COEX Aquarium is a large indoor aquarium in the basement of the Starfield COEX Mall in Samseong-dong, in Seoul's Gangnam district. It holds sharks, rays, jellyfish and thousands of tropical fish across a series of themed zones, including an underwater tunnel. Because it sits inside one of Seoul's biggest shopping centres and connects straight to the subway, COEX Aquarium is an easy half-day plan with children or a good escape from rain, summer heat or winter cold.
Why visit COEX Aquarium
The aquarium opened in 2000 and has been refreshed several times since. It is not the biggest aquarium in the world, but it is well laid out, with a steady route that moves from rivers and coasts out to the open ocean. Displays are labelled in Korean and English.
What makes it memorable is the mix of serious marine exhibits and a playful streak. Alongside large ocean tanks, some displays set fish in unexpected everyday settings, which children tend to love. Feeding times and short presentations through the day add some life to the visit.
How to get to COEX Aquarium by subway
Two stations connect to the COEX Mall underground:
- Samseong on Line 2, the green circle line, is the most familiar route. Follow the signs for COEX and walk through the underground mall to the aquarium.
- Bongeunsa on Line 9 is also linked to the complex and is handy if you are coming from the Gimpo Airport or Yeouido side of the city.
The mall is large, and the walk from either station platform to the aquarium entrance can take 5 to 10 minutes, so follow the overhead signs and the mall maps. A T-money card works on all Seoul subway lines and buses.
COEX Aquarium tickets and opening hours
Tickets can be bought at the entrance or in advance online, and booking ahead can save time on weekends and school holidays. There are separate prices for adults, teenagers and children, and online deals or combination tickets with other attractions sometimes appear. Prices and hours change, so check the official COEX Aquarium website (coexaqua.com) before you go. Last entry is usually some time before closing.
Highlights of COEX Aquarium
The underwater tunnel
The main ocean tank has a walk-through tunnel where sharks, rays and large shoals pass overhead. It is the best spot for photos, and quieter at the start or end of the day.
Jellyfish and small creatures
Dimly lit tanks of jellyfish, seahorses and other delicate species make a calm change of pace from the bigger tanks.
Feeding times and presentations
Staff run feedings and short talks at set times through the day. Check the schedule board near the entrance and plan your route around the one you most want to see.
Korean river and coastal life
Early sections cover fish from Korea's rivers and coasts, a good introduction to local species that you will not see in most aquariums abroad.
Touch and play areas
Children can see small animals up close in hands-on zones and interactive displays. Follow staff guidance on what can and cannot be touched.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Weekend afternoons, Korean school holidays and rainy days can be crowded, with slow queues through the tunnel. Plan on about one and a half to two hours for the full route. Because it is all indoors and connected to the subway, the aquarium works in any weather.
With young children, a stroller is manageable on the main route, though the tunnel and some narrow corners get congested at busy times. There are places to eat throughout the COEX Mall, so you do not need to bring food. If you want to see a particular feeding, check the times when you arrive and work backwards from there, since the route runs one way and it is awkward to double back through the crowds.
Nearby on the same stop
The COEX Mall itself has hundreds of shops and restaurants, and the Starfield Library, a huge open reading space with towering bookshelves, is one of Seoul's most photographed interiors. Across the road from COEX, Bongeunsa Temple is a working Buddhist temple with a large standing Buddha statue, a peaceful contrast to the mall.
See what else is close to the station on the COEX Aquarium page on Around the Metro, or browse our Seoul subway guide for more ideas.