Why the Jeju Marine Animal Museum is a Hidden Gem for Kids
There are a lot of great things to do in Jeju and since we’ve moved here, we’ve been having fun finding them. Usually for tourists and visitors, there is a one track mind to stick to the beautiful beaches in places like Hamdeok or hike up Hallasan Mountain. Both of those are must-dos, but there is a lot in between, and a lot that maybe caters to locals a bit more. If you’re looking to get a bit more local, then here’s a spot to add to your list: Jeju Marine Animal Museum (제주해양동물박물관). It’s a bit small but has a fantastic collection and it’s perfect for curious little minds. We visited with our daughter and were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to see and learn.
Not only is the inside full of fascinating marine creatures and colorful displays, but outside there’s a great playground and a quiet garden path that’s a great spot to let the kids get some energy out.
Take a family-friendly trip to the Jeju Marine Animal Museum:
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Basic Info
Address: 396 Iljudong-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주 서귀포시 성산읍 일주동로 396)
By Public Transportation: From Seogwipo or Jeju City, take an intercity bus heading toward Seongsan. Get off near the Dongbu Health Center stop and walk about 10 minutes.
Hours: Thursday – Tuesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Admission: Adults: W10,000; Middle schoolers – High schoolers: W9,000; Children 3 – Elementary students: W8,000
Buy Ticket Online: You can get the tickets for entry on KKday.
Website: http://www.jejumarineanimal.com/
What You’ll See
Even though this museum isn’t huge, the collection is better than I expected and laid out in a way that really draws you in. I loved how the seashells were showcased. I now want a wall of shells showcased just as aesthetically. The rooms are well-lit, colorful, and designed with kids in mind with tons of specimens, hands-on learning, and clear, engaging signage. The staff is also very friendly and really wants you to engage.
Man and the Sea
This first section is all about the connection between humans and the ocean. You’ll find fish in art, literature, and retro scuba gear. My daughter was fascinated by the wall with fish-themed scenes from famous movies. This room sets the tone for how the museum blends science with culture, which is especially poignant here in Jeju.
Marine Animals by Type
From bizarre invertebrates to shimmering bony fish, this section has it all. You’ll see the long-legged crab, which is massive, the horseshoe crab, which is basically a living fossil, and fish that can change sex. My kid couldn’t stop asking questions here. There were so many strange and fascinating animals packed into one spot.
From the animals, it led into a series of well-presented seashells. If you grew up collecting seashells like I did, bringing them home from every seaside adventure, you’ll appreciate how well they are displayed here. It gave me so many ideas for the many shells we’ve already collected while here on the island.
Creatures by Habitat
Next up, the Diorama Hall. It gives you a glimpse into different marine ecosystems: coral reefs, mudflats, the Jeju intertidal zone. It’s beautifully done and great for helping kids understand how different environments support different types of life.
I will say, the dioramas aren’t life-sized, so my daughter did ask if people used to be a lot smaller. They may well have been, but the dioramas are set up with human figures that are about 30-40% of our average height today. They’re really intriguing to look at and your kids will love looking at the lifelike yet animated faces.
Shark Special Exhibition
Okay, shark fans, this display is pretty cool. You turn a corner and suddenly to your left are some huge sharks! From the whale shark to the great white, there are preserved specimens, scale models, and comparison displays for teeth, fins, and more.
There’s even a hammerhead shark with its pups displayed next to it. My daughter was both amazed and slightly spooked, in the best way. The section is detailed but not overwhelming, and there’s a lot to learn about shark conservation here too.
Local Delicacies & Use of Marine Life
One of the areas that I found interesting and found myself taking notes too, was this wall that laid out the local seafood delicacies and when to eat them by month. It’s part food history, part conservation message, and it’s done in a way that even kids can understand.
Freshwater Fish Story
This section focuses on Korean freshwater fish, like the now-extinct native sturgeon and natural monuments like the eel and yellowtail. If you’re into native species or just want to learn more about Korea’s rivers and lakes, this part’s for you.
Conservation
The final area is about how we use and protect marine animals. There are rare species protected under CITES—like the fur seal and sunfish. The sunfish specimen was huge and weird-looking, which of course made it an instant favorite with our daughter, and probably everyone that enters because it’s actually one of the first things you see.
With Kids
- Pick up the worksheets: After checking in at the front desk, ask if they have any programs for the kids. They gave us a worksheet that we could follow through the museum finding the answers. It kept our daughter looking carefully at all of the information so she wouldn’t miss anything.
- Look for the magnifying glasses: There are little experiential tools along the way, keep your eyes peeled for them to look closely at the whale tongues and sun fish skin.
- Spend some time outside: The outdoors playground area is great. At first glance, you might walk right by, but it’s a great jungle gym area of activity.
Outside the Museum
Maybe a bit before, and definitely after you’re done exploring indoors, don’t rush off. Outside the museum, there’s a shaded playground with swings and slides, perfect for burning off some post-museum energy. There’s also a lovely garden path lined with flowers and trees great for a quiet walk or a snack break.
We weren’t expecting such a detailed and well-curated museum, especially in such a peaceful little corner of Jeju. But the Jeju Marine Animal Museum really delivers. It’s educational, fun, and beautifully put together.
If you’re looking for a low-key but fascinating stop with your kids, this one’s totally worth it. We’ll definitely be back.
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