travel library seoul

Starfield Library (COEX), Everything You Need to Know

UPDATE: A new Starfield Library opened in January 2024, this time in Suwon. And, of course, we made our way there ourselves to see what it was all about. Check out our post on the Suwon Starfield Library .

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen pictures and videos of the COEX Starfield Library. A huge glass skylight letting in rays of natural light while rows of books aesthetically adorn winding, curvy shelves. But there are somethings every traveler needs to know about this photo hot spot before they plan their visit.

Here’s everything you need to know before you visit the COEX Starfield Library.

What is the COEX Starfield Library?

Like the name implies, it’s an actual library . The first floor is filled with books, magazines, and ereaders for anyone to use. The second floor also features books on easily accesible shelves lining the outer walls of the library. Contrary to popular belief, not all the books on the shelves are real. Many are decorative boxes that appear like books. There are plenty of places to sit down and rest including study desks with outlets to charge your phones. Unlike most libraries, you can’t check out books from the COEX Starfield Library. So patrons are expected to leave their books and magazines back where they got them or on book carts placed throughout the area.

The library looks amazing in photos thanks to its unique design. There are always tourists and travelers posing for photos and taking videos at all hours of the day.

Where is the COEX Starfield Library?

The COEX Starfield Library is located in the COEX Starfield mall by Samsung Station on subway line no. 2 in Seoul. Once you arrive at Samsung Station, follow the signs towards COEX mall (towards exit 5 and 6). Follow the blue track, cross through the open courtyard and into COEX mall. From there, keep following the track to the Starfield Library. You can’t miss it.

If you find yourself in the Hyundai mall, you’ve made a wrong turn, but the malls are all connected so follow the signs and you’ll get there.

• Yeongdong-daero 513, Starfield COEX Mall B1 (영동대로 513 B1)

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Is the COEX Starfield Library worth visiting?

Yes and no. For most travelers, the COEX Starfield Library is a photo op and nothing more. If you’re exploring the mall, it’s a great place to rest your feet and take in the view. For visitors who go to the library expecting an experience all its own, disappointment abounds. So, do some shopping at the COEX mall or the Hyundai mall next door. Better yet, catch a movie at the MEGABOX theater or head to one of my favorite sundae gukbap restaurants nearby for lunch.

What Events are at the COEX Starfield Library?

The Starfield Library has a monthly schedule of lectures, concerts and other events. The schedule can be found on the Starfield Events page (Korean only).

Christmas Event at the COEX Starfield Library

Every December, the Starfield library hosts a holiday-themed light show. For 2023, the show can be seen from 6 PM to 10 PM (7 PM to 8:30 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays) until early-February. The show itself is only a few minutes long and plays every 15 minutes so if you miss it, you won’t have to wait long to see it again.

Tips for visiting the COEX Starfield Library

It’s a library, use it.

If you have a minute, actually browse through the library. There are magazines in multiple languages on the first floor while the second floor houses specialty books. I tend to spend a lot of time in the art section thanks to their collection of cartoon and animated film books. A trip to Seoul involves a lot of walking and the COEX Starfield Library is one of the best places to take a break at.

Seasonal Art Installation

Depending on the season, there’s a huge art installation in the center of the library. In the winter, it’s usually a Christmas tree, but it’s also been an artificial garden and a sprawing tree made of reclaimed wood. It’s well-curated so take a moment to breathe it all in.

Kyoto Latte, a Hidden Gem

Stop by the café on the second floor and try the Kyoto latte from %Arabica. It’s popular with local office workers and tends to have a line around lunch time. Stop by again after 2 PM and the wait will be considerably shorter. If nothing else, it’ll give you a place to sit if the library seats are all taken.

Know When It’s Time to Leave

Don’t dawdle. The Starfield Library isn’t an attraction, it’s a short stop on your way somewhere else . The COEX mall and Hyundai Malls are well worth checking out with plenty of shops to browse. If you have more time, then Boutique M at Megabox is an upscale movie viewing experience. They have couch and recliner seating along with craft beer and smaller theaters.

