In Gangnam-gu, Seoul, you can find “COEX” in Samsung-dong. COEX serves as a venue for various exhibitions and conventions since 2000, making it a focal point of the MICE industry in South Korea.
Initially operated by Shinsegae Group as COEX Mall, it underwent a name change to Starfield COEX in 2015 with the introduction of Starfield. The spotlight returned to COEX Mall in 2017 when Starfield Library opened its doors.
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“Public Library in Seoul COEX Mall: Starfield Library”
Starfield Library is a public library located at the heart of COEX Mall, inaugurated on May 31, 2017. With an investment of approximately 6 billion KRW by Shinsegae Group for landmark purposes, it boasts a collection of over 50,000 books, drawing inspiration from Japan’s Tsutaya Bookstore and Singapore’s Orchard Library.
The concept of a public library within a shopping mall, complete with videos, appears to have been inspired by Singapore’s Orchard Library.
“Singapore Orchard Library and Starfield Library”
Orchard Library in Singapore, found within a shopping mall, deviates from the traditional library concept. While public libraries are uncommon in malls, Orchard Library in Singapore offers a unique space for reading and borrowing books right in the midst of shopping.
Having personally encountered Orchard Library during a trip to Singapore in 2017, the place left a lasting impression. Considering that Starfield Library, born later at COEX, drew inspiration from Singapore’s Orchard Library, it adds a fresh perspective.
Since I had previously written about Orchard Library in Singapore in 2017, it’s intriguing to consider whether someone from the Shinsegae Group came across that article, gaining inspiration for this project.
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“Starfield Library, Born as a Landmark in Seoul Gangnam COEX”
Remember the saying about first impressions? While Singapore’s Orchard Library fell short, Starfield Library achieved landmark status. It has become a notable tourist attraction, attracting visitors specifically to experience this place.
However, on the flip side, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of a library. Positioned within a shopping mall, it transformed into a landmark rather than solely serving its original library function.
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“Starfield Library: Half Success?”
Although Starfield Library is an open and accessible space, it doesn’t exude a typical library atmosphere, feeling somewhat chaotic. It may not be the first choice for those seeking a quiet place to read or study.
In a sense, Starfield Library could be considered half successful. While it serves as a landmark within a shopping mall, it has deviated from the primary function of a library. Regardless, it has successfully become a must-visit spot for tourists exploring Seoul.
“Seoul Gangnam COEX, Starfield Library”
- Address: B1F, 1F Starfield COEX Mall, 159-9 Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-6002-3031
- Operating Hours: (Daily) 10:30 – 22:00
- Website: https://www.starfield.co.kr/coexmall/starfieldLibrary/library.do
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