Top Things to Do at COEX Mall in Seoul | Shopping, Dining & More

With online shopping on the rise, we get that malls can be overwhelming places that drain your energy (cue weaving your way through crowds holding heavy shopping bags and getting overstimulated as your bag slides down your shoulder). But trust us when we say COEX Mall is worth the visit. As Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, it delivers way more than just retail therapy.

It’s directly connected to Samseong Station (Subway Line 2, Exits 5 and 6) and Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, Exit 7) and has anything you can ever imagine, with 1,660,000 square feet of retail heaven, but don’t be overwhelmed, as we’re here to help you find the best spots to visit!

1. What To Do

A) Shop at COEX Mall & Hyundai Department Store

COEX Mall:

| Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00

Hyundai Department Store:

| Address: 517 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30-20:00, Fri-Sun 10:30-20:30

COEX Mall and Hyundai Department Store are directly connected to each other, so you can bounce between both spots with convenience without ever going outside. COEX boasts over 300 shops, focusing on a youthful buzz and blockbuster attractions, while Hyundai Department Store offers a more prestigious shopping experience and a sophisticated, curated luxury vibe. You’ll need a lot of restraint to resist swiping your card at every store!

B) View Marine Life at the Aquarium

If you’re tired of humans and need a peaceful escape, what better place to visit than an aquarium? Marine creatures don’t talk back, give you attitude, or ghost you, which makes them pretty ideal company. The SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium is home to over 40,000 sea animals across more than 650 species, and every single one of them minds their own business. You’ll see sharks, rays, and even a legendary manatee. Be sure to walk through the Deep Blue Tunnel, a favorite photo spot where sea life might casually photobomb your selfie. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also catch a live mermaid show or feed some penguins.

▷Enjoy the SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium with our discount ticket!◁

C) Get a Selfie at the Iconic Starfield Library

 

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The Starfield Library is the glowing heart of COEX Mall, and the star of countless Instagram feeds and reels posts. The soaring 13-meter-tall bookshelves (though most of the books, especially ones on the high shelves, are just set dressings) are hard to miss, and the go-to photo ops are right in the center with all the books in the background, or while riding the escalator. If you’re really looking to get immersed in a book, this might not be the place. It’s more of a “pretend to read and hope someone asks what you’re reading” kind of vibe. With people constantly milling around, it’s loud, but perfect for people-watching!

Kick off your Seoul adventure at the library, then explore Seoul and beyond:

• Seoul Hallyu K-pop Full Day Tour
• Seoul Highlights: Must-Visit Spots 1 Day Tour

D) Catch a Film at the MEGABOX Movie Theatre

 

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Why just watch a movie when you can have your own main character moment at MEGABOX, Seoul’s coolest multiplex? Watching a film here is a whole experience in itself – think Hollywood-level, massive screens with the high-tech sound systems, cushy recliners, and a popcorn-to-butter ratio nailed to perfection *chef’s kiss. If you need a break from your shopping marathon or human interaction, slip into a movie theater and instantly teleport into the world of superheroes, romance, or horror.

E) Check Out the Convention Center/Exhibition Hall/Popups

 

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The COEX Mall is part of the larger COEX complex, which includes the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center. If you’re feeling stuck in a shopping rut, head to the Convention Center, which hosts everything from a vegan fair to a gaming expo and a LEGO exhibition. There’s so much to see and do, and just when your wallet thinks it’s safe, you’re likely to purchase merchandise, food, and drink at the stalls. With over 200 exhibitions and 2,000+ events a year, every visit to the Convention Center is a game of “Guess What’s Happening?”.

Korea is also pop-up central, and in COEX Mall, Seoul’s quirkiest pop-ups appear out of nowhere. Think anime-themed photo zones, clothing, and new food launches, K-beauty vending machines, or even a selfie booth with an airline seat inside. Normal is not a thing here; anything out of the box is welcome. Check the pop-up schedule online before you go, or don’t, if you’re feeling spontaneous!