Nearby Eats

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Hyundai Card Travel Library / Wonderwall

• Curated by ArchDaily
• Architects: Wonderwall
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  372 m²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2014
• Photographs Photographs: Nacasa & Partners Inc.
• Interior Design : Wonderwall Inc.
• Interior Contractor : KESSON
• Lighting : Plus y , Masaki Yasuhara
• City:  Seoul
• Country:  South Korea
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Text description provided by the architects. The project is a facility dedicated to the members of the Hyundai Card, which opened in Seoul , South Korea.

It is a “Travel Library” and a café that have been designed with a theme of travel. The concept of the design is a “Stock of Curiosity.”

The act of visiting this place is interpreted as a form of travel, and the space exhibits a thick accumulation of information, experience, and objects including a bookshelf that covers the entire wall from floor to ceiling.

The first floor cafe space features various chairs collected from around the world, hinting at the cultural diversity and encounters it offers to the visitors.

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Starfield Library (COEX)

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Check out this incredible giant library that just opened in Seoul

Jun 12, 2017 • 1 min read

Seoul, South Korea - September, 2018: View of Starfield Library in Starfield COEX Mall. The public library is a popular destination among tourists and citizens of Seoul.

The largest underground shopping center in Asia , COEX Mall, can now boast a library filled with over 50,000 titles to its name. Occupying a whopping 2800 square-meters in size, the brightly lit two-storey athenaeum has rightly been named Starfield Library after long being referred to as the Open Library.

Operated by a Shinsegae conglomerate, the library in Seoul opened on 31 May 2017, and hopes to attract more visitors to the mall whose numbers have been declining since 2014.

Books and magazines of all genres are available for bibliophiles who enjoy having paper at hand, and iPads for those who enjoy reading electronically. There are an estimated 200 seats available in the form of plush sofas, table seating and benches. Seating is key as the materials are for browsing in house only and there are no rentals as of yet.

Service kiosks and an information center can help you find the literature of your choice and while the majority of the books are in Korean, there is also English-language reading available.  With popular amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and plenty of power outlets, expect to find as many indulgent selfie-takers as you do serious readers. The plethora of events ranges from book talks and lectures to art exhibitions and more. The library is also receiving book donations and continuing to grow.

While travelers to Korea may not find the librarian-free space perfect for long hours of arduous study, just the image of the books upon books is a sight for sore eyes.

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Hyundai Card Travel Library

The project is a facility dedicated to the members of the HYUNDAI CARD, which opened in Seoul, South Korea. It is a “Travel Library” and a café that have been designed with a theme of travel. The concept of the design is a “Stock of Curiosity.” The act of visiting this place is interpreted as a form of travel, and the space exhibits a thick accumulation of information, experience, and objects-including a bookshelf that covers the entire wall from floor to ceiling. The first floor cafe space features various chairs collected from around the world, hinting at the cultural diversity and encounters it offers to the visitors.

Hyundai Card Travel Library : 87-9 Cheongdam-dong,Gangnam-gu,Seoul,Korea (Hyundai card holder only)

• CATEGORY: Branding Space / Branding Space
• Hospitality & Residential / Other
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• URL: http://library.hyundaicard.com/main.hdc
• COPYRIGHT: photo:Nacása & Partners Inc.

The Traveling Star

Starfield library (How to go, what to expect)

I’m sure by now you already saw a lot of photos of this huge library located in Seoul. Yes, I’m talking about the ever-so-famous Starfield library.

Since I was already in the area I decided to finally visit!

How to go to Starfield Library :

1. Get down at Samseong Station (line 2) 2. Get out from exit 6

There’s really nothing to do here but take photos unless you want to read a book! There’s Arabica too so if you want to drink some coffee and just relax then this could be an option for you!

Don’t forget that the library is inside a mall so if you need some items or you want to do shopping, don’t forget to walk around!

