Starfield Library: Seoul's 13-Meter Bookshelves Inside a Shopping Mall

Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul | Category: Library / Cultural Space | Best For: Photographers, Book Lovers, Rainy Day Activity

Two floors of books climb toward a 13-meter ceiling in the middle of one of Asia's largest underground shopping malls. Starfield Library (Byeolmadang Doseogwan, 별마당도서관) opened inside COEX Mall in 2017 and quickly became one of Seoul's most photographed indoor spaces. Free to enter, no membership required—just walk in, grab a book or magazine, and sit down. This guide covers what to expect, when to visit for fewer crowds, and how to make the most of the space.

At a Glance

Why Visit?

The visual impact lands immediately. Floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves wrap around a 2,800-square-meter atrium, holding approximately 70,000 books. The scale feels cinematic—K-dramas, variety shows, and countless Instagram posts have featured this backdrop.

But the library functions as more than a photo opportunity. Tables with power outlets line both levels, drawing students and remote workers. Around 600 magazines (Korean and international) sit in browsing racks. iPads loaded with e-books are available for on-site reading. The space hosts rotating cultural programming: author talks, poetry readings, book concerts, and seasonal art installations.

Worth noting: not every spine on those towering shelves contains actual pages. Some upper sections use decorative book covers for visual effect. The readable collection fills the lower, accessible shelves.

Shinsegae Group invested over ₩6 billion (~$4.5 million) to build the space, with ₩500 million (~$375,000) allocated annually for maintenance and programming.

What to See & Do

The Main Atrium

The two-story open space forms the library's core. Escalators run along the bookshelves, and the view from the upper level looking down captures the full scale. Early mornings and late evenings draw the smallest crowds—weekday visits between 10:30-11:30 AM or after 8 PM tend to be calmer.

Reading Areas

Long wooden tables with built-in power outlets occupy both floors. The second floor reading zone stays slightly quieter, with individual desk lamps and a better angle overlooking the main atrium. Seating fills quickly on weekends—arrive early if working remotely is the goal.

Seasonal Installations

The library transforms with the calendar. Winter brings towering Christmas trees and golden star decorations. Other seasons feature rotating art installations—past displays have included oversized fruit sculptures and author tributes. Check the official Starfield website before visiting for current programming.

% Arabica Café

The Japanese specialty coffee chain opened its first Korean location here in September 2022. Expect lines during peak hours, but the drinks are solid and the seating faces the bookshelves.

Getting There

By Subway (recommended):

• Samseong Station (Line 2), Exit 5 or 6 → 7-minute walk through underground passages
• Bongeunsa Station (Line 9), Exit 7 → 1-minute walk, most direct route

The library sits in COEX Mall's Central Plaza. Signs throughout the mall point the way—follow markers for "Starfield Library" or "별마당도서관."

By Taxi: Tell the driver: "코엑스몰 별마당도서관" (COEX Mall Byeolmadang Doseogwan) or show the Korean address: 서울 강남구 영동대로 513

From Incheon Airport: Airport Limousine Bus #6103 runs directly to COEX (Terminal 1: ~65 min, Terminal 2: ~85 min, ₩18,000).

Photography Tips

Best angles:

• Ground floor center, looking up at the curved shelves
• Second floor railing, looking down at the escalators
• Near the seasonal installations for foreground interest

Lighting:

• Daytime: Natural light filters through the glass ceiling
• Evening: Warm artificial lighting creates a moodier atmosphere—many photographers prefer this

Crowd strategy:

• Weekday mornings (10:30-11:30 AM) and late evenings (after 8 PM) work best
• Weekend afternoons (12-6 PM) peak with families and tour groups
• Position yourself near the escalators for shots with fewer people in frame

Practical Tips

English books: The collection skews heavily Korean. A small foreign language section exists, and international magazines are available, but don't expect extensive English titles.

Noise level: This is not a quiet study library. Located in a shopping mall atrium, ambient noise from foot traffic and conversations is constant. Bring headphones if you need to focus.

Combine with COEX: The surrounding mall has 320+ stores, a Megabox cinema, and COEX Aquarium (₩26,000 adults, ₩23,000 children). Budget 2-4 hours if exploring beyond the library.

Nearby temple: Bongeunsa Temple sits directly across from the mall—a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple that pairs well with the ultra-modern library for a contrast-heavy Seoul day.

Weather-proof: As an indoor attraction, Starfield Library works regardless of rain, heat, or cold. Particularly useful during Seoul's humid summers or freezing winters.

📌 Quick Reference

• Official site: starfield.co.kr
• Real-time updates: @starfield_official (Instagram)
• Info hotline: ☎ +82-2-6002-3031 (Korean/English)
• Tourism hotline: ☎ 1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• Location: B1-1F, COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul