Starfield Library & Lotte World Tower - Seoul, South Korea
After finishing my DMZ Tour, I met up with a friend I had met during my Camino journey. We went for dinner and caught up before I mentioned that I wanted to visit the Starfield Library. I had seen photos of it online—the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves looked absolutely stunning—and I wanted to see it in person.
The Starfield Library, located inside COEX Mall, is a functioning public library with over 50,000 books. Its striking architectural design has made it one of Seoul’s most popular attractions. Although there are desks and study spaces, the number of visitors makes it hard to imagine it as a quiet place to read. After dinner, my friend and I took a bus from the restaurant, which dropped us off nearby after about 45 minutes. Once inside COEX Mall, we followed the clearly marked floor signs leading to the library.
As it was Christmastime, the entire space was beautifully decorated with lights, festive displays, and a towering Christmas tree at the centre. It was busy but lively. I took the escalator up and down a few times to take in the full view and admire the design from different angles. The combination of architecture and holiday décor made the library even more magical—it was far more beautiful than I had imagined.
Afterwards, we took another bus towards Lotte World Tower. The building glowed in festive colours, and the surrounding area was filled with Christmas lights and decorations, so bright it almost felt like daytime. We wandered through the mall and then out to the park beside it, where more lights and food vendors added to the festive atmosphere. Despite the large crowds, it was a fun and vibrant evening.
Eventually, we headed back inside the mall to warm up and walked around a bit before parting ways. It was wonderful to reconnect and share a little bit of Seoul’s holiday spirit together.
Background
The Starfield Library, opened in 2017 inside Seoul’s massive COEX Mall, quickly became one of the most photographed spots in the city. Its open-concept design features towering 13-metre bookshelves filled with both Korean and international titles, blending literature, architecture, and art in a single space. The library offers seating areas, digital reading stations, and frequent cultural events, making it a symbol of Seoul’s modern creative culture.
Nearby, the Lotte World Tower stands as the tallest building in South Korea and the fifth tallest in the world. Completed in 2017, the 555-metre skyscraper houses luxury hotels, offices, shops, and the Seoul Sky Observatory, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. Together, COEX Mall and Lotte World Tower showcase Seoul’s blend of innovation, design, and cultural sophistication.
Getting There
From Seoul Station, take the subway to Samseong Station (Line 2), which connects directly to COEX Mall. The signs within the mall clearly point the way to Starfield Library, making it easy to navigate. After visiting the library, takeshort bus ride to Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, located only a few stops away on the same subway line or a 15–20 minute bus ride. Both locations are well connected by public transport, making them easy to visit even in the evening.
Route Overview
Itinerary: Seoul City Hall Subway Station → CEOX Mall → Lotte World Tower → Seoul Station
Duration: 4 hr (Transit & sightseeing)
Cost Breakdown
Bus: City Hall. Deoksugung Palace Bus Stop → Bongeunsa Temple ASEM Center — ₩1,300
Bus: Samseong (World Trade Center Seoul) → Jamsil Bus Stop — ₩1,500
Food: ₩19,500