Watch my Seoul Travel Film here!

Read about my other  Seoul adventures

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Rediscover the Joy of Reading – 6 Cool Libraries & Bookstores in Seoul

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Seoul is a city that’s full of beautiful spots that are amazing to visit (and also for great pictures in your Instagram feed ). But nothing compares to the magical feeling you get when you walk into bookstores or libraries. It’s a space full of endless possibilities – you can get lost in a world of a Roman emperor or be a space pirate! There are no restrictions! You’re welcomed by thousands of books, all waiting to be picked up.

As a booklover, there is enjoyment in being able to browse aisle upon aisles of books all day long. For someone who hasn’t been in a place like this, it feels like finding peace in the usual hub-bub of city life. Something is comforting about being surrounded by books all around!

The city really knows how to showcase books beautifully, be it in stunning super-tall bookshelves in Starfield Library or the corridor with an archway of books that goes right up to the ceiling in Arc N Book bookstore. The whole experience is somewhat reminiscent of being in the great outdoors. It could be because of the musky smell of paperbacks. Or the tranquillity found in the rows of bookshelves as they hover above like tall trees.

Bookstores in Seoul have transformed into a haven to disconnect from smart devices and find solace from stresses of daily life. Some stores not only serve as a place to purchase books, but there are events organized routinely. There are book signings, thought-provoking lectures, and other cultural events to attract more people to visit.

Table of Contents

Its not just about books!

Many people gather at bookstores to socialize with friends at one of the adjoining restaurants or cafes . Seoul bookstores definitely have the concept of comfy, cozy vibes done right. So, even if you are not too into the books, you can enjoy these places as a place to hang out with friends.

In South Korea, coffee has become the number one caffeinated beverage of choice, and there are several cafés to boost your addiction. Some bookstores are incorporating coffee into the mix to provide an enhanced book browsing experience.

Ranging from concept book galleries to beloved independent gems, Seoul is definitely the city that has them all!

Starfield Library

At the center of Seoul’s Starfield COEX Mall , you’ll find one of Korea’s most popular sites, the Starfield Library. It is truly one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. It’s best known for its giant bookshelf, which towers at a whopping 13 meters (43 feet!). The library spans over 2,800 square meters! The Starfield Library is home to more than 50,000 books and magazines. Although most of them are written in the Korean language, there is an entire section that is dedicated to foreign titles and internationally acclaimed authors.

The library is a popular spot among both tourists and locals. It isn’t like a standard library as it can often get crowded and noisy. And you cannot check out books to enjoy at home. But, there’s always a place for you to sit and read. There are around 200 seats available in the library. Additionally, this place also acts as a venue for various lectures, mini-concert, and more, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of cultural events within its premises.

It has become quite the instagrammable spot for bibliophiles, tourists, and Belle-wannabes alike. The library has become a place to enjoy both books and beverages, regardless of the weather. Starfield Library is the perfect place to go for the authentic “reading entertainment” experience!

Address : B1, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (COEX Mall)

Hours : 10:30 – 22:00

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/starfield.library/

Arc N Book is another Instagram favorite with its warm ambiance and vintage architecture. It is a mix between a bookstore and a lifestyle space. There is a Harry Potter-esque book tunnel that welcomes you near the entrance. In this tunnel, there is an archway of books that goes right up to the ceiling. Further in, you can find the Ministry of Magic (Harry Potter) entrance-like bright red telephone booths which house computer stations to help you locate books. There are functional lamp posts and park benches next to the booth to complete the vintage vibe!

The bookstore is unique in another aspect. Books in the store are curated based on four themes – Daily, Weekend, Style, and Inspiration. The Daily section features books on family, career, & everyday living. The Weekend area showcases hobbies, sports, & leisure, while the Style section has an expansive collection of art & fashion. And of course, the Inspiration section features books on history, travel, movies, & philosophy. The store stocks around 30,000 books, with most of them being in Korean, but they do have a relatively good amount of English books.

