Starfield COEX Mall
Starfield COEX Mall
4
About
If you're in the mood for shopping, eating, and entertainment, head to Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul's Gangnam district. As the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, it has over 300 shops and restaurants spread across four floors. Catch a movie at the cinema, marvel at over 40,000 sea creatures at the aquarium, or snap a photo in front of the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves at the iconic Starfield library. Getting there is easy, as the mall is connected to two subway stations. Otherwise, you can join a guided tour of Gangnam to explore more sights including the nearby Bongeunsa Temple. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Samseongdong / COEX
A large business hub, Samseongdong is anchored by Korea’s World Trade Center, where many important business exhibitions and meetings are held. The enormous COEX mall sprawls underground, providing a myriad of things to do and see, including a large aquarium and movie theater. For a bit of peace and zen, head over to the ornate Bongeunsa Temple which is one of Korea’s most important places of worship. Or take a stroll nearby through the tranquil royal burial grounds of Seonjeongneung, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get there
- Bongeunsa • 5 min walk
- Samseong Jungang • 5 min walk
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Restaurants
2,233 within 3 miles
Attractions
578 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- 박정의 박Seoul, South Korea2 contributionsA choice you won't regretI had lunch on March 10th, wrote a review, and received a discount. It was so delicious that I visited again today before leaving for Hoi An. Beef rice noodles, Jjambbong rice noodles, Banh Xeo I'm going to eat again... It was so delicious that I came again. I highly recommend it Dana is the best place for travelers ThanksVisited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 11, 2024
- bigwawaoNew York City, New York10,224 contributionsGreat for an afternoon if you have extra timeLarge underground mall worth a stroll especially if you have extra time on hand. But nothing special to it. Best to combine it with the Coex Library for a photoshoot of the floor to ceiling bookcases and if you are interested in temples, Bonguesa temple is at the northern end of the Mall complex.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 17, 2024
- HarrackleeHong Kong, China1 contributionWonderful journeyI found this place when I was bored and walking around on a business trip to Seoul. I was really surprised. The entire building includes exhibition venues and shopping malls, and it can be regarded as a leisure place in a business district.Visited November 2023Traveled on businessWritten June 3, 2024
- blueliberty_pragueTokyo Prefecture, Japan44 contributionsFun MallThis is a fun mall no matter when you go. You can spend a long time here having fun, eating, shopping, watching movies, going to the aquarium, and visiting the library. It's also very convenient as it's adjacent to a department store and Parnas Mall. It's also great that you can get to the airport with just one bus ride.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 3, 2024
- k_y-youSendai, Japan1,055 contributionsAwesome bookshelf!!Starfield Library is hereeeeeeee! I got really lost, but I finally arrived by following the track-style floor! The open-air bookshelves! Amazing!! It was crowded even first thing in the morning. The huge shopping mall is huge, too!! Amazing in every sense! Definitely worth seeing!!Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 11, 2024
- TIersHasieSydney, Australia1,269 contributionsIt's ok.Not really worth a visit by itself for me. It's very spaced out horizontally compared to traditional vertically spread high level department stores. But this makes navigating in short timeframes more challenging and a lot of ground to cover. I think fast walking from the aquarium to the library area took a good 5 minutes at quite a fast brisk walking. Most things are very pricey and the libary way overcrowded a bit too touristy for me. Enjoyed the nearby temple across the road rather Bongeunsa Temple (so serene in the middle of a bustling city!). Gangnamstyle statue I think east entrance. It does come with an impressive cinema. Good facilities inside the mall nevertheless as expected from a West(starfield). Also allow for the Hyundai Department store sky garden if you ahve the time.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten July 7, 2024
- Sightsee560650165683 contributionsThe Starfield LibraryThe Starfield Library, located within the COEX Mall in Seoul, is a stunning and expansive public library. Opened in 2017, it features an impressive design with towering bookshelves that reach up to 13 meters high, housing over 50,000 books and magazines. The library spans two levels and covers an area of about 2,800 square meters. It provides a serene reading environment amidst the bustling mall, offering a variety of seating areas, digital resources, and regular cultural events such as author talks and book signings. The Starfield Library is a popular spot for both book lovers and tourists, admired for its unique architecture and comprehensive collection ❤️Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 2, 2024
- amanda w42 contributionsCozy yet magical feeling at Starfield Coex LibraryIt was my first time to Starfield Library and I'm so amazed when I was there last autumn. The vibe were magical with all the books were displayed high up till the ceiling. It was really beautiful and cozy. I managed to take a few pictures.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 2, 2024
- Maps380319147825 contributionsA shopper’s paradise indeedStarfield COEX Mall is a shopper's paradise with something for everyone. The sheer size of the mall is impressive, and I was blown away by the variety of stores, from high-end brands to quirky local shops. The highlight was definitely the library with its towering bookshelves—it felt like a piece of art right in the middle of a shopping center.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 2, 2024
- Mohammad U1 contributionMy travel experience is really amazing and wonderful 😍I would love to visit the COEX Starfield Library in Seoul. I have always been very fond of Korean traditional book. Because I find it very interesting to know about Korean history. I have always wanted to visit this beautiful place COEX Starfield Library. This place is really amazing and wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful view with us.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten September 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
878 reviews
Excellent
271
Very good
364
Average
185
Poor
43
Terrible
15
197gabes
Singapore, Singapore176 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
One of the nicest and biggest underground mall that you can find around Seoul. This one is connected to a convention center, 3 hotels, a casino, 2 subway lines, an aquarium, a library, a multi hall cineplex and the airport limo bus station, so finding your way around this huge complex is a challenge. If not for the various directional signs strategically placed at junctions, one may never find their way out of the maze of shops and passage ways.
