Starfield Library

Literally across the street from Bongeunsa is the Starfield COEX Mall, and at its center is the atypical Starfield Library: a baffling museum of sorts that exhibits a futuristic, gleaming galaxy of books. Several sections of it are dedicated to foreign books and authors, driving home its global invitation. Its skyscraper bookshelves and placement in the heart of a high-energy mall underscore that it’s no ordinary library, or not quite a library by most people’s definition: books cannot be borrowed but merely appreciated and browsed. Be mindful not to get too engaged in any fine print while ascending or descending its steep escalator.

In the Seoul section of the library, you’ll find histories of ancient temples, of dynasties in which grand palaces flourished and battles occurred on streets you just walked down. Peruse a bit more, and you’ll come across literature detailing hanok villages that have maintained their original architecture, as well as works describing surrounding neighborhoods’ traditional teahouses. Carry on down the shelf, and you’ll be presented with books about K-pop and K-drama, and guides to the best karaoke spots and immersive art exhibits in town. No matter how engrossed you may be, we remind you not to attempt to check out any of these books, but do take as much time as you’d like to appreciate the extent to which Seoul’s generational buffet satisfies every craving.

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