As you move further inside, you will find an international variety of restaurants that serve cuisines from all over the world. For coffee lovers, there is a Sikmulhak (식물학 카페), or Botany Café, which can serve you your favorite dark roast.

Address : 29 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hours : 10:00 – 22:00

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/arc.n.book_official/

Book Park is a part of Blue Square, a performing arts hall built by Interpark, in the Yongsan district of Itaewon. It was made with intentions of creating a space that is “as breezy & tranquil as reading at a park.” To give you a treehouse-like feeling, it has several reading nooks and hideaways. People flock to the Book Park to take photographs with super-tall bookshelves! They run from floor to ceiling – nearly 88 feet high!

Book Park is an all-in-one bookstore, coffee shop, and art gallery. It is perfect for bookworms of all ages. Each floor of this two-story establishment is lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, holding a total of 100,000 books. Most of the books are for the categories in arts & science and only few are foreign. The bookstore frequently hosts supporting lectures & book seminars held inside its enormous conference hall. Besides, they also sell accessories, stationery, toys, and a wide assortment of knick-knacks!

Both floors also have their very own cafes, including Seoul’s famous specialty coffee chain, Holly’s Coffee. The best part about Book Park? It’s one of those rare places that allows you to borrow a book and enjoy it over a cup of coffee! With 200 seats available for visitors, everyone can kick back and enjoy their generous selection of titles

Address : Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong, Itaewon-ro, Seoul, South Korea

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bookpark_/

Book by Book

As you enter Book by Book, you will come across a unique sight where people are enjoying books with a chilled beer! Usually, you find a combination of comforting words like coffee and books together, giving you a sense of relaxation and a good time. Located in Gwanghwamun, Book by Book offers you a pleasant time with a book and beer. It is especially popular amongst business people working in the region.

Book by Book also offers book signing, book talk events, and one-day classes, allowing visitors to not only enjoy books but a variety of activities as well.

If you like both book and beer, that’s plenty of reason to add this place to your South Korea travel itinerary.

Address : 1F, 5-19 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours : 9:00 – 22:00 (Weekday), 12:00 – 19:00 (Saturday) * Closed Sunday, Public Holidays

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/book_by_book/

Naver Library

The Naver Library is in the office lobby of, you know it, the Naver company. Naver is the Google of Korea – you don’t Google, but you Naver whatever information you need. The library is famous for its beautiful design and its unique books. Even though it is in the office lobby of a company, it is open for everyone. You just need to carry your ID card to go inside. All the bookshelves have plants potted on the topmost shelf. Unlike standard libraries, the design for each area has been differently materialized to present the most optimized experience suitable for the characteristic of the book.

The books in the library are curated more in the categories of design and technology. You can find expensive design books (17,000), thick encyclopedias (1,300), trendy brand new IT books (7,000), and almost 250 kinds of worldwide magazines which are generally unavailable in other libraries. The books are arranged on the shelf, not showing their spines but their covers.

There is a lovely book café section in the library for a cup of coffee. The cafe fills the library with the aroma of the coffee, which makes the atmosphere soft and tender.

Address : NAVER Green Factory, 6 Buljeong-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province, Seoul

Hours : 9:00 – 21:00 (Weekday), 10:00 – 17:00 (Weekends) * Closed Public Holidays

Seoul Book Repository

It is Seoul’s very first public second-hand bookstore. It has a very striking interior with an industrial warehouse-vibe with a whopping 1,400 square meter area. An old warehouse, used previously for storing American marketing giant Amway’s products in southeastern Seoul, has been turned into the Seoul Book Repository. Round openings create a tunnel with rows of iron-frame bookshelves. Visitors can drift along this passageway, looking for a good read from the shelves stretching out on either side.

You can find over 120,000 books on the shelves! It gets its books from 25 other second-hand bookstores around the city and takes 10% from sales. The books are grouped based on the supplier, and each bookstore has its own cataloging system. It’s like a mini version of each book store under one roof.

