This all-indoor Gangnam itinerary works well on rainy days and during Korea’s hottest or coldest months. COEX puts Starfield Library, SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium, restaurants, cafés, and shopping under one roof, so the route is straightforward even for first-time visitors to Seoul.
Hours and admission
At the time of the original guide, Starfield Library was free and open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium was listed as open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with last admission at 7:00 p.m. The official online-ticket examples in January 2026 were KRW 27,000 for adults and KRW 24,000 for children, compared with regular prices of KRW 35,000 and KRW 31,000. Recheck current prices and conditions before visiting.
Timing and transport
- Allow about 90 minutes for the aquarium and 30–60 minutes for photos and a quick look around Starfield Library.
- Use the connected passage from exits 5 or 6 of Samseong Station on Line 2, or exit 7 of Bongeunsa Station on Line 9. Cheongdam Station exit 2 on Line 7 is roughly a 10–15 minute walk away.
- For drivers, the guide listed a four-hour aquarium parking discount at KRW 4,800. Enter the last four digits of the vehicle number at the discount machine inside the aquarium, and check current unvalidated and overtime charges in advance.
A practical route
Start at Starfield Library around its 10:30 a.m. opening for easier photos, walk through COEX Mall, and have lunch before the busiest period. Enter the aquarium around 1:00 p.m., then take a café break or add a walk at nearby Bongeunsa Temple. In the evening, consider the K-POP Square media façade and a return visit to the library after dark. The former COEX Aquarium may now appear in searches under its new name, SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium, at the same location.
Check before you go
Hours, admission prices, programs, and parking terms can change. Confirm the latest details in the original guide and on the official SEA LIFE and Starfield websites.