Most of the retail shops are located at the basement level. There is a decent selection of brands for shopping but there are malls in Seoul that offers better range, prices and choices.
The thing that seems missing here is a supermarket but there are plenty of convenience shops scattered around as alternative.
There are plenty of food outlets to choose from too, these ranging from fast food to pub to restaurant. Can get very crowded during lunch time, especially on days where there are events at the center.
Guessing you would probably need at least a whole day to properly cover the place. So do come with a good pair of walking shoes and have fun exploring the place.
Most of the retail shops are located at the basement level. There is a decent selection of brands for shopping but there are malls in Seoul that offers better range, prices and choices.
The thing that seems missing here is a supermarket but there are plenty of convenience shops scattered around as alternative.
There are plenty of food outlets to choose from too, these ranging from fast food to pub to restaurant. Can get very crowded during lunch time, especially on days where there are events at the center.
Guessing you would probably need at least a whole day to properly cover the place. So do come with a good pair of walking shoes and have fun exploring the place.
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thisgirl_Gray
Los Angeles, CA2,626 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Located inside the COEX Mall in Gangnam, Starfield Library is a large public bookstore where anyone can come to sit down, take a break, read, and/or buy books. They offer a wide selection of books and magazines in various genres so you should be able to find something of interest. Many people come just to take pictures, although I came for children's books and they did not have what I was looking for but it was a good experience.
Written December 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim
Dulwich Hill, Australia11 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I was expecting this mall to be bigger for shopping but it's not that big. I didn't visit the aquarium but I did to to the library which was unique and impressive. The shops weren't anything I haven't seen before in Seoul either. The food trucks at the front had long queues, maybe it would've been worth the wait since we entered up having mediocre expensive vietnamese food inside the mall.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IamNaZza
Bangkok111 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Starfield COEX Mall is a vibrant and trendy shopping center that's a hotspot for both locals and tourists in Seoul. With a diverse range of offerings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. One of the most popular attractions within the mall is the stunning library. Whether you're a bookworm or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the library's unique design and collection of real books make it a must-see. The atmosphere is particularly enchanting at night when the lights are up, creating a magical ambiance. Another must-see attraction within the mall is the COEX Aquarium. This massive aquarium is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, rays, penguins, and countless other species. Visitors can explore the aquarium's various themed zones, including the Amazon River, the Antarctic, and the deep sea. It's a fascinating experience for both adults and children. Regardless of the weather, Starfield COEX Mall is the perfect place to spend your time. Whether you're escaping the rain, seeking relief from the heat, or looking for a cozy spot to relax on a chilly day, this mall has you covered. With its endless array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, you'll never run out of things to do.
Written October 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China23,483 contributions
Jan 2023
This is one of Seoul's earliest shopping malls and is still a popular hangout place among locals. The underground arcade is huge with major brands readily available. It is so large that even library and aquarium can be found inside. Shopaholics can easily spend a couple hours here.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
199ro
Japan66 contributions
Jul 2019
会議での利用(大ホール)。
COEXモール内には、ショップ、水族館、図書館があります。
図書館は、本を提供する体制というより、内装や雰囲気重視で外国人的には見ごたえあります。
I visited for meeting (large hall).