It definitely a cool space to come and wander about while taking pictures. You will undoubtedly find an interesting book or two.

Address : Ogeum-ro 1, Songpa-gu, Seoul (14, Sincheon-dong) South Korea

Hours : 11:00 – 20:00 (Weekday), 10:00 – 20:00 (Weekends) * Closed every Monday

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/seoulbookbogo_official/

• Even if you can’t read Korean or not a books-fan, you should still visit one of these numerous bookstores or libraries around Seoul. It will definitely be a unique sensory experience.
• If you need assistance in looking for a particular book, do not hesitate to ask customer service. If there is a language barrier, you can show the photo of the book cover to communicate.
• The prices are comparable to US standards. Although nothing can beat the prices of online retailers, nothing can match a bookstore experience.
• You can check out the Social Media pages of the stores and libraries to know more about the organized events. If you find something interesting, you can add it to your itinerary.

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THE 10 BEST Seoul Libraries

Libraries in seoul.

• Visitor Centers
• Conference & Convention Centers
• Airport Lounges
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Samseong-dong
• Sillim-dong
• Cheongun-dong
• Samcheong-dong
• Hannam-dong
• Myeong-dong
• Samcheongdong / Bukchon
• Samseongdong / COEX
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Starfield Library

2. Seoul Metropolitan Library

3. The National Library of Korea

4. Hyundai Card Music Library

5. Gangbook Culture Information Library

6. Jungdok Public Library

7. Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University

8. dobong culture information library.

9. Namsan Public Library

10. Chungwoon Literature Library

11. dobong children's culture and information library, what travelers are saying.

• Starfield Library
• Seoul Metropolitan Library
• Hyundai Card Music Library
• The National Library of Korea
• Gangbook Culture Information Library

Seoul Libraries | List Of Libraries In Seoul Seen In K-Dramas

Starfield library isn't the only library in seoul an overview of seoul libraries, featured in k-dramas.

There are all sorts of cool spots in and around Seoul. Today, we're going to be talking about libraries.

When you think grand libraries, maybe you'll have the COEX Starfield Library in mind. But there are so many more awesome libraries to be found in Seoul, including those that are social media worthy or were featured in K-dramas.

COEX Starfield Library

Address: B1, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:30-21:00

Directions:  Samsung Station exit 5/exit 6, inside COEX

If you head over to B1 COEX from Samsung Station, you'll arrive at the first Seoul library, Starfield Library. There are over 10,000 books available for anybody to read. 

The Starfield Library is always packed, so I recommend arriving sometime around the opening time (10:30) on weekdays.

There's an escalator next to the library, from which you can take pictures of the library from multiple angles. Perfect social media post right there.

Check out COEX's SMTOWN after you're done with the library. It's a must for K-POP fans.

Book Park Blue Square

Address:  294 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Hours:  Tue-Sun 11:00-22:00

Directions: Hangangjin Station (line 6) exit 2

Book Park, made famous by the K-drama Chicago Typewriter, has shelves upon shelves of books and a three-story high ceiling. 

I recommend visiting Book Park during the day. Leaf through books with the sunlight pouring through the large windows and take pictures of the books on display. 

Compared to the loud and bustling Starfield Library or the super organized Arc.N.Book, Book Park is calmer and grander. 

Overall, the irregular colors surrounding the shelves make for great Insta photos.

There are books galore on each floor, which almost make you feel like you're walking through time and space. Just like in Chicago Typewriter. You're going to want to stay here forever.

Paju Forest of Wisdom

Address:  145 Hoedong-gil, Gyoha-dong, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00 Sat-Sun 10:00-20:00

Perhaps not as famous as the libraries introduced above, the Forest of Wisdom is still sought out by locals for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and movie-like interior.

The Forest of Wisdom has tens of thousands of books donated by Korean publishers, and is also a coffee shop. Even if you're not an avid book reader, you're going to be inspired to pick up a book once you're here. 

