COEX and Starfield Library
COEX is a convention center and one of Asia’s largest underground malls. In the middle stands Starfield Library, with bookshelves rising several stories high — free to visit and a favorite photo spot. It connects directly to Samseong Station (Line 2).
Bongeunsa and Lotte World Tower
Directly across from COEX, Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사) was founded more than a thousand years ago, in the Silla period. Its giant standing Buddha and peaceful courtyards make a striking contrast with the glass towers around it. A little east in Jamsil, Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워) rises 555 meters — the tallest building in Korea, with an observatory near the top that looks out over the whole city. Seokchon Lake next to it is lovely in cherry blossom season.