COEX Aquarium (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is COEX Aquarium?
What makes it 81% Solo-Friendly: Wide 14-zone path, shark and penguin feedings, and optional behind-scenes tour give a solo traveler 2–3 engaging hours; weekend crowding and ₩33 000 ticket slightly lower the score.
Positives:
- Easy navigation: Wide walkways and clear zone signs let you explore at your own pace.
- Photography spots: The Deep Blue Sea Tunnel and Rainbow Lounge offer unique solo photo backdrops.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowds: Tunnels and feeding areas get busy on weekends—plan for earlier or later visits.
- Limited English signage: Some exhibit descriptions are only in Korean—use the aquarium map PDF from the website.
What is COEX Aquarium?
- A large indoor aquarium within Seoul's COEX complex, housing over 40,000 marine creatures across 650 species
- Home to 14 thematic exhibition zones that recreate habitats from deep-sea tunnels to reef and mangrove ecosystems
- Occupying nearly 16,000 square meters with 183 exhibition tanks and 90 breeding tanks supporting marine research and conservation
What is so special about COEX Aquarium for solo trip?
- Explore 14 themed zones at your own pace
- Catch three daily feeding shows with clear schedules
- Enjoy hands-on touch pool and photo-worthy tunnels
- Indoor layout makes it ideal in any weather
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore all 14 zones and catch at least two feeding shows without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in COEX Aquarium
Self-guided zone walk:
Follow the themed path from Rainbow Lounge through Amazonia World to Ocean Kingdom and Marine Mammal Village.
Tip: Start early at Rainbow Lounge to enjoy quieter tanks and linger at your favorite spots.
Shark & ray feeding shows:
Watch shark feeding Mon–Fri at 13:30 and ray feeding Tue–Sun at 15:10 in Deep Blue Square.
Tip: Check the daily schedule on the COEX Aquarium website and arrive 10 minutes before each show.
Penguin feeding:
See playful penguins get fed daily at 15:30 in Penguin’s Playground.
Tip: Grab a front-row spot early; this area fills up fast around feeding time.
Touch Pool at Marine Touch Lab:
Feel starfish, sea cucumbers, and other small sea creatures in a hands-on exhibit.
Tip: Wash hands before and after touching. Go right after feeding shows when crowds thin.
Optional guided tour:
Join a small-group behind-the-scenes tour led by an aquarist.
Tip: Book at least two days in advance on the official site to secure your spot.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to COEX Aquarium
- Buy tickets online: Skip the ticket line by purchasing admission in advance on the official site.
- Download the zone map: Save the aquarium PDF map to your phone to plan your route and feeding times.
- Loop from back to front: Enter through Ocean Kingdom end, then circle back—this avoids the main flow of foot traffic.
Reviews of COEX Aquarium
Steve
The aquarium is quite spacious with a good variety of marine life. Some areas are really fun for kids, especially the tunnel and penguin zone. However, a few tanks looked a bit small and crowded. Overall, its an enjoyable experience.
Sunil Kumar
Definitely a fun experience especially if you're coming with kids! Loved watching the sharks and the penguins and the place is beautifully setup
Rachel Toh
The aquarium was a very standard aquarium. Nothing really interesting stand out. Would recommend to visit around feeding time for the animals as it is more interesting.(around 12-1pm local time). The place is pretty big as well. Overall, was a pleasant experience.
Ngoc Tran
I think it was worth to go once even the price is a bit high. The aquarium is big with many interesting animals and fish. I like the part when people walk inside a big hall and big fish were swimming over their heads. The place is located in a mall which is also convenient to do other activities after our visits.
Alexa Alexa
I enjoyed it a lot. Nice pics there. I could have seen different species of sea life. I recommend if you are visiting around it. It is easy to buy online ticket also and to reach the place.
When is the best time to visit COEX Aquarium (Seoul, South Korea)?
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid summer weekend crowds. The indoor aquarium stays comfortable year-round, making it a perfect rainy-day activity.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission | KRW 33,000 |
| Café snack | KRW 5,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 38,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of COEX Aquarium
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
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About COEX Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+82 2-700-7200Explore Popular Things to Do
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