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are all filled with books, all grandly organized. You can read any of the books, but only while within the library. 

The K-Drama What's Wrong With Secretary Kim was shot at the Forest of Wisdom.

I recommend you finish your shopping spree at the Paju Outlet and come over to the Forest of Wisdom to take some amazing photos (and read a book).

Seoul Book Bogo

Address:  1 ogeum-ro, songpa-gu, seoul.

Hours: Tue-Fri: 11:00-20:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00-20:00 Public Holiday: 10:00-20:00 Closed: January 1, Lunar New Year, Chuseok.

Directions:  Jamsillaru Station Exit 1

It became popular thanks to the Korean drama Hotel Del Luna. It has a very unique design that you'll probably find very impressive.

When you walk in, you will feel that it is really a library, and everyone inside is very serious about finding and reading books. If you're here to take pictures, be careful not to bother others.

Songpa Book Museum

Address:  서울 송파구 송파대로 37길 77 77 Songpa-daero 37-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Entrance Fee: Free

Hours:  10:00-18:00 Closed: Mon, public holidays

Directions:  Seokchon Station Exit 6

You'll find Songpa Book Museum beside a new apartment complex and minutes from Seokchon Market.

When you first step in, you'll walk into a large hall with a comfortable wooden design.

The stair-like seats are perfect for picking up a book and getting to it right away as well as for hosting book-related events.

There were not events happening on my visit, but I was able to capture locals and children freely browsing and reading books.

Upstairs you'll find the media library with touches of yellow. You can watch movies and video clips here on desktop computers and iPads.

The permanent exhibition explores the past, present and future of books. It'll take you back in time all the way to Joseon Dynasty.

It explores the past of books and reading.

You'll find Sookhyangjeon , a classic Korean novel from the 17th century as well as furniture from the olden times like desks and bookshelves. 

You can try out a couple of things at the exhibition too! The photo above is me trying out Gyeongseotong , a container for memorizing scriptures.

They wrote down phrases they need to memorize, put them in the container and carried it around to study on the go.

The one I got was 월광독서, roughly meaning even when one is poor to the point of relying on moonlights instead of candle lights, studying needs to be done diligently. It sounds like something my mom would say.

The second space of the exhibition shows the present days of books and reading!

You can see the overall trends of books and how Korean authors get their books published.

It'll be an interesting one to check out for those who love books regardless of the language the books are written in.

I personally think this is the coolest space at Songpa Book Museum.

It feels like a scene from a K-pop music video! Definitely pose for a photo or two here.

The above photos show brainstorming notes of mystery thriller author Jeong You-jeong's. You can see how much thinking and planning she does before writing her mysteries.

Here, you can see rooms of publishers' and designers' and really feel how much work and effort of many go in before a book is born.

The next section is about typography.

The first lead-type letterpress print was first made in Joseon in 1436. It was not successful in commercialization then and Germany later started using it widely.

You can try out letterpress printing at the museum too! I was happy they came out so beautiful.

Be sure to do a couple to take home as souvenirs.

Lastly, they have lockers for you to store heavy items so you can browse around more freely.

Library Locations

Itaewon: Book Park

Sinsadong/Gangnam: Starfield Library 

Paju:  Forest of Wisdom

Jamsil: Seoul Book Bogo, Songpa Book Museum

Check out some of these amazing libraries if you can fit it into your Seoul itinerary.

This blog post is about Seoul Libraries. If you have questions about information not covered in the blog post, please email us at [email protected]

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• The top-ranked citizen-favorite "Seoul Outdoor Library" is making a comeback...expanding from Seoul'... 03/28/2024
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7 Cool Libraries & Bookstores in Seoul

Is anyone surprised to discover there are some incredible libraries and bookstores in Seoul?

As anyone who’s been in Korea long enough knows, this country is packed in. Owning a house is very uncommon, and more often families rent apartments in skyscrapers and live together in incredibly enclosed spaces.

