This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at Hanhwa Aqua Planet. Located on the far east side of the island, it is Asia’s largest aquarium housing some 500 different species.

On a small outcrop of land that juts out into the sea within view of Seongsan Sunrise Peak sits the largest aquarium in Asia. Hanhwa Aqua Planet Jeju opened to the public in 2012 to much fanfare.

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Aqua Planet in Seongsan-eup has 500 species of marine life

A 50-minute drive from Jeju City, it is located on a picturesque part of island’s East Coast. It houses some 500 different species of marine life and during the winter months, is an excellent option for visitors who are looking to get out of the cold for few hours.

As visitors walk through the displays, they can get up close and personal with a wide range of marine life. Longfin bannerfish, eels, and spider crabs are just a few of the aquarium’s many creatures.

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Main tank is 23 m by 8.5 m, holds 6,000 tons of water

The heart of Aqua Planet, though, is its main tank. This custom made tank is 23 meters long and 8.5 meters high, and holds 6,000 tons of water. There are 50 species of fish selected from the island’s own marine ecosystem.

Educational programs offered at the aquarium feature lectures on the behaviors and characteristics of marine animals and their ecosystems. Learn about the penguin, the sea lion, and otter during twice-daily presentations.

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Todd Thacker

So if you’re here and find the winter weather to be particularly chilly, Jeju Aqua Planet might be just what need for an indoor, and educational, outing. Just seeing these beautiful, wild marine creatures in person is sure to be an unforgettable memory for all.

Todd Thacker KCTV