 |
Starfield Library, located in the Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea , opened in May 2017 and covers an area of approximately 2,800 square meters. From the first glance, the space is overwhelming with its giant walls of books soaring high above the spacious atrium, creating the feeling of stepping into a miniature "city of books." Photo: Korean. |
 |
The highlight of the library is its three walls of books, each approximately 13 meters high, spanning two floors and nearly reaching the glass roof above. The open design, with no doors separating it from the shopping area, and the towering bookshelves make Starfield Library both a place to read and an architectural marvel for visitors to stop, admire, and photograph. Photo: @demas. |
    |
Above the library is a large glass roof, allowing sunlight to flood down onto the rows of brown wooden shelves. During the day, natural light highlights the curved structure of the book walls. When night falls, the lighting system is switched on, illuminating the entire space in a golden hue. The changing light creates two distinct appearances, meaning the same angle can produce completely different photographs. Photos: @demas, @xo.josiie. |
 |
According to the Seoul government, the library houses approximately 70,000 books covering various fields such as literature, economics , humanities, art, and personal hobbies, along with about 600 domestic and international magazines. A unique feature is that not all the books on the 13-meter-high walls are for reading. The upper shelves are arranged with model books for decorative purposes, while actual books for readers are placed in accessible locations. This arrangement allows the walls of books to serve both as a repository of knowledge and as an integral part of the architectural design. Photo: Korean. |
 |
Unlike traditional libraries, Starfield Library does not require membership cards or charge an entrance fee. Visitors can freely choose books and read on sofas or long tables arranged around the central area. Some tables have power outlets for those using computers. Just outside the reading area are shops, stores, and cafes, creating a scene that blends commercial life with cultural space. Photo: Korean. |
  |
For tourists , the biggest attraction lies in the photo opportunities that are hard to find in typical libraries. The escalator running along the walls of books is a favorite check-in spot, allowing photographers to capture the entire height of the building. From the upper floors, visitors can point their cameras down into the atrium, taking in the curved bookshelves, the glass roof, and the stream of people moving below. Photo: @dhevianabena. |
 |
Since its opening, Starfield Library has become a popular check-in spot, constantly appearing in photos and videos shared by tourists on social media. According to the statistics website Display Purposes, the hashtag #starfieldlibrary has appeared in over 30,500 Instagram posts. In August 2025, the library in Seoul was honored by the travel platform Trip.com as one of the top 10 outstanding global tourism innovation projects, being the only representative from South Korea on the list. The project was recognized for its combination of literature, art, and travel experiences, contributing to creating a unique cultural destination in the heart of Seoul. Photo: Korean. |
 |
Beyond attracting visitors for photography, the library also hosts author talks, exhibitions, lectures, and art performances. During Christmas, the central area is often decorated with seasonal artwork, standing out against the walls of books. The combination of light, music , and architecture constantly transforms the space, offering a fresh experience for returning visitors. Photo: @mosashoots. |
 |
Starfield Library is open daily from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors can reach the COEX complex by taking subway line 2 to Samseong Station or line 9 to Bongeunsa Station. Besides the library, the area also features an aquarium, movie theater, restaurants, and shops, making it a great addition to any Gangnam exploration . Photo: @demas. |
Source: https://znews.vn/ben-trong-thu-vien-2800-m2-co-70000-cuon-sach-o-han-quoc-post1686871.html
