COEX Mall and Starfield Library guide: shopping, books and Bongeunsa

In this guide

💡 The Short Version: Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam’s Samseong-dong is the world’s largest underground shopping mall, spanning over 150,000 square metres. Its central attraction is the Starfield Library (Byeolmadang Doseogwan), an open two-storey atrium housing 13-metre-tall illuminated bookshelves with free public access daily. Family attraction Coex Aquarium (₩33,000 adult / ₩29,000 child) houses 40,000 marine animals and South Korea’s largest shark colony. Directly across Yeongdong-daero sits Bongeunsa Temple (free admission), an 8th-century Buddhist sanctuary with a monumental 23-metre stone Maitreya Buddha framed against towering glass skyscrapers.

Master table: COEX complex and Bongeunsa at a glance

The table below outlines the core landmarks within and adjacent to the Starfield COEX complex, detailing admissions, operating times, and nearest transit exits.

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1. Starfield COEX Mall: mega-retail underground

Spanning over 150,000 square metres across a single underground level beneath the World Trade Center Seoul, Starfield COEX Mall is Asia’s largest subterranean commercial complex.

COEX Mall Underground Concourse Layout (North to South):

• North Concourse (Bongeunsa Station, Line 9): Direct entry to Coex Aquarium and Asem Plaza
• Central Atrium: Starfield Library and central fashion concourses
• South Concourse (Samseong Station, Line 2): Connects to Parnas Mall Gourmet Street and Hyundai Department Store

The mall features wide white pedestrian thoroughfares naturally illuminated by skylights and sunken courtyards:

• Korean & Global Fashion: Stores include flagship outposts of Gentle Monster, Ader Error, Aland, Zara, Uniqlo, and SPAO, alongside cosmetics powerhouses like Olive Young and Chicor.
• Megabox COEX: One of South Korea’s largest multiplex cinemas, featuring the Dolby Cinema theatre and regular red-carpet movie premieres.
• Pop-Up Stores & K-Culture: Rotating pop-up retail stores featuring character merchandise (Kakao Friends, Line Friends) and limited-edition K-pop idol releases operate year-round in the central plazas.

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2. Starfield Library (Byeolmadang Doseogwan)

Unveiled in 2017 in the central concourse of COEX Mall, Starfield Library transformed a retail junction into an internationally recognised public literary haven.

Library Layout across Levels:

• Level B1 (Mall Floor): Central seating circle, reading tables, book pods, and the bases of the three 13-metre illuminated curved bookshelves
• Level 1F (Upper Gallery): Escalator access, peripheral balustrade viewing gallery, study desks, and coffee tables

Architectural design and collection

• Towering Bookshelves: Three curved wooden bookshelves soar 13 metres (42 feet) high, stretching from the lower ground level to the skylit ceiling. Soft, warm architectural lighting illuminates the volumes from behind.
• The Collection: The library holds more than 50,000 printed titles across two floors, alongside over 600 domestic and international periodicals, magazines, and newspapers available for visitors to read on site.
• Public Culture: Comfortable reading tables with reading lamps and charging sockets line both levels. On select weekday evenings and weekend afternoons, the central floor hosts free author lectures, poetry readings, and chamber music performances.

Photography advice

To capture the most dramatic angles of Starfield Library:

1. The Escalator Perspective: Ride the glass escalator linking level B1 to 1F while pointing your camera upward to capture the sweeping curve of the 13-metre bookshelf against the geometric glass ceiling.
2. The Upper Balustrade Panorama: Stand on the second-floor gallery overlooking the central seating circle. From here, you capture all three massive book towers in a single wide-angle frame.
3. Seasonal Centrepieces: During December and January, the central seating area is crowned with an illuminated sculpture, such as a 9-metre golden book tree or silver crystalline starburst.
4. Best Time to Visit: Arrive between 10:30 and 11:30 on weekdays to experience the space with minimal crowds and soft morning natural light filtering through the roof.

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3. Coex Aquarium: marine discovery in Gangnam

Located at the northern end of COEX Mall near the entrance to Bongeunsa Station, Coex Aquarium is one of South Korea’s longest-running and most diverse marine centres.

Key Aquarium Discovery Sequence:

1. Han River Native Fish: Korean freshwater species and river ecosystems
2. Rainbow Lounge: Freshwater fish swimming inside whimsical domestic objects
3. Amazonia: Tropical river species, pirarucu, and piranhas
4. Marine Touch Lab: Interactive tidal pool displays
5. Undersea Tunnel: 183-metre moving walkway beneath sharks, rays, and sea turtles
6. Deep Blue Square: Main deep ocean tank with daily feeding demonstrations

• Exhibits and Biodiversity: The aquarium houses 40,000 marine animals across 14 themed discovery zones. It features South Korea’s largest shark population, with over 110 sharks representing 40 species circling the deep main tank.
• Quirky Korean Exhibits: The Rainbow Lounge presents freshwater fish swimming inside whimsical domestic objects: a glowing red telephone booth, an upright piano, washing machines, and a retro refrigerator.
• The Moving Undersea Walkway: A 183-metre transparent acrylic tunnel glides slowly beneath stingrays, sea turtles, and sand tiger sharks swimming overhead.
• Hours and Tickets: Open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:00). Standard admission is ₩33,000 for adults and ₩29,000 for children (ages 3–12).

