There are many places to read books, but Starfield Library Suwon provides a unique experience. It’s no exaggeration to say that the library is the hottest one in Korea right now. With an estimated 250,000 people visiting the library since it first opened, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. So, what makes Starfield Library Suwon special?

It’s a spacious 2,016 square meters, with bookshelves reaching as high as the fourth floor of the building, which houses about 60,000 books. There are books on humanities, economics, hobbies and practical fields, as well as foreign books and magazines. The bookshelves are arranged in three sections: center, left and right. Especially from the 4th floor to the 7th floor, the space above and below is open, which gives it a special appearance. The uniqueness of the bookshelves makes the library worth a visit, and in fact, you’ll always find visitors taking pictures with their smartphone cameras against the backdrop of the 22-meter-high bookshelves. The ceiling is decorated with planet shapes, so you’ll feel like you’re in outer space.

The Grand Staircase is where anyone can comfortably sit, with bookshelves placed around.

In the center of the library is the Grand Staircase, a tiered seating area where anyone can rest or chat. Grab a book from the library, sit on the Grand Staircase, and read for hours. Since this is a cultural space centered around books, anyone visiting is free to read any books available. You can use the book search desk if you’re looking for something specific. There are also places where you can read e-books on a tablet computer.

If you don’t like open spaces, don’t worry. There are plenty of private reading areas where you can get some privacy. There are spacious, multi-person table seats like you’d find in a library, hidden nooks between bookshelves and even a single window seat where you can read alone with a view of the courtyard library. Each seat also has an electrical outlet, so you can get some personal work done. There are also several cafes on each floor and between floors. They’re perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee and reading.

(Left) Visitors can read while looking out through the windows facing the library.
(Right) Both parents and children can comfortably read in Starfield Library Kids Suwon.

The library is also a great place to visit with children. The children’s library on the third floor, “Starfield Library Kids Suwon,” is filled with books that will spark their interest. It is a place of endless imagination where children can nurture their dreams while reading books. The room has child-friendly themes such as “rest” and “energy.” The seats are made of colorful cushions so children can lie down or sit and read comfortably. The bookshelves are organized like a maze, so children can have fun wandering around. Of course, there is also a comfortable place for parents to sit with their children. Starfield Library Kids Suwon is a happy place where you can see parents reading and chatting side by side with their children.

Starfield Library Suwon offers more than books. Because the library is located in the Starfield Suwon shopping mall, various cultural experiences are nearby.

The library is, of course, centered around books, so it’s only natural that various cultural events related to books are held here. Every week, there are author talks, lectures and book concerts. Every month, there are also music concerts, including jazz and classical music. The library also puts on events for children. Musical performances held here allow the children to immerse themselves in their imagination.

If you want to attend these diverse events but are concerned that there won’t be enough seats, don’t worry. Lectures and performances usually begin on the lowest level of the Book Concert Hall, where the vertical openness of the space allows visitors to sit on the bleachers or in window seats on other levels. Don’t worry about where to sit because everyone can enjoy Starfield’s events anytime. Lectures and events will be updated frequently on the Starfield Suwon website and Starfield Library Suwon Instagram, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested!

In addition to these events, Starfield Suwon is also home to “Vinyl Starfield Suwon,” where you can listen to vinyl. A variety of vinyl is available so you can choose your favorite music. Each seat is equipped with a turntable, so you can put on a headset and enjoy the music in silence. Especially if you sit by the window, you can see the magnificent Starfield Library Suwon spread out in front of you, and listening to music while taking in the scene will make you feel like you are watching a scene from a space movie.

What’s more, there are a number of shopping malls and restaurants across the street from the library so that you can enjoy various cultural activities with the library as a beautiful backdrop. With such a variety of lectures, events and activities held every week, it’s no exaggeration to say that Starfield Library Suwon is a cultural space where you can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences beyond books.

Whether you’re bored of the quiet and monotonous library, need a break from shopping or want to fill a few moments of monotony while waiting for someone, Starfield Library Suwon is the place to be. Once you enter this special place, you’ll find yourself totally immersed in books.

Not only literature but also various magazines and picture books are available.