Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam, Seoul blends shopping, culture, dining, and events into one of Asia’s largest underground lifestyle hubs.
Starfield COEX Mall, located in Seoul’s bustling Gangnam district, is more than just a shopping center. As one of Asia’s largest underground complexes, it combines retail, entertainment, culture, and exhibitions in one expansive space. Connected directly to public transport, it attracts both tourists and locals with its diverse attractions, making it a landmark destination for all ages.
A Multi-Purpose Underground Hub
Starfield COEX Mall stands as a model for how modern urban spaces can merge lifestyle and leisure. Covering over 154,000 square meters, it integrates commercial and cultural functions in a well-organized layout.
Shopping & Retail Options
With hundreds of global and domestic brand stores, the mall offers everything from high-end fashion to practical lifestyle items. International brands like Zara, MUJI, and Uniqlo coexist with Korean cosmetics shops and fashion labels, catering to a broad range of shoppers.
Dining Experience
Whether you're looking for traditional Korean dishes or Western comfort food, COEX features a wide range of restaurants and cafes. From fine dining to casual food courts, options are designed to suit both quick stops and long meals.
Cultural Amenities
Alongside retail, the mall houses cultural highlights like the Starfield Library and COEX Aquarium, and hosts frequent art exhibits and pop culture showcases.
Convenient Access
Strategically located with direct access from Samseong Station (Line 2), visitors can enter the mall without even stepping outdoors, a key advantage during Seoul’s extreme weather seasons.
Starfield Library: An Urban Reading Sanctuary
One of the mall’s most iconic features, the Starfield Library, offers a rare blend of quiet retreat and visual spectacle. Located at the center of the complex, it functions as a free public space that welcomes readers, students, and digital creatives alike.
What Makes It Unique
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Over 70,000 books and magazines spanning multiple genres and languages
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Towering 13-meter-high bookshelves, a favorite for photo enthusiasts
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Ample open seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and charging stations
This space is not just for reading — it doubles as an architectural landmark and social venue, often hosting small-scale events like author talks and design forums. The surrounding natural light from the ceiling enhances its ambiance and draws foot traffic throughout the day.
COEX Aquarium: Marine Life in the Heart of the City
A key family attraction within the mall, COEX Aquarium is one of the largest in Korea and offers a comprehensive marine education experience. It features 16 themed discovery zones and houses over 650 species of marine life.
Highlights
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Korea’s largest shark tank, replicating real ocean habitats
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Touch pools and interactive learning zones for kids
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Themed environments such as the Amazon zone and Deep Blue Sea Tunnel
With educational displays and immersive zones, the aquarium appeals to visitors seeking indoor entertainment that’s both engaging and informative. Its central location makes it a convenient detour for tourists on a tight itinerary.
Popular Stores and Themed Pop-ups
COEX Mall is a shopping destination that appeals especially to younger audiences and pop culture fans. Its dynamic retail space regularly features brand pop-ups and cultural collaborations.
Featured Stores
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LINE Friends Flagship Store: Beloved by K-pop and animation fans for character goods and themed decor
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ARTBOX: Known for Korean stationery, quirky homeware, and unique souvenirs
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SMTOWN-related stores: While the main SMTOWN facility has closed, merchandise stores remain in the vicinity
Pop-up events frequently take over central areas of the mall, launching everything from limited edition sneakers to indie design products. This ever-changing lineup helps keep the shopping experience fresh for repeat visitors.
Dining Options That Reflect Seoul’s Food Diversity
The mall’s culinary lineup mirrors the diversity of Seoul’s dining culture. Whether visitors seek authenticity or comfort, COEX offers a wide array of choices.
Top Picks
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Baekje Samgyetang: A traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, perfect for nourishing meals
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On The Border: Tex-Mex flavors including nachos, tacos, and fajitas
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Shake Shack: For those in the mood for gourmet burgers and American-style fries
In addition to dine-in options, multiple food courts and dessert shops provide quick bites for those on the go. Vegan and gluten-free meals are also increasingly available, reflecting global food trends.
Events and Exhibitions All Year Round
COEX functions as a major event hub thanks to the adjacent COEX Convention & Exhibition Center. Visitors often encounter global expos, cultural festivals, and promotional events happening in real time.
Recurring and Seasonal Events
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Seoul International Book Fair
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K-pop album showcases and fan meetings
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Comic, animation, and gaming conventions
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Light festivals and seasonal art installations
For anyone interested in arts, tech, literature, or pop culture, the COEX event calendar offers something new almost every month. Advance booking is recommended for larger conventions.
Visitor Tips for a Smooth Experience
Planning ahead can greatly improve the experience at such a large venue.
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Best Time to Visit: Mornings on weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds
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Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi and good mobile signal coverage throughout
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Payments: Most vendors accept credit cards, mobile pay, and even foreign-issued cards
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Photography: Power banks and storage space are essential for photo-heavy visits
Multilingual signage and staff assistance desks are available, making the mall accessible for international tourists.
Why Starfield COEX Mall Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
More than a shopping center, Starfield COEX Mall offers a snapshot of modern Seoul living — vibrant, multi-layered, and globally connected. Its combination of retail, cultural venues, family entertainment, and event hosting makes it a go-to destination for short stays, long weekends, or even regular visits for locals.
Whether you're a digital nomad looking for a quiet work spot, a family needing a weather-proof day plan, or a traveler drawn to K-culture, COEX provides the setting for a meaningful Seoul experience.