An Undersea Adventure at COEX Aquarium in Seoul
The COEX Aquarium Entertains as it Educates Locals and Tourists
Feb 26, 2009
One of many wonders at the expansive COEX Mall, the COEX Aquarium draws large crowds looking for entertainment and an education in all that lives under the sea.
The Journey Begins
Entering the doors the aquarium is already something to marvel at even before getting to the exotic aquatic wildlife. The aquarium has 2,500 tons of water flowing within the underground center that is COEX Mall. The 40,000 marine creatures of 650 species that call the COEX Aquarium home represent the journey from high mountain water to the depths of the ocean.
At the beginning of the underwater adventure is a section devoted to the native plants and animals of Korea’s waters. 4,000 specimens interest the crowds and educate them on the local aquatic life that not many people have the chance to see in their natural habitats.
Fish as Art
An intriguing collision of art and fish tanks is displayed at the Aqua Gallery. Here ordinary items have been converted into functioning tanks. A refrigerator has drawers of tiny fish that go virtually unnoticed at first glance next to the vegetable crisper. An old telephone booth with life sized scuba diver bubbles with bunches of little fish. Nearby a bright red mailbox brims with more miniature sea life.
Descending
Leaving the gallery behind visitors enter what appears to be as much forest as it is aquarium. Walking through an area of large dark tanks called the Cave and into the Amazon Rain-Forest the species grow larger and more varied. A crocodile bares large teeth to the crowds and a water monitor slinks along next to the glass.
There is a Kid’s Aquarium for families to filter off to where little ones can enjoy stimulating fish before moving on to the Mangrove Region. And beyond that the Beach where shallow pools have horseshoe crabs skittering around. The Seven Seas has a multitude of tanks filled with clouds of colourful fish and fascinating sea horses.
Through a tunnel that passes underneath 2,000 tons of water with sharks skimming overhead is a grand viewing room. Here visitors can sit down and look beyond the tall heavy glass to watch large sea creatures like sharks and turtles swim within arms distance. Not the sort of ocean life that most people want to get hands on with there is the Marine Touch section where small and far less intimidating marine animals like starfish can be handled. After a good hand washing this is also where tourists can have a snack break and a bit of a rest.
Continuing to the end of the aquarium the Deep Blue Sea offers an up-close look at creatures of the seemingly bottomless ocean waters. Jellyfish float delicately while hulking spider crabs appear to eye up the curious visitors who are watching them.
A Memory to Go
Before leaving the COEX Aquarium the quintessential gift shop offers tourists fun souvenirs. As engrossing as it is educational, the aquarium draws large crowds to the COEX Mall. Located at 159 Samseong-dong Kangnam-gu in Seoul the aquarium is open from 10 am to 8 pm (final admissions at 7 pm) all year round. The admission fees are 15,500 Won for adults (approx. $15.50), teens pay 13,000 Won (approx. $13) and children pay 10,000 Won (approx. $10) while kids under 4 get in free. For information phone (02) 6002-6262.
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