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4. Bongeunsa Temple: ancient Zen in modern Gangnam

Directly across the wide thoroughfare of Yeongdong-daero from COEX Mall sits Bongeunsa Temple, an ancient Buddhist complex that provides one of Seoul’s most memorable architectural contrasts.

Bongeunsa Temple Route (South to North Ascent):

1. Jinyeomun (Main Gate): Temple entrance directly across the pedestrian crossing from Yeongdong-daero
2. Daeungjeon (Main Dharma Hall): Historic prayer sanctuary with incense altars and wooden temple drums
3. Panjeon Hall: 1855 timber pavilion storing 3,438 Joseon Buddhist woodblocks
4. Maitreya Buddha (Mireuk-daebul): 23-metre carved stone statue on the hillside terrace overlooking Gangnam high-rises

History and key sights

• Historical Heritage: Founded in 794 AD during the reign of King Wonseong of Silla under the original name Gyeonseongsa, the temple was rebuilt and expanded in 1498 by Queen Jeonghyeon and later championed by Queen Munjeong as the national centre of Seon (Zen) Buddhism.
• The 23-Metre Maitreya Buddha (Mireuk-daebul): Completed in 1996 after a decade of carving, this stone statue towers 23 metres into the sky. Standing on the temple’s quiet upper terrace, the form of the Buddha stands framed directly against the glass towers of the World Trade Center and COEX.
• Panjeon Woodblock Hall: Built in 1855, this weathered wooden pavilion stores 3,438 hand-carved Buddhist woodblocks of the Avatamsaka Sutra. The building’s exterior placard displays the final calligraphic work of famed Joseon scholar Kim Jeong-hui (Chusa), brushed three days before his death.
• Temple Culture and Etiquette: Bongeunsa offers a regular temple stay programme and Thursday afternoon temple tours for foreigners (including temple tea ceremonies and lotus lantern crafting). General entry to the temple grounds is completely free of charge daily from 05:00 to 22:00.

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Dining at Starfield COEX: from quick noodles to Korean banchan

Starfield COEX Mall houses over 100 dining options across three distinct zones.

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Tours and nearby Gangnam attractions

Starfield Library and COEX Mall are free to explore independently. Pair your visit with nearby observation decks in southern Seoul.

Seoul: Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory Ticket

From ₩32,975 · 4.6 stars from 680 reviews · 2 to 3 hours · 118th floor glass deck

Seoul: Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory Ticketad: Ascend to the 118th floor glass observation deck of South Korea’s tallest tower, located two subway stops east of COEX Mall in Jamsil.

Seoul: Highlights of Seoul Full-Day Tour

From ₩80,464 · 4.9 stars from 910 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · citywide highlights

Seoul: Highlights of Seoul Full-Day Tourad: Comprehensive guided city tour covering Seoul’s primary cultural landmarks and transport.

Seoul: City Highlights Palace Tour

From ₩87,283 · 4.9 stars from 1,100 reviews · 4 hours · palace heritage walk

Seoul: Half-Day City Highlights & Palace Tour with Hanbokad: Morning guided walk covering royal Joseon palaces in central Seoul.

Transport and orientation

Navigating to and around COEX is seamless using the subway:

• Samseong Station (Line 2): Exits 5 and 6 empty directly into the southern concourse of COEX Mall and Parnas Mall.
• Bongeunsa Station (Line 9): Exit 7 connects directly into the northern wing of COEX Mall beside the Aquarium. Exit 1 brings you to street level directly outside the front gate of Bongeunsa Temple. Express Line 9 trains link Bongeunsa to Gimpo International Airport and Express Bus Terminal.
• Luggage Storage: COEX Mall maintains electronic baggage lockers near the Megabox cinema entrance and beside the customer service desk near Starfield Library (small bags ₩2,000, large suitcases ₩4,000 for four hours).

To see how to incorporate COEX Mall and Bongeunsa into a wider visit, consult our 3-day Seoul itinerary, or read our companion guide to free things to do in Seoul.

Common questions

Is admission to Starfield Library inside COEX Mall free?

Yes. Starfield Library is an open public cultural space located on levels B1 and 1F of COEX Mall. Entry is completely free, and visitors may sit, read books, or photograph the towering bookshelves without purchasing a ticket.

What are the operating hours for Starfield Library and COEX Mall?

Starfield Library is open daily from 10:30 to 22:00. General retail shops throughout Starfield COEX Mall operate from 10:30 to 22:00, while restaurants and convenience outlets often open earlier from 08:00 or 09:00.

How do you reach COEX Mall and Bongeunsa Temple by subway?

Take Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exits 5 and 6 connect directly underground into the mall) or Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station (Exit 7 enters the mall, while Exit 1 leads directly to Bongeunsa Temple across the street).

How long should you spend at COEX Mall and Starfield Library?

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to photograph Starfield Library and browse books, 1.5 to 2 hours for Coex Aquarium, and 1 hour to tour Bongeunsa Temple directly across the avenue.