OWL Magazine Korea

Jamsil Lotte World Mall Aquarium Cafe ‘Aquagarden’

Aquagarden is a cafe adorned with an aquarium. It is one of the largest aquarium-themed cafes you can find in Gyeonggi Province, and you can also experience Aquagarden conveniently in Jamsil.

“A Space Representing Nature in its Purest Form”

Aquagarden showcases underwater landscapes in their most natural state, integrating the concept of a space with an innovative design that replicates the beautiful, untouched aquatic ecosystem. In a nutshell, it can be described as an aquarium cafe. It offers more than just the sight of fish; it provides a special space where fish can thrive in a natural environment.

“Aquagarden Jamsil Branch”

You can find the Aquagarden Jamsil Branch in the underground area of Lotte World Mall. It is located to the east of Jamsil Station and can be reached through an underground corridor. From the entrance, you can immediately sense the atmosphere of ‘Aquagarden’ permeating.

There is no separate admission fee for Aquagarden. However, the beverages they offer are generally on the pricier side compared to other cafes. To enter, you must purchase one drink per person, and it’s a good idea to budget around 10,000 KRW per beverage. Of course, there are cheaper menu options, but this is the average price.

Since Aquagarden offers the spectacle of an aquarium, unlike other cafes, it appears they cover their operating expenses by selling beverages at a relatively higher price rather than charging an entrance fee.

“A Cafe with a Feeling of Being in a Jungle”

Upon entering the cafe, you’ll initially feel an atmosphere reminiscent of an aquarium. As you proceed further along the corridor, it seamlessly blends with the surrounding natural environment, giving off a sensation of being inside a cave or jungle.

It’s enjoyable to spend time observing the fish in the tanks in front of each seat. It’s not just small fish; you can also spot larger fish like sharks in the tanks. This gives the impression of having visited an aquarium, even though you may have only visited a small-scale one.

“Aquarium Showroom”

Inside the store, you can find an aquarium showroom. In the showroom, you can purchase small tanks or fish that are on display in Aquagarden. Aquagarden introduces this as “Aquascape,” which refers to the act of creating such underwater ecosystems, combining “Aqua,” meaning underwater, and “Landscape,” indicating scenery. They exhibit products related to these meticulously crafted underwater ecosystems for customers to purchase and take home.

You may also find hidden animation characters in the displayed Aquascapes. You might come across figures of Totoro and Mei, characters from Studio Ghibli’s iconic animation ‘My Neighbor Totoro.’

It’s a place that boasts a unique and special atmosphere as a new type of cafe. Being located in Lotte World Mall makes it easily accessible, so it’s not difficult to visit. When you’re in the mood for a cafe that offers a distinctive atmosphere beyond the typical, especially when you want to spend time gazing at fish, this is a great place to visit.

“Seoul Jamsil, Aquagarden Lotte World Mall Branch”

  • Address: B1F, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
  • Operating Hours: (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun) 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM, (Sat) 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM