel from the moment you land.
- Domestic Airlines: Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are the main full-service carriers, while Jeju Air, T’way, and Air Seoul offer low-cost domestic flights. Jeju Air is a popular and budget-friendly option, especially for trips to Jeju Island. If you’re collecting points, Korean Air’s SkyPass is the most established loyalty program.
- Taxi: Instead of flagging taxis on the street, use the Kakao T app to book one. It’s reliable, easy to use, shows price estimates, and allows you to pay in-app. While many taxis now accept cards, it’s still a good idea to carry a bit of cash just in case.
- Culture: Korean culture emphasizes respect, quietness, and social harmony. It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering homes or traditional accommodations. Public transport tends to be quiet, and loud talking is generally discouraged. Shops and restaurants usually stay open late and operate seven days a week, but keep in mind that museums, palaces, and some attractions are often closed on Mondays. Major holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year (Seollal) are times when many Koreans travel, and during those days, transportation and services may be limited.
