Coex Aquarium in South Korea's capital is home to more than 600 species, including the legendary mermaid, the manatee. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
Looking for a fun place to go with your kids to beat the summer heat in South Korea?
Try Coex Aquarium in the heart of Seoul’s trendy Gangnam district.
The aquarium is in the Starfield Coex Mall, the largest underground mall in Asia. This four-floor facility has more than 300 stores and restaurants. Shop for back-to-school clothes and see more than 40,000 sea creatures, all in one place.
As you wander through this enormous mall, signs will guide you to the aquarium and its 14 themed exhibitions. One of these is “Octonauts,” based on a Netflix show for children that takes place on a submarine. Parents of toddlers may be familiar with it.
Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, is home to more than 600 species, including the country's largest shark. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
The aquarium is home to more than 600 species, including the largest shark habitat in South Korea, and offers a lot more than just fish. You’ll also encounter squirrels, prairie dogs, sea lions and the legendary mermaid, the manatee.
One of the exhibitions was an enormous glass tank with sharks,
The highlight of the trip for me was the Submarine Tunnel, a tank through which visitors may walk and be surrounded by fish, sharks, sea turtles and other large aquatic creatures.
Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, is in the Starfield Coex Mall, the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
There are more than 180 creative and unique tanks at Coex. My favorite is a tranquil pool filled with orange, black and white koi.
One enormous tank is home to sharks, stingrays, clownfish and other tropical fish swimming in different directions.
A Lego figure greets visitors at Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
At the end of the trip, visit the souvenir shop and take some memories home with you.
Coex Aquarium is a great way to spend an afternoon — it’s fun, educational and keeps you out of the summer sun.
Visitors watch a fish feeding at Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: By train, take either Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station or Line 2 Samseong Station. From Samseong Station, enter Coex through exits 5 or 6. Follow the sign on the wall.
Times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Costs: 25,000 won, or about $18.65, for adults; 24,000 won for children 12 years and younger.
Food: Coex Mall boasts more than 50 restaurants.
Information: 02-700-7200; Online: coexaqua.com