This is why I believe public places are so popular, especially in even more densely populated places. Just think of how many cafes in Seoul there are, not to mention just how common it is to find one even in the most rural of areas. You also have tons of parks and green space throughout the city for warmer months.

Well, no surprise, there are plenty of libraries and bookstores to come study or work at! I love Korea’s book culture, where it does seem people still prefer buying or renting physical books rather than reading everything online. Here are some of my picks for cool spots to check out!

7 Cool Libraries & Bookstores in Seoul

1. Arc n Book (아크앤북)

On KakaoMap // Use Eulljiro 1ga Station, Exit 1-1

Arc N Book is more of a mix between a bookstore and lifestyle space. In between checking out their book selection and taking a photo of their Gatsby themed, art deco interiors, they also have restaurants and sitting areas to hang out. Hallie and I actually got a super delicious meal at the Taiwanese restaurant there!

2. Bandi & Lundis (반디앤루니스)

On KakaoMap (Express Bus Terminal)

Bandi & Lundis is a bit of a franchise, but my favorite location is at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal where it’s part of the Shinsegae Mall. I used to always bus to Seoul from Namwon, so I killed a lot of time wandering (and shopping heh) through B&L’s selection! They always had the best adult coloring books.

It’s actually quite huge now, with two parts: the bookstore section and another section with random knickknacks and office or school supplies. Seriously, proceed with caution, or you’ll walk away with tons of random, cute stationery you definitely don’t need!

3. Book Park in Blue Square (북파크)

On KakaoMap // Get off at Hangangjin Station, Exit 2

Popped over here with Hallie and Angie after we visited the D Museum! Book Park is a mix of bookstore, cafe, and an art gallery. Since it has a ton of seats and tables, it’s actually one of the better spots on this list if you want actually do a little studying or work.

It’s part of the Blue Square , which is a performing arts hall built by Interpark. The whole Book Park section is multiple stories, and the big photo spot is by the staircase, so be prepared to see some photographers camped out!

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Ken Lum Lee | 📍Seoul (@klumlee) on Aug 23, 2016 at 11:34pm PDT

4. Naver Library (네이버라이브러리)

On KakaoMap // Use Jeongja Station, Exit 3. From there, you want to take Bus 55-1 and get off at Naver.

For one of the more random libraries in Seoul, the Naver Library is in the office lobby of, you guessed it, Naver company. Naver is the Google of Korea, quite literally. Like you don’t Google information here, you Naver it.

I remember seeing photos of the pretty green plants on top of the bookshelves, but I haven’t had a chance to visit yet myself! The type of books they have are more along the lines of design and technology, and there’s a nice cafe section. One lovely fact that I read was that the library specifically employs the elderly!

Apparently, you need some sort of ID to enter, so don’t forget to bring your ARC or passport.

5. Seoul Book Repository (서울책보고)

On KakaoMap // Use Jamsilnaru Station (잠실나루역), Exit 1

Recently opened, the Seoul Book Repository has become Seoul’s very first public secondhand bookstore. Its industrial design is a nod to the bookstore’s recent use as an warehouse, and the shelves are filled with over 120,000 books.

It gets its books from other secondhand bookstores around the city and takes 10% from sales. Because the books are grouped by these bookstores rather than genre or title, it forces visitors to browse more rather than rush in and rush out. (Source)

This is definitely a cool place to come, photograph, and then wander and see what kind of interesting books you find. Marie and I had fun seeing the different English titles or books we already knew and loved! If you’re studying Korean, this is a fun place to come and pick up some books to read.

6. Starfield Coex Library (별마당도서관)

Okay, so really the library name translates to Star Garden Library, but I think most people know it as the Starfield Coex Library as it’s in the COEX Mall .

Frankly speaking, this isn’t really a library or a bookstore but more an art piece of a photo spot. I do think they have events here sometimes, but if you’re hoping for a quiet spot to sit and relax or read, this is not it. When we went to escape the rain, it was crazy crowded. Also a lot of the bookshelves weren’t even books you could pull down and look at it but fake covers glued into the wall!

