📚 Starfield Library COEX — A Brief Introduction
Starfield Library is an open public library located at the heart of a shopping mall.
Rather than a place meant only for quiet reading, it feels more like a space where people pause, wander, and take photos.
With towering bookshelves stretching toward the ceiling, natural light, and a relaxed atmosphere, it is widely regarded as one of Seoul’s most impressive indoor spaces.
Starfield Library can also be found at Starfield Suwon, but the COEX library remains the most iconic, known for its grand sense of space and central role in Seoul’s cultural landscape.
Starfield Library COEX
🌏 Before You Head Out to COEX
Before you go, make sure to download Naver Map — the most reliable navigation app in Korea.
While Google Maps can be inconsistent with local addresses and routes, Naver Map offers accurate walking, driving, and public transportation directions in English.
From finding landmarks and cafés to navigating festivals, neighborhoods, and transit, it’s the best all-around map app for getting around Seoul smoothly.
Available on both Android and iOS, it’s an essential travel companion in Korea.
1️⃣ COEX Front Plaza — An Iconic Gangnam Scene
At the front of COEX, the first thing that catches the eye is the Gangnam Style statue.
It remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the area and still feels symbolic of modern Gangnam.
From this point on, exhibition halls, shopping spaces, and cultural spots naturally connect into one continuous experience.
2️⃣ In Front of Samseong Station — Year-End Atmosphere at K-pop Square
At K-pop Square near Samseong Station, preparations for the Christmas tree were underway.
Although not yet complete, the busy scene already hinted at the upcoming holiday season.
Nearby, the G20 sculpture adds another layer to the area, making the surroundings feel like an open cultural zone rather than just a transit hub.
3️⃣ Inside Starfield — A Lively Pop-up Event
Inside Starfield COEX Mall, a liquor brand pop-up event was taking place.
With tasting sessions and simple hands-on experiences, it added a lively touch to the mall’s atmosphere.
4️⃣ Lunch & Afternoon — COEX Gets Crowded
During lunch and afternoon hours, COEX food courts are crowded almost everywhere, often with long waiting lines.
For a quieter break, it’s worth walking toward The Westin Seoul Hotel.
The first Coffee Bean you encounter along the way is noticeably calmer, offering a relaxed spot to enjoy coffee and dessert away from the crowds.
5️⃣ The Best Time to Visit — Starfield Library at 5 PM
After finishing the ceramics exhibition, I visited Starfield Library around 5 PM.
Personally, this is when the light and atmosphere feel most beautiful.
The moment I stepped into the library, it felt like walking into a vivid dream.
Starfield Library as seen from the 1st floor
At Starfield Library COEX, you’ll notice:
Any book can be freely picked up and read
Drinks are allowed
Seating is completely open
While some students were working on laptops and reports, most visitors seemed more captivated by the space itself than by reading.
It was crowded, but that only made the appeal of the library more apparent.
A view overlooking Starfield Library from the 2nd floor
6️⃣ Wrapping Up — A One-Hour Library Walk
Starfield Library is best enjoyed over about one hour.
Taking photos, looking up at the shelves, and pausing briefly is more than enough to appreciate the space.
7️⃣ Ending the Day — ☕A Sweet Break at Berce Coffee: A European-Style Salon
The final stop of the day was Berce Coffee. Stepping into Berce Coffee feels like entering an old European salon or royal drawing room.
Crystal chandeliers, gold-accented furniture, and portraits reminiscent of European royalty turn the space into a small exhibition of its own.
✨ European Interior & Christmas Decorations
With Christmas decorations added for the season, the café becomes even more photogenic.
Trees, ornaments, and warm lighting create scenes that naturally invite photos.
Even the smallest table decorations feel closer to a European interior boutique than a typical café.
🍰 Coffee & Desserts
Beyond its visuals, the coffee and desserts were genuinely satisfying.
The kaymak salt bread was soft and rich
The Einspänner was sweet yet well balanced
With both taste and presentation, Berce Coffee was a perfect final stop for the tour.
Exhibitions, a library, and coffee — all enjoyed indoors — made for a well-balanced day.- Starfield Library COEX
🌙 A Perfect Ending to a COEX Day
After exhibitions and a walk through Starfield Library,
Berce Coffee offers a calm, classic place to rest.
Elegant without being overwhelming,
it leaves a clear and lasting impression — both in photos and in memory.
✨ Useful Travel Links Around COEX (via Klook)
- Max Out Seoul: Must-Visit Highlights One Day Tour
A convenient one-day tour covering Seoul’s main highlights — perfect for first-time visitors.
- Ktown4u K-pop Dance + Vocal Training One Day Class + Video Shooting
A fun K-pop experience combining dance, vocal training, and a short video shoot.
- Ktown4u K-pop Dance One Day Class + Video Shooting Experience
A one-day dance class with a filmed performance, ideal for K-pop fans.
SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium Ticket
Easy online ticket for COEX Aquarium — great for a short indoor visit.- Hyundai Department Store Duty Free (Dongdaemun / Trade Center)
FIT benefits voucher for duty-free shopping in central Seoul. Airport Limousine Bus 6103 (COEX ↔ Incheon Airport)
Convenient airport bus connecting Gangnam and COEX.- Discover Seoul Pass (24 / 48 / 72 Hours)
Unlimited access to major attractions and public transport. K-POP COEX Gangnam Stay in Seoul
Accommodation options near COEX, updated deals available.
Stay tuned for my review of Korean Crafts and Ceramics at COEX at COEX!
For more Seoul winter festival highlights,
check out Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2025. and
Seoul Lantern Festival 2025 At Cheonggyecheon Stream
