Starfield COEX Mall: A Deep Dive into Seoul's Massive Underground Landmark
Located in the heart of Seoul's bustling Gangnam district, Starfield COEX Mall (formerly known as COEX Mall) stands as a monumental feat of urban design. As the world's largest underground shopping mall, it offers a seamless blend of retail, culture, and entertainment, all tucked beneath the vibrant streets of Samseong-dong. The name "COEX" itself is a functional acronym, derived from Convention centers and EXhibition halls.
Whether you are a resident or a traveler, the mall serves as a vital artery for the city, connecting major transit lines and providing a climate-controlled sanctuary for shopping, dining, and leisure.
Key Facts
- Location: Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- Scale: Approximately 154,000 square metres of total area.
- Record: Recognized as the world's largest underground shopping mall.
- Transit Access: Connected to Samseong Station (Line 2) and Bongeunsa Station (Line 9).
- Admission: Free entry to the mall.
- Operating Hours: Open year-round from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
History and Development
The development of the COEX complex was a massive undertaking led by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). The mall's architectural identity was shaped by two renowned firms: the US-based interior design company RTKL and Gensler. The design concept, titled "Unfolding Sky," was intended to create a sense of openness and seamless flow despite being located underground.
Construction began in May 1997 and was completed in April 2000, with an initial investment of ₩140 billion (approximately US$150 million). To better integrate the mall with Seoul's expanding transit network, a major renovation project was launched in 2012. This ₩180 billion upgrade aimed to create pedestrian walkways connecting the new Bongeunsa Station on Line 9 with Samseong Station on Line 2. The expansion increased the total floor space to over 173,025 square metres, with the renovation project concluding in November 2014.
A Hub of Entertainment and Culture
Starfield COEX Mall is far more than a simple shopping center. It is a multi-functional destination that houses hundreds of shops, two food courts, the MegaBox cinema, and the COEX Aquarium. The mall also features specialized spaces, such as a dedicated game area used for broadcasting computer game tournaments on local television.
The Iconic Starfield Library
One of the most famous landmarks within the mall is the Byeolmadang Library (Starfield Library). This stunning cultural space houses 50,000 books and 600 magazines, alongside a collection of e-books. Beyond reading, it serves as a vibrant event center for author talk shows, intellectual lectures, and concerts.
The library gained significant pop-culture fame after being featured in the 2020 drama series Record of Youth, starring Park Bo-gum. Visitors should note a unique architectural detail: while the library looks endless, some of the books on the highest, unreachable shelves are decorative rather than functional.
Plazas and Venues
The mall is organized around several key plazas that host seasonal events and celebrity appearances. These include:
- Central Plaza: A major gathering point.
- Live Plaza: Often used for public events.
- Millennium Plaza: The main exit connecting to Line 2's Samseong Station.
- Asem Plaza and Airport Plaza: Additional spaces for navigation and congregation.
Summary of Mall Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer/Owner | KITA (Korea International Trade Association) |
| Management | Shinsegae |
| Total Area | ~154,000 m² |
| Major Attractions | Starfield Library, COEX Aquarium, MegaBox Cinema |
| Primary Transit | Samseong Station (Line 2), Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for Starfield COEX Mall?
No, admission to the mall is free and it is open to the public year-round.
How can I get to the mall using public transportation?
The mall is highly accessible via the Seoul Subway system. You can use Line 2 to reach Samseong Station or Line 9 to reach Bongeunsa Station. It is also near Cheongdam Station on Line 7.
What is the Starfield Library?
The Starfield Library (Byeolmadang Library) is a large, open-concept library within the mall that functions as both a reading space and an event venue for concerts and lectures.
Are all the books in the Starfield Library available to read?
While the library offers a vast collection of 50,000 books and 600 magazines, some books located on the highest decorative shelves are for display purposes only and cannot be reached.
What kind of entertainment can I find at COEX Mall?
In addition to shopping and dining, visitors can enjoy the COEX Aquarium, watch movies at MegaBox, visit the Starfield Library, or watch live gaming tournaments in the designated game area.