It’s a cool spot to see if you’re in the mall or nearby Bongeunsa, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to just see it unless you’re one of those people who plans your visits solely for the ‘gram.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by MY.Choi 🇰🇷 여행 추억하기💕 소소한 일상💕 (@choi_ha2) on Oct 13, 2019 at 12:38am PDT

7. Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관)

On KakaoMap // Closest Bus Stop is Gyeonggi Sango Jongno (경기상고 정류장) and then it’s still a 10 min walk

I 100% am visiting here on my next trip because it looks so lovely! This is the only library on the list that has any sort of hanok design, and Cheongun is located near Inwangsan.

This also reminds me of most libraries I got used to Suncheon , where it’s definitely geared towards being a normal space for study and work. The highlight is the seating area with views to the bamboo garden and, of course, the area is nice to go for a stroll when you need a study break!

And those are my picks for fun bookstores or libraries in Seoul to visit on your next trip! Visit to hang out with friends, shop for some Korean novels, or to get some work done!

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Watcher Entertainment Launches Its Own Subscription Streaming Service: ‘We’re Leaving YouTube’

By Todd Spangler

Todd Spangler

NY Digital Editor

• Watcher Entertainment Launches Its Own Subscription Streaming Service: ‘We’re Leaving YouTube’ 2 hours ago
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UPDATED: After building its business on YouTube and generating more than 400 million views on the platform, Watcher Entertainment will now offer full series of its original unscripted content — including “Ghost Files,” “Mystery Files” and “Puppet History” — exclusively on its new, subscription-based streaming service.

Watcher was formed by former BuzzFeed creators Steven Lim , Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej , who were behind popular BuzzFeed shows “Worth It” and “BuzzFeed Unsolved.” They launched their YouTube channel in January 2020.

Popular on Variety

On Friday, the trio posted on X that “We’re leaving YouTube” with a link to their “Goodbye YouTube” video. The company originally told Variety that Watcher would eventually remove all of its videos from YouTube, where it currently has 2.9 million subscribers. However, according to Bergara, Watcher is not fully exiting YouTube: It will still keep its backlog of videos on YouTube, and going forward will put the first episodes of new seasons on YouTube — while the full new seasons will be exclusively available on the Watcher streamer.

The Watcher Entertainment team’s bet is that they can earn more money by charging fans for their content than from YouTube ad revenue.

Lim, who serves as CEO, said the trio have spent more than a decade creating and distributing their content through YouTube, which “has been a wonderful home for us to sharpen our skills as filmmakers, grow as human beings, and connect directly with our fans.”

“From the very start of Watcher, our goal was to make television-quality unscripted content, and while YouTube helped us start that journey, the only way we can fully realize that vision is to do it on our own platform,” Bergara said. “So while it’s scary to leave a place that has been an amazing home to us, we know that this is a risk worth taking, just like leaving BuzzFeed was back in 2019.”

Madej added, “In four short years we’ve built a library of shows that we’re incredibly proud of, and we’ve done it by sticking to our creative values. We intend to keep delivering the world’s best unscripted entertainment, and the streamer is our way of cutting out the middleman and giving our viewers the opportunity to directly support the stuff they love.”

To date, L.A.-based Watcher Entertainment has produced 22 original series in the paranormal, food and edutainment spaces.

With the launch of the Watcher subscription service, the company plans to invest in new projects — such as sending “Ghost Files” to an international locale for the first time. Watcher also plans to debut new series, including a reunion of the team behind BuzzFeed’s food show “Worth It”: Andrew Ilnyckyj and Adam Bianchi will join Steven Lim in a new series called “Travel Season,” billed as a “globetrotting food and travel odyssey,” beginning in the food mecca of Seoul, South Korea.

Here’s the Watcher team’s “Goodbye YouTube” video:

Pictured above (l. to r.): Watcher Entertainment’s Steven Lim, Shane Madej, Ryan Bergara

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