Visit Starfield Library in Seoul to experience one of the most impressive modern libraries around. As an avid reader (check out my book recommendations – themed by countries around the world – here) I do love to visit libraries when I’m overseas. You may already actually recognise Starfield Library’s impressive 42 foot tall towering shelves and escalators as it seems to have become pretty Insta and TikTok famous!
Found in the middle of the COEX shopping mall(!), Starfield Library (also known as Byeolmadang Library) is open to the public and free of charge. Despite this, it still manages to maintain a peaceful (but not quiet) atmosphere. There are reading desks on both the ground floor and top level where visitors can sit and read or study. The library also offers various cultural events such as poetry readings and lectures.
Remember to buy travel insurance for your trip. Receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.
How do I find Starfield Library?
Starfield Library is located in the COEX Mall in the Gangnam area of Seoul. The easiest way to get there is to take the subway and get off at one of the following stops:
- Subway Line 2, Samseong Station, Exits 5 & 6
- Subway Line 9, Bongeunsa Station, Exits 1/6/7
- Subway Line 7, Cheongdam Station, Exit 2
Do I need to pay to visit Starfield Library in Seoul?
Entrance to the library is free of charge.
What are the opening hours of Starfield Library in Seoul?
Starfield Library is open every day of the week from 10:30am until 10pm at night. Late night opening hours are pretty standard for Seoul – they’re definitely night owls!
What books do they have?
Starfield library houses over fifty thousand books. Most of these are in Korean, but if you ask at the information kiosk they will be able to direct you to some books in English. It is not possible to check out any books, but you can read them in the designated reading areas in the library.
Is there much else to do in COEX mall?
The COEX mall is the largest underground shopping centre in all of Asia. Besides the Starfield Library, there are numerous shops and cafes to explore and even an indoor aquarium. Gangham is known for being the fanciest area of Seoul, so it’s also just a good place for people watching!
When was Starfield Library in Seoul built?
The COEX mall itself was built starting in 1997 and opened to the public in the year 2000. So think the South Korean equivalent of the millennium dome! Then Starfield Library was added in 2017.
Are all the books in Starfield Library real?
Most of the books are real. However the books out of reach on the very top shelves are actually just decorative (shhh..).
Hopefully this post will have you convinced you to visit Starfield Library in Seoul, as it’s pretty impressive for bookworms and architecture lovers alike!
Want to see more of Seoul? Book a guided walking tour here to see Seoul Highlights & Hidden Gems.
Travel Insurance
Need travel insurance for your trip? Get a 5% discount with Heymondo.
[…] Starfield Library is one of the most impressive modern libraries around. As an avid reader (check out my book recommendations – themed by countries around the world – here) I do love to visit libraries when I’m overseas. You may already actually recognise Starfield Library’s impressive 42 foot tall towering shelves and escalators as it seems to have become pretty Insta and TikTok famous! Found in the middle of the COEX shopping mall(!), Starfield Library (also known as Byeolmadang Library) is open to the public and free of charge. Read my more detailed post here. […]