Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or just want a fun and refreshing escape from the city heat, South Korea’s aquariums offer some of the most impressive and immersive underwater experiences around. From jaw-dropping tanks filled with colorful marine life to must-try interactive exhibits & rotating themes, these aquariums are perfect for a chill day out or a fun adventure with friends. In this blog, we’ll break down the best aquariums in Korea to check out on your next trip!
Seoul
COEX Aquarium
- Address: 513, Yeongdongdae-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 10:00 ~ 20:00, daily
COEX Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Korea, located inside the COEX Mall in Gangnam. It showcases over 40,000 creatures from over 650 species. Visitors can follow the preset path of Water Travel to experience the underwater world. One of the must-sees here is the sharks! It houses more than 17 kinds of 110 sharks! Also, don’t miss out on Fish in Wonderland, which displays a collection of eccentric fish tanks, including a refrigerator, phone booth, and more.
The Deep Blue Sea Tunnel is a popular filming location for K-dramas where you can walk in an acrylic tunnel, and experience living under the sea as the sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more swim around you in all directions.
🐟Get a COEX Aquarium Discount Ticket
[Things to do around COEX Aquarium]
Lotte World Aquarium
- Address: B1, Lotte World Mall, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 10:00 ~ 20:00 weekdays, 10:00 ~ 22:00 weekends
Lotte World Aquarium dreams of a happy world where humans and nature live in harmony. Located in Jamsil, it houses 55,000 marine creatures with 650 species from the five oceans. The aquarium creates the same inhabited environment for the creatures as their new home. Also, it offers various programs for visitors to learn and know more about the ocean at a nearer distance. For the features, it has the largest water tank in 25-meter-wide. Besides, this is the only aquarium in the city where you can see the friendly belugas.
🐳Get a Combo Discount Ticket: Lotte World+ Lotte World Aquarium
[Things to do around Lotte World Aquarium]
- Lotte World Discount Ticket
- Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Discount Ticket
- Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
- KidZania Seoul Discount Ticket
Struggling to pick which Seoul aquarium to visit? Check out our guide comparing Lotte World & COEX.
Busan
Sea Life Busan Aquarium
- Address: 266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 10:00 ~ 19:00 weekdays, 10:00 ~ 20:00 weekends
Sea Life Busan Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in Korea located in Haeundae Beach. It has about 250 species and up to 35,000 marine animals on display. With the 8 open halls that display various kinds of animals, you can explore the ocean world! The aquarium features Transparent Boat, the only 180-degree ocean glass tunnel in the country where you can experience sharks and other creatures swimming under your feet.
Additionally, for those who want to get close to marine creatures, you can see sharks, otters, and penguins being fed! The fashion zone which showcases undersea fashion week is one of the popular attractions as well.
🐡Grab a Ticket for Sea Life Busan Aquarium
[Things to do in Busan]
- Busan Centum City Spaland Discount Ticket
- Busan City 1 Day Tour (+ Yacht Tour/Sky Capsule/Beach Train option)
Gyeonggi-do
Aqua Planet Gwanggyo
- Address: 300 Gwanggyohosugongwon-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 10:30 ~ 19:30 daily
Dive into a world like no other at Aqua Planet Gwanggyo in Suwon, where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea and experience the magic of marine life firsthand! You can encounter up close and personal the 30,000 marine and land creatures spanning 210 species. A variety of educational and experiential programs including ecological presentations and feeding experiences are offered. Premium add-on experiences are also available.
🦭Welcome to Aqua Planet Gwanggyo in Suwon
[Things to do around Aqua Planet Gwanggyo]
- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village Private Van Tour
- Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Fortress 1 Day Tour from Seoul
- South Gyeonggi Private Van Package: Folk Village/ Dae Jang Geum Theme Park/ Yeoju Premium Outlet/ Hwaseong Fortress
Aqua Planet Ilsan
- Address: 282, Hallyuworld-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 10:00 ~ 18:00 daily
Aqua Planet Ilsan is easily accessible from Seoul via public transportation and it houses an exceptional variety of species from fishes, sharks, and penguins to monkeys, goats, and ponies! You can meet and interact with land and sea animals from all over the world through numerous daily educational programs, such as feeding shows and interactive musicals. You can also get a 10% discount for meals at the food court with the ticket!
🐠Book Aqua Planet Ilsan Ticket at the Best Price!
[Things to do around Aqua Planet Ilsan]
- Paju Private Van Package: Heyri Art Village/Paju Premium Outlet/Provence Village
- Paju/Gimpo/Cheorwon DMZ 1 Day Tour from Seoul
- Onemount Snow Park & Wave Park Discount Ticket
Jeju Island
Aqua Planet Jeju
- Address: 95 Seojikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 9:30 ~ 18:00 daily
If you are planning to go to Jeju Island, you must visit Aqua Planet Jeju! It is the largest aquarium in Asia. Moreover, it’s ranked as the world’s top 10 aquariums. It houses approximately 48,000 sea animals from around 500 species and owns a world-class scale main water tank. The aquarium features educational, cultural, and entertainment performances.
You can learn about the history of the female divers, Haenyo, which is one of the treasures of Jeju, and watch them plunge to a depth of 20 meters to collect seaweed and shellfish. Also, it offers incredible musical performances, Ocean Arena Show. The Marine Science and the tunnel where you will feel like walking at the bottom of the ocean are popular attractions as well.
🐋Get a Ticket for Aqua Planet Jeju
[Things to do around Aqua Planet Jeju]
- Scuba Diving near Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju
- Kayaking/Snorkeling/SUP in Hado Sea, Jeju Island
- Horse Riding on Jeju Island’s Open Hillside View
- Seogwipo Ferry Cruise in Jeju Island
Jeollanam-do
Aqua Planet Yeosu
- Address: 61-11, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (KakaoMap)
- Hours: 9:30 ~ 19:00 daily
Aqua Planet Yeosu is the second largest aquarium in Korea, with a record of about 1 million visitors every year. Around 34,000 marine organisms from 280 species are all gathered here. Rare animals such as the beluga whales and Baikal seals are also on display. There are various shows, such as the mermaid show and feeding shows to watch. Besides, you can also experience sand art and candle making! Additionally, you can visit Helga Stentzel Exhibition, where you can enjoy British-based photographer Helga Stentzel’s witty and imaginative works.
💎Have fun at Aqua Planet Yeosu
[Things to do around Aqua Planet Yeosu]
- Yeosu 1 Day Private Tour from Busan/Daegu
- Yeosu Self-guide Tour Package (1 Day/2D1N) with KTX Train Tickets
- Yeosu Arte Museum Ticket
Check out our travel guide to Yeosu, a beautiful coastal city in Korea, here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which aquarium in Korea is the biggest?
A: Aqua Planet Jeju is Korea’s largest public aquarium, with over 48,000 animals from 500 different species.
Q: Do aquariums have interactive programs?
A: Yes! The COEX and SEA LIFE Busan aquariums offer touch pools & rotating themed areas, while Aqua Planet Jeju hosts dolphin & sea lion shows as well as diving experiences.
Q: Are Korean aquariums suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely! Each aquarium features kid‑friendly zones, feeding shows, and educational exhibits.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: For fewer crowds, we recommend visiting during weekdays, ideally in the morning.
Here are the best aquariums in Korea that we picked for you. By visiting an aquarium, you can not only appreciate the beauty of marine creatures but also acknowledge the importance of preserving nature and aquatic life. Don’t forget to visit one of the above next time you visit Korea! For more trendy spots and information about Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop.
[Photo Credits]
Lotte World Aquarium Facebook Page