In recent years, my blog has featured several articles about unique libraries in cities around the world. For example, I’ve already told you about the fascinating Rami Library building in Istanbul, and the ruins of the ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus. This time, we’re heading to South Korea’s capital to explore the Starfield Library.
A Walk Through the Library
The Starfield Library is located inside the COEX Mall, so you can combine your visit with shopping at stores featuring world-famous brands.
The book collection is housed in a spacious, well-lit atrium of the shopping center. The library spans 2,800 square meters. A city guide states that 5,000 books are displayed on the library’s shelves, while the COEX website says the total collection includes around 70,000 publications. Most likely, not all the books are displayed on open shelves.
In addition to books, the library offers a large collection of magazines — around 400 titles. Visitors can also access digital literature using iPads provided by the library.
It’s very comfortable to spend time in the Starfield Library. I visited at different times of day: during the daytime, the reading area is filled with bright light from the panoramic windows, while in the evening, it transforms into a cozy reading space with soft, warm lighting. The library has two floors, and the bookshelves reach up to 13 meters high.
Occasionally, various installations appear in the library. In winter, for instance, the space turned into a massive golden forest with a tall Christmas tree in the center. Later, a large mirror-lined book appeared, symbolizing infinity.
How to Get There
The day I visited, my route was quite long — I started at Gangbyeon Station, walked through Olympic Park and past Lotte World Tower, and then reached the library. The journey took several hours. If you’d prefer not to walk that far, there are two subway stations near COEX Mall: Bongeunsa and Samseong (World Trade Center Seoul).
Starfield Library is open from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and admission is free.
With this article, I wrap up my series about my trip to Seoul. If you’re planning a visit or are simply interested in South Korean history and culture, I invite you to read about the landmarks I explored in the city. In just a few days, I managed to visit the Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung Palace complexes, the Jongmyo Shrine, the National Museum of Modern Art, the Seoullo 7017 elevated walkway, the Myeongdong shopping street, Bukchon Folk Village, the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the traditional Hanok village on Namsan, the Leeum Art Gallery, and more. I also managed to climb to the Namsan Seoul Tower, take a walk in Olympic Park, see the Lotte World Tower, and visit the mountains of Bukhansan National Park.
Have a nice trip!
