Aquamarine Projects - Gwanghwamun Aquarium

The Gwanghwamun Aquarium Project is a large-scale, mixed-use public attraction concept for central Seoul, South Korea, located beside the historic Gyeongbok Palace in the vibrant Gwanghwamun district. Developed by Aquamarine in partnership with Korean investors, the project unites a world-class public aquarium with a modern urban bus and car parking complex, addressing both the city’s growing tourism demand and its pressing infrastructure needs.

Planned under a 50-year concession lease with Seoul City, the development follows a Build-Operate-Transfer model for the aquarium and a Build-Transfer-Lease model for the parking facility. Covering 17,678.97 m² across four levels, one above ground and three below, the project provides facilities for 60 tour buses, 20 police buses, and 34 cars, alongside more than 5,300 m² dedicated to the aquarium itself.

Inside, visitors would experience 15 immersive exhibition zones ranging from tropical rainforests to deep-sea habitats, with highlights such as The Abyss, Kingdom of the Shark, the Tropical Reef Tank, Penguin Display, and Everglades & Mangroves with Crocodile. The facility also includes an Aquatheatre with a wedding venue, a retail shop, research laboratories, and educational spaces. A striking entrance building, inspired by a traditional Korean hat, features a vortex-style glass façade that draws daylight deep into the structure. By placing the aquarium in the heart of Seoul’s cultural hub, the project is designed to attract both domestic and international visitors year-round.

The project is forecast to attract 1.2 million visitors annually under normal conditions, with projections ranging between 900,000 and 1.5 million. Financial forecasts estimate an internal rate of return of 23.92% after tax over 30 years and a net present value of USD 114 million, supported by diverse revenue streams from ticket sales, food and beverage, retail, events, and parking operations.

Beyond its financial performance, the Gwanghwamun Aquarium will deliver significant community and economic benefits. It will bring foreign investment into Seoul, create jobs, and enhance the city’s tourism profile, while also promoting marine conservation, environmental education, and urban regeneration.

Positioned as both a landmark tourist attraction and a strategic urban infrastructure solution, the project combines Aquamarine’s global aquarium expertise with Seoul’s cultural appeal to deliver long-term economic, social, and environmental impact.