There are shops, aquariums and libraries in the COEX Mall.
Libraries are more attractive to foreigners because of their emphasis on interior and atmosphere rather than the system of providing books.
COEXモール内には、ショップ、水族館、図書館があります。
図書館は、本を提供する体制というより、内装や雰囲気重視で外国人的には見ごたえあります。
I visited for meeting (large hall).
There are shops, aquariums and libraries in the COEX Mall.
Libraries are more attractive to foreigners because of their emphasis on interior and atmosphere rather than the system of providing books.
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culinary-Consultants
Ferrara, Italy3,738 contributions
Jan 2020
I agree with most that the architectural display out side the Starfield COEX Mall is impressive to say the least. But inside? That's another story. Low ceilings, very dole and depressive. We felt as encased for a lack of better words.
It does not represent inside the modernistic approach from the outside. The quality of the stores are really average and we believed that a structure of this kind would have design better stores and with better choices. Most things once again, cheap Chinese stuff, disposable value items and again the infantile South Koreans with stores filled with teddy bears (for adult people) cute cartoon printed made in China socks (for adults) and the distribution of the stores....very confusing.
Not a well planned mall and nothing to offer except for the Starfield Library, which is really pretty and impressive. Two floors library with lots of colors and places to eat. Basically the only highlight of the Starfield COEX Mall which is pretty average.
Except for the Starfield Library which you can access directly from the streets, the rest of the mall is a waste of pure time. Not recommended.
It does not represent inside the modernistic approach from the outside. The quality of the stores are really average and we believed that a structure of this kind would have design better stores and with better choices. Most things once again, cheap Chinese stuff, disposable value items and again the infantile South Koreans with stores filled with teddy bears (for adult people) cute cartoon printed made in China socks (for adults) and the distribution of the stores....very confusing.
Not a well planned mall and nothing to offer except for the Starfield Library, which is really pretty and impressive. Two floors library with lots of colors and places to eat. Basically the only highlight of the Starfield COEX Mall which is pretty average.
Except for the Starfield Library which you can access directly from the streets, the rest of the mall is a waste of pure time. Not recommended.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianca
Metro Manila, Philippines37 contributions
Jan 2020
It was one of the coldest but most memorable new year's eve countdown parties I ever experienced! The food stalls were up as early as noon and people started coming in early. There were plenty of security personnel around so it felt safe and was not hard to move around. The mall was open until 10pm. We had formal dinner before the countdown party. The program began at around 9pm and it was fun as expected with many Korean TV personalities in attendance. The fireworks did not disappoint too!! It was a night to remember!
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff K
Pittsburgh, PA2,476 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I’ve been to some pretty interesting malls in foreign countries but this is not one of them. It’s very large with a lot of mid-level stores. It reminded me of the Mall of America but flatter. We walked to the far end of the mall to see the aquarium and learned that you had to pay to visit se we skipped it.
The bookstore was the lone highlight for me. It was impressive.
The bookstore was the lone highlight for me. It was impressive.
Written April 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada9,277 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We went here for the Library area mainly but found ourselves spending more time than expected. We had a good breakfast at Eggslut and spent some time walking around the mall looking at stores and other restaurants. There is a Gangnam style statue at the east side of the mall if you want a fun picture opportunity.
The closest metro is Bongeunsa and we spent a couple of hours in the area.
The closest metro is Bongeunsa and we spent a couple of hours in the area.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there wheelchairs or electric scooters for rent at COEX mall?
Written November 30, 2019
Wheelchairs can be rented at the Stroller Rental Desk at the Mall.
Not sure about the electric scooters.
Written December 2, 2019
Есть ли в этом торговом центре обычный супермаркет с продуктами и бытовой химией? Если есть то где расположен?
Written January 4, 2019
There's no large supermarket here that's ideal for household items, but there are a few small stores. How about checking out a nearby Lotte Mart or E-Mart? For more details, feel free to send us a DM on Instagram @ur_korean_bff! Local Korean students are here to share helpful tips and insights.
Written January 8, 2025
janvi711
Surat, India
What are the sale months . Is there sale in october and december???
Written January 11, 2018
Are there budget style items or is it high end? What other places are recommended in Seoul? We don't want high end expensive.can get anywhere .
Written August 16, 2016
You can go to myeongdong, and for cheap accessoris or clothes, you can buy in Nangdaemun market
Written August 17, 2016
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