Busan Aquarium

The largest Aquarium in Korea is at Haeundae beach in Busan, once again a short journey from Ulsan.

According to horribly out of date web literature it intended to be the premiere tourist attraction in Korea outside of Seoul by 2002. Four years on it is a claim that cannot be made. Further claims for a world class standard in customer service and exhibition design are disputable.

What Busan Aquarium is however, is good clean family fun. And sometimes that’s all you want and need.

With over 35,000 specimens to admire there’s a lot of things to see. From giant crabs to electric eels and of course the obligatory sharks. These days, every aquarium his its own little ‘Nemo’ too. This place is no exception.

At 15,000won for an adult ticket, admission price can seem a little on the expensive side. Perhaps it is but that shouldn’t deter you from an hour or two of aquatic escapism below the beach.

It feels a little dated and in need of some definite refurbishment in the first few areas after descending the escalator from the entrance. It gets better as the journey continues. Of course it is still nothing compared to the Sea Life Centres of the United Kingdom or Sea Worlds of North America, but it’s something none-the-less.

For the more adventurous go diving in the main tank with the sharks. Gear and training is provided for 75,000won.

You’ll also be happy to know that you can take photographs using a flash. In fact the Aquarium positively endorses such a thing going to the extent of providing handy tips in tourist literature to obtain the best shots (take at a 45 degree angle).

To the westerner then it all might seem a little underwhelming but there are certainly one or two “wow” moments to be had. Undoubtedly the glass tunnel and adjoining viewing area has something to do with this.

The Busan Aquarium earns itself an enthusiastic recommendation.

Getting There: The aquarium is right on the beach, next to the main tourist office for Haeundae. Starbucks, McDonalds, TGI Fridays and a whole host of other western chains are located just across the road.

Off Season (January – July 16th / August 25th – December)
Monday to Friday 10:00 am ~ 7:00 pm (last entry)
Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9:00 am ~ 9:00 pm

Peak Season (July 17th – August 24th)
9:00 am – 11:00 pm last entry

Feeding times throughout the day:
Otters – 10:30am / 2:30pm
Penguins – 11:30am / 3:30pm
Sharks – 12:00pm / 4:00pm