99.8% Perfect: Reflections from Monterey Bay Aquarium

If I wrote 100%, it would feel forced, and 99.9% feels kind of vague… so in the end, 99.8%.

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I was impressed by the jellyfish. In Korean aquariums, the jellyfish often don’t move much, or barely at all, or sometimes their tentacles get tangled with each other. But the jellyfish here were very lively, full of energy, and swimming around. Seeing large and active jellyfish up close, which are hard to see in Korea, made me think, “I’m really glad I came.”

Usually, deep sea exhibits in aquariums have specimens, experiences, or models. But at Monterey Bay Aquarium, the creatures I had only seen in books were actually alive and moving which was amazing.

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The deep sea exhibit hall was dark, quiet, and a bit chilly, giving me the feeling of actually being in the deep sea. This exhibit brings you close to creatures living in a world where light hardly reaches. There were clione, plankton, small jellyfish, spider crabs, etc. You can even touch Bathynomus (commonly known as giant isopod). The people who tried it said things like “Is this really a living creature?” and “It’s really hard,” amazed at the solid texture.

Most aquariums in Korea also focus their main exhibits on large fish like sharks or rays, which gives visitors a “wow, it’s big” impression. But Monterey Bay Aquarium puts relatively less highlighted species, like bluefin tuna or sardine schools, in the main spotlight. I think this actually better captures the real deep-sea ecosystem.

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“The world is not just for humans, but a space on which we all share the flow of time together.”

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Another joy I felt was that I didn’t visit this place alone but together with other Taejae students. The aquarium itself is an excellent travel destination, but spending the day together with friends made the day even more special. In the end, this is a place where the real charm shines not when you go alone, but when you go with people you like. Spending time together while exploring seems to make people closer.

As a Taejae student, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium can make you think more about sustainability. Usually, sustainability is talked about through examples like pollution, climate change, or a changing Earth.

But when you quietly watch a group of living creatures living in harmony, you naturally think, “How beautiful this Earth is.” I think that feeling itself is the best example of why we should care about and maintain sustainability.

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The ocean is beautiful and nature exists alongside humans on an equal plane.

Seeing the creatures up close at the aquarium reinforced that belief. It reminded me again that the world is not just for humans, but a space on which we all share the flow of time together.

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Sea otters, penguins, the kelp forest, and the overwhelming Open Sea tank… each was an impressive experience. If you are interested in animals and the ocean, you will surely find this aquarium worth a visit.

Quick Tips for Enjoying the Monterey Bay Aquarium:

Prepare in Advance - Because we had booked the tickets in advance, we were able to line up and go straight in as soon as we arrived at the opening time.
Check Feeding Schedules - As soon as you enter, the first creatures you meet are the sea otters. Crowds are always gathered and it can get packed. If you really want to see them eating, check the schedule after entering and secure a good spot early.
Don’t Skip Sardines - I recommend watching not only the tuna feeding but also the sardine feeding that follows. When the light shimmers and reflects off the sardines, they form a school that looks truly beautiful.
Eat Breakfast - I recommend having breakfast before you come and eat lunch outside. There are restaurants inside the aquarium, but the prices are quite high. They stamp your hand at the entrance, and with this stamp you can re-enter. There are many restaurants in the nearby area.
Check Out Ghirardelli Square - After the Aquarium, check out the surrounding area for some sweet desserts and shops. Planning the itinerary around the aquarium allows you to enjoy an entire day of fun. </aside>

<aside> 🔍 Grace is a second cohort student at Taejae University.

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