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☀️ Top 3 Indoor Malls to Cool Off in Seoul This Summer
Seoul summers can get pretty hot and humid — and when the sun is blazing, spending the day outside can feel exhausting. So why not escape the heat in style?
These three massive indoor shopping malls in Seoul offer everything from fashion and food to bookstores, aquariums, and even art exhibits. Best of all? They’re fully air-conditioned and perfect for spending an entire day without breaking a sweat!
🏩 1. Starfield COEX Mall – Don’t Skip the Iconic Starfield Library!
- Location: Connected to Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 5/6) and Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, Exit 7)
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM, open daily
- Why Visit: It’s the largest underground mall in Asia (about 154,000 m² on one level!)
Starfield COEX Mall, tucked beneath the trendy Gangnam district, is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a full-on lifestyle hub. With over 700 stores, four food courts, a Megabox cinema, a huge Hyundai department store, and even a duty‑free section, you can actually spend an entire day indoors without ever getting bored.
The heart of the mall is the Starfield Library, also known as Byeolmadang Library. This Instagram-friendly space stretches over B1 and 1F, with towering 13 meter bookshelves filled with around 50,000 books and magazines. Cozy up with a coffee at % Arabica or Bee Angel next to the bookshelves—yes, there’s free seating!
For even more entertainment, wander into the COEX Aquarium, home to over 40,000 marine animals across 90 themed zones—including an epic undersea tunnel where sharks and turtles glide above you. Even better, you’ll find kid-friendly zones like Mermaid performances, feeding shows, and a marine touch lab.
Don’t miss the SMTOWN COEX Artium, where K‑pop fans can unwind with interactive exhibitions and merch. Plus, there’s a Kidzania experience zone, a TGX golf academy, and frequent pop‑ups and events throughout the year.
Want to check store directories or events in advance? 👉 Visit the official Starfield COEX Mall website
“The library is absolutely gorgeous. And the fact that everything’s indoors made it the perfect summer hangout!”
“The aquarium was surprisingly big and really fun. Plus, so many cafés to relax in!”
“It’s one of the largest underground malls—I love that I can spend the entire day here, no matter the weather.”
🌿 2. The Hyundai Seoul – Your Urban Green Escape
- Location: Connected to Yeouido Station (Line 5, Exit 3) and Saetgang Station (Line 9, Exit 1)
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM weekdays / until 8:30 PM on Fri–Sun
- Why Visit: A department store meets indoor park — perfect for a chill day out
The Hyundai Seoul isn’t your typical department store — it’s more like a gallery-meets-garden hybrid. Its modern architecture includes airy open spaces, glass ceilings, and plenty of greenery that makes every stroll feel refreshing.
Don’t miss the B2 “Creative Ground” — a buzzing hub designed for the MZ generation, filled with pop-up shops, tech showcases, and interactive zones. On the 1st floor, the Waterfall Garden creates a serene first impression, while B1 “Tasty Seoul” offers a curated food street with local cafés and eatery gems.
When you head up to the 5th floor, you’ll find Sounds Forest, an indoor park with benches tucked among plants and filtered sunlight — a perfect spot to read, sip coffee, or just unwind.
Want to explore more about this unique space? 👉 Visit the official Hyundai Seoul website
“It feels like a gallery more than a mall — so peaceful and aesthetic!”
“They’ve got trendy pop‑ups and cafés everywhere, plus spots to actually sit and relax.”
“Creative Ground is such a vibe — I spent hours exploring their cute shops and art corners.”
🎡 3. Lotte World Mall – Shop, Eat, Skate, and View the City
- Location: Directly linked to Jamsil Station (Line 2 & Line 8)
- Hours: Mall 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Aquarium/Cinema similar
- Why Visit: A mega complex with shopping, dining, aquarium, cinema & Seoul Sky observatory
Lotte World Mall is part of the iconic Lotte World Tower — Korea’s tallest building and a must-see landmark. The mall complex spans 11 floors above and 6 below ground, connected directly to the tower and Avenue L luxury wing.
The Lotte World Aquarium is something special — housing 55,000 marine animals across 650 species, with a breathtaking 85-meter undersea tunnel and themed zones like penguin zones and reef displays.
Don’t miss Seoul Sky observatory on 117–123F — complete with glass-floored decks and panoramic cafés. It’s Korea’s highest observation deck and a breathtaking spot for photos and sunset views.
The mall also features one of Korea’s largest cinemas, Lotte Cinema World Tower, with premium formats like Super Plex and private lounges. Not to mention trendy food spots — from Knotted World donuts to Gordon Ramsay Burger and Viking’s Wharf lobster buffet.
Want to plan your visit ahead? 👉 Visit the official Lotte World Mall website
“The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking at night — and shopping before the observatory visit? Genius!”
“The aquarium is unreal — that tunnel is a must-see!”
“So much to do — cinema, dining, observatory, and shopping all in one place. I love bringing my overseas friends here.”
🔗 Want to Enjoy Summer Even More?
Once you've cooled off indoors, why not hit the beach too? Check out this post for 2025’s official beach opening dates across Korea — perfect for planning your summer escape.
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