Visitors crowded the COEX Aquarium in Seoul on Thursday to escape a sweltering heat wave affecting the South Korean capital [1].
The surge in indoor attendance highlights the growing reliance on climate-controlled environments as urban temperatures reach dangerous levels during the summer. With children on school vacation, families are prioritizing indoor destinations to avoid heat-related health risks.
Seoul experienced a peak temperature nearing 35 °C today [1]. The extreme heat has made outdoor activities difficult, driving residents toward the city's commercial complexes and indoor attractions.
Kim Eun Bi, a citizen visiting the facility, said the weather was too hot for outdoor activities. She said she looked for a cool place and found the aquarium to be pleasant and enjoyable for her children [1].
The COEX Aquarium provides a sprawling indoor environment featuring 14 themed halls [1]. These galleries allow visitors to view marine life while remaining shielded from the humidity, and sun.
Reporter Seo Ji-hyun of YTN said there was a high volume of visitors at the site during the broadcast [1]. The trend of "staycations" and indoor tourism has become more prominent in Seoul as summer peaks, with residents seeking refuge in large-scale air-conditioned venues to maintain comfort and safety during the vacation period [1].
“Seoul experienced a peak temperature nearing 35 °C today.”
The movement of crowds into indoor spaces like the COEX Aquarium during peak heat reflects a broader urban adaptation to rising summer temperatures. As heat waves become more intense, the demand for 'climate shelters'—commercial or public spaces with high-capacity cooling—increases, shifting the local tourism and leisure economy toward indoor-centric models.
