Geoje Sea World Faces Closure Amid Dolphin Deaths and Abuse Controversy

15 Dolphins Die Over 10 Years
Civic Groups Intensify Criticism

Geoje Sea World, a marine animal experience facility located in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, is reportedly officially considering suspending its operations. Since its opening in 2014, the facility has faced ongoing controversies over dolphin deaths and allegations of animal abuse. Recent changes in regulations and a decline in visitors appear to be decisive factors influencing this decision.

Animal rights group Kara and the Animal Welfare Research Institute Aware, along with other civic groups, are demanding the closure of Geoje Sea World. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

According to Yonhap News on July 5, Geoje Sea World has recently found it difficult to operate experience programs due to amendments to the Zoo and Aquarium Act. In addition, the number of visitors dropped significantly last year, making it increasingly burdensome to maintain the facility. The debate over whether the facility should continue intensified after it was revealed that Geoje City itself had proposed suspending operations.

A representative from Geoje Sea World stated, "It has become difficult to continue operating the facility, and the atmosphere has grown heavy each time a dolphin dies." The representative added, "There are internal opinions suggesting that it may be more appropriate to either convert the facility to a different type or cease operations altogether."

Currently, Geoje Sea World houses a total of 10 dolphins, including three belugas and seven bottlenose dolphins. In response, the animal protection group Hot Pink Dolphins emphasized that these animals should not be transferred to other aquariums. The group asserted that efforts should instead focus on releasing them into the wild or helping them adapt to the marine ecosystem.

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Photo for article understanding purposes, unrelated to article content). Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

The management of Geoje Sea World stated that if closure is decided, the health and survival of the remaining dolphins will be given top priority, and their future accommodations will be determined with utmost care.

It is reported that a total of 15 dolphins have died at this facility over the past 10 years, with three deaths occurring just last year. Some of these dolphins were made to perform even while receiving medical treatment for illnesses, which sparked strong criticism. The death of a newborn dolphin further fueled controversy. In 2020, the facility also faced accusations of animal abuse after offering paid experiences that allowed visitors to ride on whales.