South Korea’s first aquarium, Aqua Planet 63 in Seoul’s 63 Building, officially 63 Square, will close on June 30, Hanwha Hotels & Resorts announced on June 18.
Opened in 1985 as the country’s first aquarium, Aqua Planet 63 has been a beloved destination for Seoul residents’ outings, school trips, and a must-visit spot for tourists in the 1980s and 1990s. Over 39 years, it has attracted 90 million visitors.
The aquarium has been cherished by family visitors for its diverse marine life exhibits, various interactive experiences, and performances. It housed up to 30,000 marine creatures from 250 species and was the only aquarium in South Korea where visitors could see Emperor Penguins. It also showcased marine animals like sea otters and walruses for the first time in South Korea.
One of its signature attractions was the “Mermaid Show,” introduced in 1992 as the first of its kind in the country. National synchronized swimming athletes performed underwater, captivating audiences.
The “world’s highest art gallery,” 63 Art, will also close. The art gallery has exhibited renowned international works as well as pieces by emerging Korean artists.
The closure of Aqua Planet 63 and 63 Art is due to the opening of Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul at 63 Square, slated for 2025. The renovation of 63 Square will replace the aquarium with facilities for the new center. Aqua Planet 63 Director Han Won-min expressed gratitude to all visitors over the decades and added, “The marine life here will be relocated to our other Aqua Planet aquariums in Ilsan, Gwanggyo, Yeosu, and Jeju.”
