VOL.54
July 2019
Trip — Starfield Library
Invitation to Space for
Knowledge and Culture
Starfield Library
A large library was opened in May 2017 in the center of COEX Mall in Seoul. An area of 2,800m2 is surrounded with 13-meter-tall bookcases filled with 50,000 books. Conceptualized as a cozy personal study wrapped by gentle lights, the library is where visitors can also work with their laptops on tables of various shapes. Anyone is invited to this special space filled with a vast amount of knowledge and culture that can be called real-world big data.
© Efired/Shutterstock.com
At Starfield Library, visitors can read or work with their laptops as if they were in their own cozy study © 2p2play/Shutterstock.com
Multipurpose Space with Various Cultures
Opened on May 31, 2017, Starfield Library celebrates its second anniversary this year. As its name suggests, the library was designed by Shinsegae as an open space for dreams based on the design of Takeo City Library in Japan. With 13-meter-tall bookcases, the library offers a collection of books on economics, hobby, liberal arts, and other practical interests. It also offers the latest magazines and e-books that can be read with tablet PCs. As a cozy shelter in the heart of bustling COEX Mall in Gangnam, the library instantly became a popular tourist attraction and meeting venue for Seoulites.
The library offers various events on different monthly or daily themes that can culturally inspire visitors. On June 6, as a special event to celebrate the library’s second anniversary, French writer Bernard Werber was invited to hold a book event as one of the most beloved novelists in Korea. Mr. Werber talked about “Imagination and Communication.” The next day’s event had Suk Son, Korea’s loved stage actress, give a speech on “Stage and Life.” On June 14, novelist Ji-yeong Gong met her fans in her talk “Love, Inspiration, and Arts”. The venue is often used for musical concerts as well as special lectures and book concerts. With the harmony of jazz piano, cello, drum, double bass, orchestra, and saxophone, the library also offers a unique romantic charm.
Starfield Library has more lectures and concerts scheduled for this month. Professor Hong-jun Yu will give a lecture titled “Discernment – An Eye for Beauty” on June 21 and Professor Hyeon-jun Yu on “What Is Your Zodiac Sign?” on June 28. Majestic Youth Orchestra and Soul Star concert will be held at the library as well. Specific dates and times are available on the website of Starfield Library.
Starfield Library became a tourist attraction of COEX Mall and a popular meeting place © KoreaKHW/Shutterstock.com
Sanctuary of Knowledge and Culture
There is one thing that uniquely separates Starfield Library from most other libraries: No one takes care of the books. Starfield Library has no means to recognize or prevent anyone from sneaking out books because it aims to become a library managed only based on trust. Is this really happening? No one monitors the books in the library built in the center of COEX Mall in Gangnam, Seoul? Even before the library was opened, many said that would be a reckless experiment. In fact, the library witnessed some problems at first. Many people sneaked out a book or two, and some even left the library with several books stuffed in their bag. Criticism about the “reckless experiment” was understandable.
However, even when books kept being lost, the number of books in the bookcases did not decrease as ordinary citizens began to support the experiment of Starfield Library. More and more people began to donate books they wanted to share with others. A housewife donated books recommended by her children, an office worker gladly donated his books on investment techniques with the hope to help others in need, and an employee of Shinsegae donated over 1,000 books to the library.
Beginning with 50,000 books, Starfield Library has now become a sanctuary of books based on the interest and donations of many people. So many books were donated that the main job of library employees became receiving donated books. Currently, Starfield Library is operated by Youngpoong Bookstore, which obtained the operating right from Shinsegae Property. The company is now managing the existing books and donated books and adding more books. Of course, the library maintains the philosophy of being a library operated based on trust.
Media Façade
Media Facade is a combined term of “media” and “facade” which means the external wall of a building. It is an imaging method that projects various images on the external walls of a building.
Starfield Library converges various cultures, trust, knowledge, and people © Picnote/Shutterstock.com
Fairly Attractive Space for Everyone
Starfield Library has many different characteristics and charms. One of the biggest charms of this library filled with culture, trust, and knowledge may be autonomy. People stop to enjoy this unexpected space and make new experiences. They can freely read and buy books. There is no need to buy drinks or books because this attractive space is open to everyone. Visitors can stay in this library all day long without worrying about being asked to leave.
Some department stores or shopping malls offer such events occasionally, but they cannot be efficiently linked to the themes and concepts of the space. Thanks to the image and symbolic nature of liberal arts embodied by the space itself, however, Starfield Library has a significant impact when it provides certain cultural contents. This is demonstrated by numerous hashtags and location tags in social media whenever special lectures and library concerts are held. A space that tells stories not only attracts people, but also moves people’s hearts, as anyone can see at Starfield Library.
Information
- B1, Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero Gangnam-gu Seoul
- Hours
- 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Entrance Fee
- Free of charge
- 82-2-6002-3031
Starfield Library