Visitors are crowding the COEX Aquarium in Seoul to escape the summer heat in a climate-controlled environment [1].
This trend highlights a growing reliance on large-scale indoor commercial spaces as primary refuges during extreme weather events in South Korea's capital. As outdoor temperatures rise, the demand for "staycation" style activities within malls and museums increases to ensure public comfort and safety.
The aquarium, located within the COEX Mall in the Gangnam district, features 14 themed halls [1]. These exhibits showcase a variety of marine life, including seals, jellyfish, and rays [2]. The facility also hosts an underwater mermaid performance to attract families and tourists [2].
Local residents have utilized the space to spend their holidays away from the humidity. An anchor for YTN said many citizens are spending their holidays in a pleasant indoor environment due to the hot weather [2].
Reporter Moon Sang-ah, reporting from the site, said the atmosphere inside is cool, as if visitors have entered a blue underwater world, unlike the conditions outside [2]. The contrast between the external heat and the internal temperature has made the venue a focal point for those seeking immediate relief.
The facility's layout allows visitors to move through the themed halls while remaining shielded from the sun. This combination of entertainment and temperature regulation has led to the current surge in attendance [1].
“Visitors are crowding the COEX Aquarium in Seoul to escape the summer heat.”
The shift toward indoor leisure activities like the COEX Aquarium reflects a broader urban adaptation to rising summer temperatures in Seoul. By utilizing integrated complexes that combine shopping, dining, and entertainment, citizens can maintain social and recreational routines without exposure to heat-related health risks.
