Coex Mall complete shopping and dining guide 2026

Coex Mall (Starfield Coex) is Asia's largest underground shopping mall, located in the heart of the Gangnam district in Seoul. It is a massive subterranean complex spanning over 165,000 square meters, housing over 320 retail stores, 100 restaurants, an aquarium, a cinema, and the iconic Starfield Library. For travelers, it serves as the perfect all-weather destination, offering a concentrated dose of K-fashion, K-beauty, and entertainment without stepping outside.

The short answer: Coex Mall is best accessed via Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 6) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, Exit 7). Plan for at least 4-5 hours to explore the library, shop at A-Land and Olive Young, and dine at the specialized food courts.

Getting there and navigation basics

Navigating to Coex is straightforward, but navigating inside can be challenging due to its sheer size and curvilinear design. The mall is located in the World Trade Center Seoul complex.

Subway access points

The mall connects to two subway stations on opposite ends:

• Samseong Station (Line 2, Green Line): Use Exits 5 or 6. This entrance leads you directly into the "Live Plaza" and is closer to the K-Pop Square and SM Town area. It takes about 25 minutes from City Hall.
• Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, Gold Line): Use Exit 7. This entrance puts you closer to the Megabox cinema, the Aquarium, and A-Land. It is the express line route from Gimpo Airport (approx. 35 mins).

The City Airport Terminal (CALT)

One of the massive advantages of shopping at Coex is the CALT located on the ground floor. If you are flying with Korean Air, Asiana, or select international carriers, you can check your bags here, go through immigration clearance, and take a limousine bus (Route 6103) directly to Incheon Airport. This allows you to shop "hands-free" on your last day.

Starfield Library: The centerpiece

The Starfield Library (Byeolmadang) is the architectural heart of the mall. Opened in 2017, it transformed a struggling atrium into one of Seoul's most Instagrammable locations. It is an open public space, meaning there are no entrance fees.

Best times for photography

The library gets incredibly crowded by 11:30 AM. For the perfect empty shot of the towering escalators and book walls:

1. Arrive at 10:00 AM: The mall officially opens at 10:30 AM, but the library is an open thoroughfare accessible earlier.
2. Golden Hour: Surprisingly, 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM is magical as the shelves light up and the crowds thin out for dinner.

Shopping guide: Fashion and K-Beauty

Coex is unique because it bridges the gap between high-end luxury (found in the adjacent Hyundai Department Store) and accessible street fashion (found in the mall).

K-Fashion and streetwear

If you are looking to update your wardrobe with the latest Korean styles, focus on these key retailers:

• A-Land (near Bongeunsa Station entrance): This is a multi-brand concept store featuring up-and-coming Korean designers. It's the best place to find unique oversized hoodies, wide-leg trousers, and quirky accessories. Prices range from ₩30,000 to ₩150,000.
• 8 Seconds: Often called Korea's answer to H&M or Zara, but with cuts designed specifically for Asian fits. Their collaborations with K-Pop artists are frequent and sell out fast.
• Spao: A budget-friendly option known for its pajama collaborations (Pokemon, Harry Potter, etc.) and solid basics. You can get a full outfit here for under ₩50,000.
• Bind: A curated shop similar to A-Land but with a focus on more "trendy" and younger styles, often featuring brands seen on Instagram influencers.

For those interested in how these brands compare to luxury options, consider reading about the best areas to stay near shopping districts to plan your logistics.

K-Beauty heaven

You cannot visit Coex without diving into skincare.

• Chicor: Think of this as the Korean version of Sephora. It carries high-end Western brands but also premium Korean brands like Huxley, Klairs, and Femmue that aren't always available in drugstores.
• Olive Young: There is a massive flagship-level Olive Young here. It stocks the holy grail items: round lab toners, Torriden serums, and Clio cushions.
• Innisfree / Etude House / Nature Republic: The standalone stores are clustered together, making it easy to hop between them for sales.

For a deeper dive into specific products to look for, check out our guide on best Korean face masks for dry sensitive skin 2026.

Lifestyle and souvenirs

• Butter: A bright yellow store selling adorable, affordable home goods, plushies, and stationery. Great for gifts under ₩10,000.
• Kakao Friends Store: Located near the Live Plaza. You can buy giant plushies of Ryan and Apeach. There is usually a photo zone inside.
• Flying Tiger Copenhagen: While Danish, the Korean selection often differs, and it's a popular spot for quirky gadgets.

Dining guide: From food courts to fine dining

Coex has undergone a massive culinary renovation. Gone are the days of sad mall food; the complex now hosts branches of some of Korea's most famous restaurants.

The dining zones

1. Urban Airport Dining: Located near the City Airport Terminal. Quieter, slightly more upscale.
2. Gourmet Street: The main corridor featuring trendy franchises.
3. Hyundai Department Store Food Court: While technically separate, it's connected underground. This is where the highest quality food is found.

