Merlin Entertainments announces acquisition of Seoul's COEX Aquarium

Merlin Entertainments has completed the acquisition of one of the largest aquariums in Korea, The COEX Aquarium in the Gangnam district of the capital of Seoul.

Home to more than 180 immersive marine exhibits, showcasing the incredible diversity of aquatic life: from mountain springs to the Amazonian rainforest, the acquisition complements Merlin’s already existing expertise in running SEA LIFE aquariums that educate current and future generations to care for the world’s waters and global marine wildlife.

Expanding Merlin’s offerings in Korea, which includre LEGOLAND® Korea Resort and SEA LIFE Busan, the company explain that “the acquisition of The COEX Aquarium supports Merlin’s wider strategy to establish ‘midway’ indoor attractions in key gateway cities, with the aquarium being Merlin’s first attraction in the busy city of Seoul.”

The announcement builds on a strong year of new business developments for the company and marks the third business to join Merlin since the beginning of the year.

YP Kim, General Manager and Director for Merlin’s Midway APAC Division, Merlin Entertainments, who will be based in Seoul to oversee the day to day management of COEX, commented “The COEX Aquarium is extremely well regarded in Korea and we are delighted to be welcoming The COEX team into the wider Merlin family.

“The expertise and the knowledge of the COEX team is outstanding and we look forward to investing and growing the business with them in partnership.”

Rob Smith, Merlin's Divisional Director for APAC, added "as such an iconic and well-loved aquarium, we are excited to have the opportunity to work together with The COEX team. At Merlin, we are committed to protecting and conserving marine life and underwater environments and we are delighted that The COEX team are bringing their experience to the Merlin family. This is a very exciting addition to our APAC Midway attractions and highlights our overall investment in Korea, as well as our wider APAC Midway strategy which will be bolstered by The COEX Aquarium coming into our attraction portfolio.”

Opened in 2000, The Coex Aquarium was, like other Korean attractions, hit hard by the pandemic.

Images of The Coex Aquarium courtesy of Merlin Entertainments.