COEX (Convention & Exhibition) is a massive underground shopping mall located in Gangnam, Seoul. Officially known as Starfield COEX Mall, this sprawling complex combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences all under one roof. The mall is part of the larger COEX convention center and connects directly to the World Trade Center Seoul.
Originally opened in 2000 and renovated in 2017, COEX Mall has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle destination that attracts millions of visitors annually, both locals and international travelers.
Essential Information for Visitors
COEX Mall Location and Access
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Samseong Station (Line 2) – Exit 5 or 6
Getting from Samseong Station to COEX Mall
The journey from Samseong Station to COEX Mall is incredibly convenient:
- Walking time: 2-3 minutes via underground walkway
- Exit to use: Exit 5 or 6 for direct underground connection
- No outdoor walking required – perfect during bad weather
Operating Hours
- Mall: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (daily)
- Restaurants: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Department stores: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- COEX Aquarium: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
COEX Mall holds the distinction of being Asia’s largest underground shopping mall with over 154,000 square meters of retail space. The complex features more than 200 stores, making it one of Seoul’s most comprehensive shopping destinations.
What Makes COEX Mall Special?
Starfield Library
The crown jewel of COEX Mall is the stunning Starfield Library – a two-story public library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop. This architectural marvel features:
- Over 50,000 books and magazines
- Comfortable reading spaces
- Free WiFi throughout
- Open 24/7, 365 days a year
COEX Aquarium Seoul
One of Seoul’s premier attractions, COEX Aquarium houses over 40,000 marine creatures across themed zones:
- Ticket prices: Adults 28,000 KRW, Children 25,000 KRW
- Highlights: Shark tunnel, penguin habitat, jellyfish gallery
- Special programs: Feeding shows and educational presentations
- Duration: Plan 2-3 hours for full experience
Shopping at COEX Mall
Starfield COEX Mall Stores List Overview
Fashion & Beauty:
- Zara, H&M, Uniqlo
- Korean beauty brands (Innisfree, The Face Shop, Etude House)
- Local Korean fashion brands
- Luxury accessories and jewelry
Electronics & Technology:
- Samsung flagship store
- LG Electronics showroom
- Mobile phone accessories
- Gaming and tech gadgets
Korean Brands & Souvenirs:
- Korean cosmetics megastores
- Traditional Korean goods
- K-pop merchandise
- Korean snacks and food products
Department Stores:
- Hyundai Department Store
- Various specialty boutiques
- Designer brands section
The mall is organized across multiple levels:
- B2 Level: Subway connection, some restaurants
- B1 Level: Main shopping area, Starfield Library, most stores
- Ground Level: Convention center connection, some dining
- Upper Levels: Restaurants, entertainment facilities
Dining at COEX Mall
Korea COEX Mall Restaurants Highlights
Korean Cuisine:
- Traditional Korean BBQ restaurants
- Korean fried chicken chains
- Bibimbap and Korean bowl specialists
- Street food courts with authentic flavors
International Options:
- Japanese sushi and ramen
- Italian pasta and pizza
- Chinese cuisine
- Western fast food chains
Café Culture:
- Korean coffee chains (Hollys, Angel-in-us)
- International coffee brands
- Dessert cafés with Korean-style treats
- Bubble tea and smoothie bars
Getting Around Efficiently
- Download the COEX app for real-time store information
- Use the information desks located throughout the mall
- Follow the color-coded zones for easy navigation
- English signage is available throughout most areas
Must-Visit Sections
- Starfield Library area – Perfect for photos and relaxation
- Beauty section – Comprehensive Korean cosmetics shopping
- Food court levels – Diverse dining experiences
- Aquarium entrance area – Family-friendly entertainment
Is COEX Mall Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes! Here’s why COEX Mall deserves a spot on every Seoul itinerary:
For Shopping Enthusiasts
- Largest underground shopping experience in Asia
- Comprehensive selection of Korean and international brands
- Tax-free shopping available for tourists
- Unique Korean products not found elsewhere
For Culture Seekers
- Iconic Starfield Library for Instagram-worthy photos
- Experience Korean consumer culture
- Modern Korean architectural design
- Local shopping habits observation
For Families
- COEX Aquarium provides hours of entertainment
- Safe, climate-controlled environment
- Diverse dining options for all ages
- Educational and fun activities
For Convenience
- Direct subway connection
- All-weather shopping destination
- Multiple services (banking, postal, etc.)
- Central Gangnam location
Photography Tips for COEX Mall
Best Instagram Spots
- Starfield Library: Dramatic floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
- Aquarium tunnel: Underwater walkway shots
- Mall architecture: Modern underground design elements
- Korean brand displays: Colorful cosmetics and fashion setups
Photo Guidelines
- Photography allowed in most public areas
- Starfield Library welcomes photos
- Ask permission in individual stores
- Flash photography may be restricted in aquarium
Nearby Attractions in Gangnam
While visiting COEX Mall, consider exploring:
- Bongeunsa Temple: Traditional Korean temple nearby
- Gangnam Station: K-pop culture and nightlife
- Olympic Park: Large recreational space
- Lotte World Tower: Seoul’s tallest building
Here are my must-visit places in Seoul and here you can visit and see the 10 famous temples of Seoul that are very close to you.
COEX Mall represents the perfect blend of Korean modern culture, comprehensive shopping, and entertainment all in one convenient underground location. Whether you’re looking for Korean beauty products, want to experience the famous Starfield Library, enjoy family time at the aquarium, or simply explore one of Asia’s most impressive shopping destinations, COEX Mall delivers an unforgettable Seoul experience.
For international travelers, it offers a safe, comprehensive introduction to Korean consumer culture while providing all the amenities and conveniences expected from a world-class shopping destination. The combination of accessibility, variety, and unique attractions makes COEX Mall an essential stop on any Seoul itinerary.