Must-try restaurants

• Eggslut: The LA-famous sandwich shop usually has a line, but the "Fairfax" sandwich is a cult favorite among Seoulites.
• Chodeang Soondubu: Located in the Oakwood Premier section (connected), serving spicy soft tofu stew that is perfect after a long flight.
• De Place (The Place): An Italian fusion spot famous for the "Bomb Pizza" (a pizza dome set on fire at your table).

Cafes and desserts

• % Arabica: The Kyoto-famous coffee brand opened a prominent location here. The "Kyoto Latte" is sweeter and richer than a standard latte.
• Cafe Knotted: Famous for their cream-filled donuts. The queue can be 20+ minutes on weekends.
• Gabaedo: A vintage-style tea house serving excellent matcha tiramisu, providing a calm break from the mall chaos.

For more sweet treat inspirations, see our list of best Korean desserts beyond bingsu.

Entertainment and Activities

Coex is not just for buying things; it's a massive entertainment hub.

Coex Aquarium

One of the oldest yet most beloved aquariums in Korea. It features 40,000 creatures across 183 display tanks. The layout is unique, featuring "unusual" tanks (fish in a vending machine, fish in a washing machine) which makes it very quirky and photo-friendly.

• Entry Fee: Approx ₩33,000 (adults).
• Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
• Highlight: The shark tunnel and the penguin playground.

Megabox Cinema

This is one of the premier movie theaters in Korea. It features the "Dolby Cinema" screen, which offers superior sound and visuals. If a major Hollywood blockbuster or a visually stunning anime is out, this is the place to see it.

• The Slide: There is a massive slide inside the cinema lobby (though often closed for safety, it's a great photo op).
• Popcorn: Try the Caramel and Garlic half-and-half bucket.

Practicalities: Tax refund and lockers

Tax Refund

Korea offers immediate tax refunds for purchases between ₩30,000 and ₩500,000.

1. In-store: Most major brands (Olive Young, A-Land, Uniqlo) will deduct the tax immediately at the register if you show your passport.
2. Kiosk: If the store gives you a refund receipt, take it to the tax refund kiosks located near the City Airport Terminal or the Starfield Library information desk.

Nearby attractions: The "Dualism" route

If the recycled air of the mall gets too much, step outside. The area surrounding Coex offers a stark contrast between ancient history and hyper-modernity.

Bongeunsa Temple

Just across the street from the North Gate (near the Aquarium/Megabox) lies Bongeunsa, a Buddhist temple dating back to 794 AD.

• The Vibe: It sits on a hillside overlooking the skyscrapers of Gangnam. The contrast between the giant stone Buddha and the glass towers is striking.
• Stay for: The tea ceremony or the evening percussion ritual at 6:00 PM.

SM Town (Kwangya)

While the famous SM Town Coex Artium is undergoing changes, the large LED screen outside (the one with the famous "Wave" illusion) is a landmark in K-Pop Square. If you are a K-Pop fan, checking out the handprints of idols in the pavement nearby is mandatory. You can find more K-Pop spots in our best K-Pop concert venues in Seoul guide.

Hyundai Department Store

Connected to Coex via the basement, this is where the luxury brands live (Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel). The food court in the basement (distinct from Coex's food court) is famous for its pop-up stores selling trending desserts from all over Korea.

Suggested Itineraries

The "Express" Half-Day (3 Hours)

1. Arrive at Samseong Station.
2. Walk through Live Plaza to Starfield Library. Take photos (30 mins).
3. Grab a coffee at % Arabica (20 mins).
4. Quick shopping at Olive Young and Butter (60 mins).
5. Lunch at Hadongkwan (50 mins).
6. Depart.

The "Full Immersion" Day (7-8 Hours)

1. Drop bags at City Airport Terminal (if flying out).
2. Explore Coex Aquarium (1.5 hours).
3. Shopping spree at A-Land and Chicor (2 hours).
4. Lunch at Hyundai Dept Store Food Court (1 hour).
5. Coffee break at Gabaedo (45 mins).
6. Walk outside to Bongeunsa Temple for sunset (1 hour).
7. Dinner at Devil's Door (American style gastropub nearby) or inside the mall.
8. Late night movie at Megabox.

Seasonal Considerations

Coex is an indoor facility, making it a year-round destination, but the atmosphere changes:

• Summer (July-August): It is a haven from the humid monsoon rains. Expect it to be packed.
• Winter (December-February): The heating is strong. Dress in layers so you can strip down to a t-shirt inside, as it gets very warm.
• Christmas: The Starfield Library installs a massive, dazzling book-tree display that is famous across Seoul.

If you are visiting during the hotter months, check out our guide on best Korean sunscreen guide SPF protection 2026 before you head out to the temple nearby.

Final thoughts

Coex Mall is more than just a shopping center; it is a microcosm of modern Seoul. It blends the frenetic energy of K-Pop, the serene intellect of the library, the consumerist joy of K-Beauty, and the efficiency of Korean transit. While it can be overwhelming due to its size, equipped with this guide, you can navigate the "maze" like a local. Whether you are there to buy the latest skincare, eat incredible food, or just marvel at the books, Coex delivers a comprehensive Korean urban experience.