Suwon Starfield Library & Seoul COEX Library: Which One's Better?!

A must go-to location for book lovers whenever you're in Korea!!

You must have heard about the infamous COEX Starfield Library in Seoul. A whimsical take on public library located in the heart of a bustling Supermall. Photos of viral floor to ceiling bookcase have been circling around social media for some time now. The rows and rows of books on light up shelves, brings in the modern-classical vibes seamlessly. Needles to say, the place truly is Instagram worthy. No wonder it draws in so much attention, and rightfully so! From kids to adults, locals and tourist, shoppers or readers alike, it's a go to weekend destination. But be ready for the crowds hahahaa... (quicktip: if you hate crowds then I recommend to visit on weekdays, weekends tend to be crowdy even at odd hours lol)

COEX Starfield Library

 

But not to worry!! due to such positive responds from the public they open a brand new one in Suwon. A short 1 hour KTX ride outside of Seoul, you can visit the brand new Starfield Library. I personally live in Hyangnam city so for me this new location is far closer. So what's the difference between the Soul library and the Suwon one? Well... not much really hahahha, but here's  my personal review.

1. Not much of a library but more of an 'icon'

Especially the Suwon branch, the one in COEX Seoul at least have more rows of bookshelf where you can ACTUALLY grab the books and read them. The one in Suwon, must of the books on the shelves are only for show. The big-ol bookcase you see on everybody's photo are just display, for it seems nearly impossible for anyone to take the books from the higher shelves. Nevertheless the one in COEX have more bookcase on the sides where you can freely browse books, there's even sofas and lounge chair for people to sit and read. The same thing can't be said for the Suwon one.

2. Which one's prettier? Probably Suwon

From an aesthetic point of view, I have to give this to Suwon. Because the library is located in the center of the mall, you can view it from every floor. there's also a designated photo spot on the third floor if you like. And not only the sprawling bookshelves, the library also features lanterns!! If you bring your little ones, there's also a kids section on one of the floors. seating spaces were limited to the stairs and some chairs, so if you want to really read and chill I would recommend stopping by one of the cafes.

Suwon Starfield Library

3. The viral Vinyl Café - A no for me sadly:(

Why was it a no for me? Well I wouldn't call myself a coffee connoisseur, but I know a watered down latte when I tasted one. I think the main selling point of the vinyl café is the ambience and the vibes (and not the coffee..). But if you want to sit down and listen to vinyl while reading books like the ultimate hipster girlie then you have to prepare 18.000won. The price does include 1 free beverage. but no worries, if you don't want to pay that much then you can take the coffee to go and just drink on the library's steps, still a pretty decent hipster girlie to me lol.

Overall both libraries are great and definitely should go on your itinerary whenever you visit Korea. Especially for all my bookish baby it's such an interesting destination. and not to worry there's so much activities and destination close to both of these library. Here I'll even list them for you:

1. Shopping obvi!
2. visit the COEX aquarium
3. if you're in Suwon visit the Hwaseong Fortress, just a brief 20 min from Starfield (recommended during sunset!)