COEX AquariumSEA LIFE COEX opened in 2000 and occupies space inside the Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The aquarium is arranged as a preset route through fourteen discovery zones and six themed areas, making it straightforward to follow from one exhibit to the next.
There are about 90 exhibition tanks showcasing local Korean river ecosystems as well as tropical and marine habitats; highlights include interactive touch displays, penguin and seal-themed areas, and a large acrylic undersea tunnel that passes through a tank holding roughly 2000 tons of water with sharks and sea turtles.
The layout and family-oriented exhibits mean the aquarium is popular with children and shoppers visiting the mall; because it sits inside a major shopping complex you can combine a visit with the Starfield Library, shops and restaurants nearby.
- Deep Blue Sea Tunnel: Walk through the long acrylic tunnel to see sharks, sea turtles and large marine species swimming above and around you.
- Story of Korean Fish: A themed gallery that highlights freshwater species and river ecosystems native to Korea.
- Mangrove & Beach: A coastal habitat exhibit showing mangrove species and shore life often used to explain coastal ecology.
- Penguin's Playground: A dedicated penguin area where you can watch penguins swim and interact in a themed enclosure.
- Touch pools and Wonderland: Hands-on exhibits let children (and adults) touch starfish and shellfish, while novelty tanks in the Wonderland area add a playful twist.
Nearby Attractions to COEX Aquarium#
Best Time to Visit COEX Aquarium#
Being an indoor attraction, the aquarium can be visited year-round, but city climate and crowd patterns affect the experience.
Weather & Climate near COEX Aquarium#
COEX Aquarium's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1307 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - 2° | -6° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Acceptable | -5° - 4° | -3° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| March | Good | 0° - 10° | 3° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.0h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.0h |
| June | Very Good | 17° - 26° | 22° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 1.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.5h |
| July | Good | 21° - 28° | 25° | 329 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.3h |
| August | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 309 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.4h |
| September | Very Good | 16° - 25° | 21° | 149 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 50 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Good | 2° - 11° | 5° | 51 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| December | Acceptable | -4° - 4° | -2° | 22 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
How to Get to COEX Aquarium#
The aquarium is located within the Starfield COEX Mall in the Gangnam area of Seoul; the COEX complex is well served by Seoul’s subway network and is a short walk from the mall entrances.
By air, the nearest major international gateway is Incheon International Airport (with Gimpo Airport as a closer domestic option); for national rail services use Seoul Station and transfer to the subway, or take a taxi or subway to Samseong or Bongeunsa area stations and follow signs into the mall.
Tips for Visiting COEX Aquarium#
- The aquarium follows a one-way route - start at the entrance and follow the path for the intended sequence of exhibits.
- Because it sits inside a major shopping mall, visiting early in the day can help avoid weekend and holiday crowds.
- Touch exhibits may have seasonal or staff-supervised access - observe posted rules and staff instructions at pools.
- Combine your visit with other COEX attractions such as the Starfield Library and nearby shops to make the most of the trip.