Sea Life Busan is a 36,000 m² aquarium located on Haeundae Beach in Busan. Built across three levels, it houses over 250 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians, spread across 8 themed sections and traversed by an 80 m underwater tunnel.

Why visit Sea Life Busan

The aquarium brings together a comprehensive overview of aquatic life under one roof: sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, penguins, and freshwater species rarely presented in Asia. Its beachfront location in the heart of Haeundae's tourist district makes it a natural addition to a beach day or when the weather turns. It is one of the city's most visited family attractions, accessible to all ages and entirely covered.

The site's history

Sea Life Busan was built by Living and Leisure Australia (LLA) in collaboration with the local government and opened its doors in November 2007. LLA was subsequently acquired by Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-largest attractions operator, which also runs Legoland and Madame Tussauds.

In 2010, the aquarium was paired with Aqua World, which expanded its capacity and educational programmes. On 1 July 2014, it took its current name upon its full integration into the international Sea Life network.

What to see and do

The underwater tunnel

At 80 m long, this transparent tunnel is the highlight of the visit. Sharks, rays and schools of fish swim above and around visitors in a large tank recreating a reef environment.

The 8 themed sections

Spread across three levels, they explore different ecosystems:

• Korean coastal fauna and tropical reefs
• Dedicated space for sharks and large predators
• Freshwater section featuring the arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fish
• Stingray tank, an endangered species and a focus of the park's conservation efforts
• Polar zone with penguin colony
• Jellyfish gallery
• Touch zone (starfish, hermit crabs)
• Educational area for children

Shows and feeding times

Several scheduled events punctuate the day: hand-feeding of sharks and rays by aquarists, penguin demonstrations, and a themed show enjoyed by younger visitors in the coral reef area. The day's schedule is posted at the entrance.

When to visit

Since the aquarium is completely covered, it is a great option on rainy days, during hot summer days or in winter. Korean weekends and public holidays, as well as summer school holidays, attract large crowds: prefer a weekday visit, early morning or late afternoon to avoid the rush. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours on-site.

Practical information

Sea Life Busan is open daily, with extended hours on weekends and during school holidays. Last admissions are about an hour before closing, so plan accordingly if you arrive late in the day. Prices are in line with major urban aquariums, with reduced rates for children; discounts are available by booking online in advance on the official website. The building is accessible with strollers and for people with reduced mobility.

Getting there

Sea Life Busan is located on Haeundae Beach, 6 minutes' walk from Exit 6 of Haeundae Station (Line 2 of Busan Metro). Several bus lines also serve the beach, with a stop immediately next to the entrance. From central Busan or KTX Station, allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes by metro.

Nearby attractions

The aquarium is ideally located to combine several visits in one day:

• Haeundae Beach, right in front of the aquarium, is the most famous beach in South Korea.
• Busan's neighbourhood offers markets, temples and viewpoints accessible by metro.
• To extend the theme park experience, Lotte World remains a benchmark in South Korea.

Frequently asked questions

Including Sea Life Busan in your trip

Sea Life Busan fits easily into a South Korea itinerary, complementing Haeundae Beach and other Busan attractions. To build an itinerary combining cities, natural sites and heritage, consult our tailor-made South Korea trips.