COEX Mall: The Questionable Aquarium

I should probably warn all the animal lovers out there that the following post may be a bit disappointing. Unfortunately, I didn't get the feeling that aquariums in Asia are built for conservation as much as they are for spectacle. However, having spent the equivalent of 16,000 won to see it (it's okay, that's only like $15), I feel compelled to post some pictures of the more...let's say peculiar aspects of the Coex aquarium. For those who don't know, I love aquariums; there is something exciting but frightening about them (probably the sharks). I also live for the sea themed episodes of Planet Earth.  #nerdthings

Where the coy fish are kept, obviously. Bridge for tiny figurines only. 

This one really had me speechless...yes there are fish in there. One fish, two fish, red fish, go fish?

Exploring the depths of the deep telephone booth, fish included. 

Yup, that's a goldfish in a fake toilet bowl. I was hoping for a "please don't pee on the fish" sign. I guess it's just happy it's not getting flushed. 

 Yes there are real fish in there! Now with these appliances you can dry your fish and keep it cold.

Might be hard to have sweet dreams with creepy octopus-looking starfish things crawling above your head...but as I said before, Koreans don't value sleep like most people. 

I have nothing clever to say about this Spiderman themed mailbox fish tank...mostly because my wit usually rests on some kind of logic being present. 

Sign above larger fish tanks. My interpretation: Caution! If provoked, fish may turn into an irate Pacman and/or unhinge its jaw for the sole purpose of eating your face.

There were bats...among other non-aquatic life forms at this aquarium. However, these struck me as the most peculiar non sequitur.   

 They had an "Amazon Room"....complete with life sized "natives".

 Alright, nothing really special here, but I just love these guys. Crouching tiger, hidden turtle!

I felt terrible for these guys. Never seen an aquarium with manatees...at least not underground. In fact the more I think about it, the stranger an underground aquarium seems...it's like the wrong "under" environment. 

Not gonna lie...seeing a shark swimming above your head is pretty freaky. 

I don't want to make this picture any bigger than necessary cause it terrifies me, but if anyone needed any more justification for my professed fear of crustaceans...here it is. *cringes*

Let's end on a happier/ cuter note:

Cute little Asian girl playing with the "Love Check Aquarium". In addition to being able to breath underwater, fish in Asia also have psychic powers.

COEX Mall (reviewed by a Jersey girl)

So for part one, we'll just start with all of the silly things that I saw, because in South Korea, there seems to be a never ending rotation of sights that amuse/make me giggle. Most of these were taken at Coex, which is said to be the largest mall in Asia, but I don't know if that's largest mall in general or largest underground mall. It was cool to see but it's pretty poorly laid out, it's like being a lab rat in the world's largest underground maze.

 Sorry store, I think Jesus has more important things to do, like grow a beard.

 There is a Kimchi museum!! It was closed!!! #Ican'tgo-on

 Trying to find a stuffed animal in Korea that will actually comfort rather than frighten a small child seems to be a difficult task. Like it's kind of cute but...what is it? Why is it missing limbs?

The Koreans and the Japanese may not always get along, but everyone can agree on Totoro. Love him!

 According to the signs, this is Jackie Chan's favorite Noodles and Dimsum...that was actually the name of the restaurant..."Jackie Chan's Favorite Noodles and Dimsum"...

 I heard a rumor that Korean couples like to wear matching outfits...turns out that's not a joke.

 Larger than life beer can surrounded by...?

 Uber hipster New Balance window display. Nothing makes me think typewriters, messenger bags, and Ray-Bans like New Balance.

 Just because you have to serve in the South Korean military doesn't mean you can't be stylish while doing it.

Best...bathroom....sign...ever. This is actually from that restaurant Mies Container I talked about in my last post. Forgot to post it before.