Is the COEX Aquarium Worth It? (Sea Life COEX - My Honest Review)

The COEX Aquarium was recently completely remodeled and became branded with the "SEA Life" brand. During my visit this summer, I was able to visit after most of the construction had been completed, and to be honest I was quite impressed. With incredible performances, interactive exhibits, and amazing sea life - you might be wondering a visit to the aquarium inside the COEX Mall is worth it.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates to South Korea.

Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to have a copy of your international driver's permit with you!

I always use AGODA's  easy-to-use platform for hotels in Asia.

To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required) - make sure to have NordVPN ready too while you surf random wifi connections.

For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

Lastly, my essential packing list when traveling.

Getting to the COEX Aquarium (& Getting Tickets)

Finding the COEX Aquarium is quite easy, there's actually 2 subway stations you can choose to take that lead right to it. Your first option is to take the Green Line 2 to Samseong Station and take Exits 5 or 6 that directly connect to the underground of the Mall. Your second option is to take the Gold Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station and leave through Exit 7, which is technically a shorter walk to the Aquarium.

Getting your Aquarium Tickets is also fairly easy. You can either get them in advance here, which is what I recommend in case you happen to visit on a day when they're sold out or have a field trip there. Otherwise, you can risk it and get tickets in person at their entrance station. When I visited, they were only accepting cash payments - so this could still be the case. Currently, adult tickets are ₩24,000 online or ₩33,000 at the door.

Get your COEX Aquarium Tickets here!

My Favorite Activities in Seoul : 
- Full Day DMZ Tour from Seoul
- Lotte World Tower at Seoul Sky
​- Afternoon Tea on the Han River

Honest Review of COEX Mall's SEA Life Aquarium

The first thing to know as you plan your visit to the SEA Life Aquarium is that there are multiple, scheduled daily shows. When I visited, I was able to time my visit to overlap with the Mermaid Show and the Magic Show. The Mermaid Show is typically 3+ times per day from Tuesday to Sunday, and the Magic Show is usually 2 times a day from Monday to Friday - so if you visit during a weekday you should be able to see both. Personally, I felt both were great shows, and they did a great job entertaining the kids that were there watching. In the auditorium, there are a few tables if you get there early enough, and some vending machines for you to grab a drink and snack at.

The aquarium exhibits were also nicely done. I felt the highlights were the stingray pool, the aquarium tunnel you could walk through, and the "painting" exhibit. Where all sizes of frames showcased different "paintings" - a.k.a. windows into different aquariums. Throughout the aquarium there are signs sharing what could be found inside - from penguins to otters to electric eels - in both Korean and English, making it accessible for visitors also.

Purchase SEA Life Tickets here!

Exhibits were also interactive for both kids and adults. There were face painting booths, a "science lab," and a fun treasure hunt where kids (or adults) could look for special booths to collect stamps in their "passports." If you're there for the whole day, chances are you'll also be able to watch some of their animal feedings or special shows, like with the otters.

Honestly - looking at the exhibits, species, and entertainment included with your visit to the Aquarium - I would say a trip to the SEA Life Aquarium is a great activity for couples or families with young kids. There are so many fun things to do, beautiful animals to look at, and it's completely inside - making it the perfect rainy day adventure.

Watch my Seoul Adventures here!

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Other Blog Posts you might be interested in : 
-> 25 Best Street Foods in Korea
-> COEX Mall Complete Guide
-> My Color Analysis in Korea

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