What Makes Starfield COEX Mall So Special?
Located in Gangnam, one of the most dynamic districts of Seoul, Starfield COEX Mall is the largest underground shopping mall in South Korea. But its not just about retail therapyits also a hub of art, literature, exhibitions, and relaxation.
It connects directly to major subway lines and offers everything from luxury fashion to street snacks, serene libraries to buzzing exhibition halls. Its where Seouls urban culture meets modern comfort.
📍 Starfield COEX Mall Official Site
Starfield Library: Where Books Meet Instagram
At the heart of COEX lies the Starfield Library, one of the most visually striking places in Seoul.
- Towering bookshelves reaching 13 meters high
- Over 70,000 books and magazines, freely accessible
- Digital info kiosks, reading lounges, and cultural events
- Free admission and open seating
Whether youre grabbing a book, sipping a coffee, or just gazing up at the breathtaking architecture, its easy to see why this spot is a top selfie destination for travelers.
During holidays, the library transforms with LED-lit installations like towering Christmas trees or themed art pieces, making it worth visiting all year round.
Shopping: From K-Fashion to Global Brands
COEX Mall is the ultimate indoor shopping zone, featuring:
- Korean fashion stores like FOLDER, 8Seconds, and SPAO
- Luxury boutiques including Coach, MCM, and Samsonite
- Beauty megastores for K-beauty lovers: Aritaum, Olive Young, Laneige
- Lifestyle shops, bookstores, gadgets, and souvenirs
Its easy to lose a few hours exploring, especially with frequent pop-up shops and exhibitions in the central plaza area.
Food Heaven: So Many Flavors, So Little Time
From global bites to Korean comfort food, COEX Malls food scene is a culinary tour of Seoul:
Cuisine Must-Try Spot
| Korean BBQ | Samwon Garden Express |
| Pyongyang Cold Noodles | Bongpiyang |
| Soft Souffl Pancakes | Fluffy |
| Street Food Fusion | Onion, Oh My Chicken |
| Bubble Tea Cafs | Gongcha, Hollys, Starbucks Reserve |
For dessert, dont skip the croffles, bingsu, or injeolmi toast found at local dessert bars around the mall.
Family-Friendly Attractions Inside COEX
If you're traveling with kids (or just young at heart), theres plenty to explore:
- 🐠 COEX Aquarium A massive marine world with 650 species and interactive exhibits
🔗 Visit COEX Aquarium - 🎥 Megabox COEX State-of-the-art movie theater screening the latest Korean and global films
- 🧸 Kids cafs VR zones Perfect for rest time and play time
Its a lifesaver on rainy days or hot summer afternoons when you want a break from walking tours.
Art, Exhibitions Events
COEX Mall is directly connected to the COEX Convention Center, a massive venue for international exhibitions and K-culture events.
What might be happening during your visit?
- K-pop pop-up events and album exhibitions
- Seoul International Book Fair
- Design Korea, ComicCon Seoul, and Food Fairs
- Fashion and tech expos
🔗 COEX Exhibition Center Events Calendar
These events are usually open to the public and often free or low-cost to attenda hidden gem for curious travelers.
How to Get There: Subway Map
COEX is super accessible and directly connected to the subway system.
Station Line Exit
| Samseong Station | Line 2 | Exit 5 (direct mall access) |
| Bongeunsa Station | Line 9 | Exit 7 (5-minute walk) |
| Cheongdam Station | Line 7 | 15-minute walk or 1 stop on Line 9 |
🗺 Full Seoul Subway Map (PDF):
Seoul Metro Line Map
Airport buses, city buses, and taxis stop nearbymaking this a top pick for half-day or rainy day plans.
Local Travel Tips
- 📸 Visit early morning (10:0011:00) or evening (after 7:30 PM) for fewer crowds and better photo ops
- 📱 Use the Starfield app for floor maps, store info, and event alerts
- 🎁 Pick up unique COEX souvenirs like art books, K-beauty kits, or Starfield Library postcards
- 💺 Grab a seat in the library earlyit's popular with students and remote workers too
- 🚫 No food or drink allowed inside the library area (but cafs nearby offer to-go)
Final Thoughts: Stylish, Cultural, and So Very Seoul
Starfield COEX Mall and Library offer something that few places in Seoul do: a perfect blend of calm and energy, retail and reading, Seoul buzz and global flair.
Whether youre chasing quiet moments in a giant book temple, shopping your way through Koreas trends, or soaking up culture at a live event, COEX deliverswithout needing to rush.
So when the weather turns, or when your feet need a break, or even just because you want to experience a different, more modern side of Seoulhead underground to COEX.
