A Mini Guide to The Starfield Library Seoul: Is it Worth Visiting & How to Get There (2026)

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more aesthetic-looking library, and as someone who genuinely loves an afternoon spent reading in a cozy corner, I knew I had to make my way to the Insta-famous Starfield Library in Seoul.

Over the past year or so, this place has absolutely exploded online, and my FYP did its job influencing me hard. But… has it gotten too popular? And is the hype actually deserved? Honestly, I was a little disappointed when I arrived at Starfield Library Seoul, and I’m going to tell you exactly why.

From how to get there, to what the atmosphere is really like, plus the biggest pros and cons, this mini guide will answer the real question: is the Coex Library actually worth visiting on your Seoul itinerary?

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A Mini Guide to The Starfield Library Seoul: Is it Worth Visiting & How to Get There (2026)

The Starfield Library Seoul: My Experience

So like I mentioned, I was a little disappointed… but I’ll admit it was partly my own fault.

When I first arrived in Seoul, I didn’t really understand the neighborhoods yet. I basically just had a list of Seoul attractions I wanted to see, and I didn’t do a great job planning what was actually close together. Starfield Library is in Gangnam, so it’s best to visit while you’re already exploring that area and make a full day out of it.

Unfortunately, I went on the same day as N Seoul Tower, which is about 40 minutes away by public transportation. By the time I arrived in Gangnam it was already getting dark, and I didn’t really get to see much else.

I also expected the library to be way bigger. Everyone takes wide-angle photos, so it looks massive online, but I was surprised to realize it’s literally inside a shopping mall. The library itself is gorgeous, especially if you love architecture or want that iconic Instagram photo, but it was packed with people taking pictures, and it didn’t feel like a place you could actually sit and read.

We spent about 10 minutes taking photos and then left, and honestly, I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again. But I still want to give you a well-rounded view, because I can totally see why other people love it.

What Is the Starfield Library?

The Starfield Library is one of the most popular places in Seoul. Located inside the COEX Mall in Gangnam, this massive open public library is known for its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that stretch up nearly 13 meters high. It’s bright, sleek, and honestly really stunning the first time you see it in person.

The space is free to enter and is meant to be a cultural spot where people can sit, read, work, or just take a break from the chaos of the mall outside. You’ll also sometimes find book events, talks, or seasonal displays happening in the center.

That said, it’s not a traditional quiet library vibe. These days, it’s just as much a photo stop as it is a place to actually read, but it’s still a really unique place to see while you’re exploring Gangnam.

How to Get to the Starfield Library Seoul

Starfield Library is located inside COEX Mall in Gangnam, which is on the other side of the river from a lot of Seoul’s main tourist neighborhoods. So, depending on where you’re staying, it can take a little longer to get there, but it’s still very doable.

Here are the two easiest ways to visit.

Taxi / Uber

If you want the most stress-free option, just take a taxi or Uber. Uber works totally fine in Seoul, and we found it pretty affordable, especially if you’re coming from somewhere farther away.

Just enter this address or the Starfield Library, and it will take you straight to COEX Mall:

Starfield Library Seoul Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Yeongdong-daero, 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1

The library is located on the lower level of the mall, so once you arrive, just follow the signs inside.

Public Transportation (What We Did)

We took public transportation, and it was honestly much easier than I expected. Most routes involve a quick change between the metro and a bus, but for us, it was just one bus and one metro stop, super simple.

The only place that felt a little confusing was around the Express Bus Terminal area because it’s huge, but everything is well marked in English, so you’ll be totally fine.

One tip: I highly recommend using Naver Maps for directions. Google Maps is great for looking up places, but it isn’t always reliable for actual navigation in Seoul.

Is Starfield Library Gangnam Worth Visiting?

So for me, this was one of my number one places to see in Seoul. It’s seriously gorgeous, and with the escalators running up through the middle, it’s just such an aesthetic style.

But now that I’ve actually been (and I know how busy it gets, plus how long it can take to get there), my opinion has shifted a little. Funny what perspective will do… and I really wish I’d had this list first.

