COEX Aquarium, Seoul

Date Visited: 25th April 2014

Right after we done with the free traditional Korean costume experience, we proceeded to Coex Mall, the largest underground shopping center in Asia containing convention centers, exhibition halls and various malls in Gangnam area. But our main purpose is not for shopping but merely for Coex Aquarium which is housed within Coex Mall. It's time for under the sea again! 

#1: Coex Aquarium is housed within Coex Mall

Being recognised as one of the largest aquarium in South Korea, Coex Aquarium showcases more than 40,000 sea creatures from over 650 different species on display. Just like any other aquariums, Coex Aquarium features distinctive unique of theme areas in order for the visitors to view species of fish indigenous to the theme location. 

#2: Took photos before start the tour 

The uniqueness of Coex Aquarium is where it has been designed according to "Water Journey" theme. Upon entering into the museum, visitors were embarking on an adventures by following the water on its journey from the high Andean mountains, through the Amazon tropical rain forest to rivers, swamps, seashores and finally reach to the depths of the ocean.

#3: The map of COEX Aquarium [Source]

#4: Story of Korean Fish 

The tour starts off by displaying the uniqueness of Korea where the exhibit area is filled with different types of Korean fish. Slowly then we proceeded into the Garden of Korea, where it reminiscent the garden of Gong, the Korean Palace. This is where I found it's pretty fascinating where they were doing their best to promote the beauty and charming of Korea eventhough it's within the aquarium.    

#5: Garden of Korea 

#6: Look closely. Real fish display inside a painting 

We came upon an interesting and catchy exhibition by the named of "Fish Wonderland". It was literally blew our mind instantly where instead keeping the fish living in typical fish tank, these fish were swimming in a collection of eccentric fish tanks which one never though of, such as telephone booth, bath tub, toilet bowl, refrigerator, computer monitor and more. 

#7: Fish Wonderland where fish are keeping in a collection of eccentric fish tanks

#8: Besides fish and sea creatures, other local animals are also included in the exhibit such as birds, Egyptian Fruit bats, otters, Squirrel monkeys and more at the Amazonia World theme area.

#9: A special area for the Korean couple to display their love 

#10: Ocean Kingdom where visitors can view sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more sea creatures swim in all directions

#11: Always my favourite part when comes to aquarium - watching jellyfish

#12: We ended our tour at the Happy Feet's playground

Fun fact of penguins: Do you know that the clear line on the chest indicate that it is adult penguin whereas without clear line is a young one. 

Is it worth to visit? If you are in tight schedule over your South Korea trip, probably you could just skip this tourist attraction cause it almost similar to the rest of the aquariums. But if you have little children with you, perhaps bring them along and I believe they will having more fun here than the adults. 

How To Get To Coex Aquarium
Samsung Station - Exit 5 or 6 connected to the Coex Mall. The aquarium is located at the end of the Ocean Walk section. It is next to Megabox Cinema on the Basement 1 arcade.
Admission Fee: 22,000 won for adult and 19,000 won
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Japan (2013) Day 5: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Date Visited: 14th October 2013

Osaka Aquarium, which also locally known as Kaiyukan is claimed to be one of the largest aquariums in the world. This is one of my travel wishlist I wish to do and see if I happen to revisit Osaka again, and now I had finally accomplished it [Check out my old post - Things To Do & See in Osaka]. Visiting any kind of zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and anything that relate to animals is what I always passionate about. 

We went Shin-Osaka Visitors' Information Center which situated inside Shin-Osaka station (unfortunately closed since 31 March 2014) to purchase the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. It's combination of Aquarium Kaiyukan admission and Osaka Subway One Day Pass which sold at 2,550 yen. In the case of purchase separately, the admission fee for Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan alone is 2,300 yen and Osaka Subway One Day Pass cost 600 yen, which indicates we save at least by 350 yen for a pax by purchasing the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. 

#1: Osaka Kaiyu Ticket (combination of Aquarium Kaiyukan admission and Osaka Subway One Day Pass) = 2,550 yen per pax

#2: Greeted by lovely and friendly mascot

The nearest station is Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line. From the station, it requires 5-10 minutes walk to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Out from the station, look for the huge Tempozan Ferris Wheel as Kaiyun located next to it.  

#3: View from Osakako Station and walk towards the huge Tempozan Ferris wheel 

#4: Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel 

#5: Overview of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan - Such a beautiful decoration 

The tour started at 8th floor, that's the top floor and slowly making our way down through the exhibits in the spiral form. The main attraction is the largest central tank which houses thousands of sea creatures from the Pacific Ocean including whale shark, different kind of rays and more. 

#6: Whale shark 

#7: Stingray with smiling face 

#8: The happy feet are waiting to be fed

#9: Great Barrier Reef tank - One of the most colourful tanks I came across

#10: Tunnel tank

#11: The jellyfish exhibit - My favourite area 

#12: The fat ringed seal

My mom and I spent more than two hours ventured around Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan before we make a move to a shopping centre, tucked in between the aquarium and the Ferris wheel which consists a large food court, ranging from Japanese cuisines to Western meals. Then at night, my mom would like to return to Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade again for final shopping spree. Oh well, this area is well-known for cheap and delectable beauty and cosmetic products whereby local brands such as Shiseido and Hada Labo are selling utterly cheap here. 

As for our dinner, we stumbled upon a vending machine in a small alley selling scrumptious and affordable Japanese cuisines and hence, we decided to give them a try. Turned out, both of us love it and guess what, we found another outlet of this restaurant in Kansai International Airport and we had it for the second time on our last day, before leaving Japan. By the way, the name of this restaurant - Kamukura.

#13: First time learning how to use the vending machine to order food

#14: A set of meal (both ramen and don) cost 840 yen and gyoza as side dish for 200 yen

Sayonara Japan cause on the next day onward, we moved to the former capital of Japan...

How To Get To Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Nearest station is Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line. From the station, it requires 5-10 minutes walk to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Out from the station, look for the huge Tempozan Ferris Wheel as Kaiyun located next to it.  

Admission Fee: 2,300 yen
Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm 

Next Post >>> Day 6: From Osaka to Kyoto [Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Shrine]