2. Where To Eat

A) Menshoku COEX

| Address: B03, B1, Dosim Airport Tower, 36 Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:30)

| Recommended Menu: Full Topping Ramen (17,500 KRW), Soyu Ramen (13,000 KRW), Salt Ramen with Chicken Soup (13,000 KRW)

Menshoku is a cute little ramen hideout… the perfect place for slurping away all the chaos of Seoul one noodle strand at a time. Choose from an array of signature ramen bowls, including tonkotsu (rich pork broth), shoyu (soy-based broth), and spicy miso, typically topped with pork chasu, soft-boiled eggs, green onions, bamboo shoots, and nori. Be sure to add a plate of pan-fried dumplings or Japanese fried chicken as a side to really fill you up. Expect broths and textures that’ll make your taste buds do a high-five in delight.

B) THE PLACE Italian Urban Bistro

| Address: The Place, B1F, J102, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (next to Zara and A-Land) (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:00)

| Recommended Menu: Salsiccia Diavola Pizza (25,000 KRW), Calamari & Gamberi Fritto (19,000 KRW), Honeycomb Mortadella Toto Pizza (26,000 KRW)

The Place Italian Urban Bistro is a wonderland of pizza, pasta, and show-stopping plates, but don’t worry—it’s not just about flashy presentation. The food tastes just as amazing as it looks. From classic pasta and risotto to clever fusion mashups and customizable dishes, there’s something for every pizza purist, carb devotee, and even the token salad-lover in your crew. And don’t skip out on wine o’clock, because at this spot, every hour feels like wine o’clock.

C) Shake Shack COEX

| Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Samseong-dong) COEX Mall, B1, inside Megabox COEX (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 10:30-22:00

| Recommended Menu: Double Smoke Shake Set (21,600 KRW), Hot Chicken Set (14,600 KRW), Bacon Shake Burger Set (16,600 KRW)

Shake Shack, New York’s favorite burger, landed in Seoul, bringing all the delicious baggage: juicy patties, crinkle-cut fries, and shakes that’ll have you plotting a second round. Grab your tray and a window seat, and watch Seoul’s most fashionable flexing over a ShackBurger, and add cheese fries because what good is a burger without some fries with a satisfying cheese pull? If you’re in a rush and need a quickie in the middle of your shopping spree, fear not, as Shake Shack’s speed is a chef’s kiss.

D) Arabica Coffee

| Address: 1F, Starfield COEX Mall, Byeolmadang Library, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-21:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-21:00

| Recommended Menu: Seoul Latte (7,700 KRW), Espresso Machiatto (5,500 KRW), Spanish Latte (7,200 KRW)

% Arabica Coffee, the legendary Japanese coffee brand, made its Korea debut right in the heart of COEX, and Seoulites and travelers haven’t stopped buzzing about it since. That explains the weekday lines that stretch past Starfield Library. If you’re into minimalist vibes with crisp white interiors and gold accents, and you judge a cafe by how good your coffee looks on Instagram, this is your dream spot. But it’s not just about looks. Arabica is serious about its beans. From espresso and classic lattes to Kyoto-style brews, Spanish lattes, and matcha, they’ve got it all. Don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the iconic % logo to top it all off.

E) GBD Coffee

| Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, COEX 1F E001A (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:00)

| Recommended Menu: Tiramisu Cake (8,000 KRW), Pana Cotta (5,000 KRW), Coffee of the Day (4,400 KRW)

GBD Coffee isn’t just your typical mall cafe. Nestled on the upper floor near Starfield Library, it radiates a tranquil, Japanese-inspired energy. Yes, they have lines, but it’s quietly nuzzling rather than being chaos central, which makes it perfect for coffee nerds who like the sound of clinking cups more than chattering crowds. It’s the ideal spot when you need a “pause button” in the middle of your Seoul mall crawl, and you can get plenty of Vitamin D thanks to the huge windows and heaps of natural light. The Tiramusu is non-negotiable as it’s famously rich and big enough to induce a “cream cheese coma.”