Pros of Visiting Starfield Library

It’s one of the most unique libraries I’ve ever seen. The design is unreal, and it really does feel like something out of a movie.
Gangnam is such a fun neighborhood to explore. There are amazing food spots and coffee shops nearby, so the library is an easy stop if you’re already in the area.
If getting gorgeous Instagram shots is a priority, then absolutely work it into your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

Cons to Visiting Starfield Library

It was insanely busy. I’m talking actual queues for the escalator because people want the perfect photo.
It’s not as big as it looks in pictures. Wide-angle photos really do some heavy lifting here.
If you’re hoping to browse books and find a cozy corner… try again. I’d recommend taking your book to one of the cities amazing cafes or even Namsan Park instead.

Best Time to Visit the Starfield Library in Seoul South Korea

We ended up visiting right around sunset, and honestly, it wasn’t too bad. It was still busy with people snapping photos and grabbing drinks from the cafe, but there were also quite a few locals studying, which surprised me.

That said, because the whole space is surrounded by windows, the lighting at sunset wasn’t ideal for photos. It looked stunning in person, but my camera was definitely struggling a little.

Best time to visit to avoid crowds

If you want the library to feel a little more peaceful (and not like a full-on photo shoot location), go in the morning on a weekday. That’s when it’s at its quietest, and you can actually walk around without weaving through groups waiting for the perfect escalator shot.

Best time to visit for the best lighting

For photos, early afternoon is probably the sweet spot. The natural light coming through the tall windows is much brighter, and the space looks really crisp and clean in pictures. If Instagram is a priority, this is the time to go.

Worst time to visit Starfield Library

Late afternoon into evening is when it gets the most crowded. After work and dinner, the library fills up fast, and sunset lighting is honestly tricky because it creates shadows and glare. If you hate crowds or want relaxed photos, I’d avoid peak evening hours.

Quick Info Before You Go to the COEX Starfield Library in Seoul

Location: Starfield Library is inside COEX Mall in Gangnam (yes, it’s literally in a shopping mall).
Cost: Completely free to visit.
Time needed: This is more of a 10–20 minute stop, not an afternoon activity.
Main vibe: People come mostly for the architecture + photos, not for quiet reading.
Crowds: Expect it to be busy basically all day, especially around the escalators.
Best way to visit: Pair it with other Gangnam stops so it doesn’t feel like a long trek for one quick photo.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Starfield Library Seoul

Okay, I wouldn’t say visiting Starfield Library was a huge waste of time. I got some really beautiful photos, and it is undeniably gorgeous to see in person. But as far as a unique experience… I wasn’t super impressed.

For me personally, the only way I’d go again is if I were already in the Gangnam area and it was an easy stop. There are so many other incredible tourist attractions in Seoul that feel more memorable, and I wouldn’t put this at the top of a must-see list unless you really love modern architecture or you’re there for the Instagram photo.

Still, if you’re nearby, the Seoul library is worth a quick look. Just don’t expect it to be the calm, cozy library escape TikTok makes it seem like.

FAQ: Starfield Library Seoul Korea

What is the Starfield Library entrance fee?

Starfield Library is completely free to visit. There’s no ticket or entrance fee — you just walk in through COEX Mall and find the library on the basement level. Because it’s a public space, you don’t need reservations or passes, which makes it an easy stop while you’re exploring Gangnam.

What are the Starfield Library Seoul opening hours?

Starfield Library follows the general COEX Mall hours, so it’s usually open from 10:30am to 10pm, but it can vary slightly depending on the day or special events. It’s worth checking the COEX Mall website or signage when you arrive just to be sure of the exact hours for your visit.

Starfield Library Suwon or Starfield Library Gangnam?

The Starfield Library most people talk about is the one inside COEX Mall in Gangnam, Seoul. There’s also a newer and bigger bookstore-style library space in Starfield Suwon (a different Starfield shopping complex), but the Seoul one is the iconic, Instagram famous library with the massive floor-to-ceiling shelves that everyone goes to see. If you want a less busy one, visit the Suwon location about 40 minutes outside of Seoul.

What is so special about Starfield Library?

What makes Starfield Library stand out is the giant, open design of its interior. It has towering bookshelves that stretch up multiple levels, the dramatic escalators cutting through the center, and the way natural light floods in from the high windows. It’s truly a gorgeous architectural space.

Where is Starfield Library located in Seoul?

Starfield Library is located in COEX Mall in the Gangnam district of Seoul. The easiest way to get there is via Samseong Station (Line 2) — just follow the signs into the mall, and the library is on the basement level.