Christmas magic has arrived in Seoul! The highly anticipated 2026 Christmas display at Starfield Library inside COEX Mall officially opens on November 13, transforming one of South Korea's most recognizable indoor landmarks into a festive destination for the holiday season.
Known for its spectacular bookshelves stretching across multiple floors, Starfield Library is already one of Seoul's most photographed attractions. During Christmas, however, the iconic space takes on an entirely different atmosphere with seasonal decorations and a whimsical festive theme.
“Five More Minutes of Christmas”: This Year's Special Theme
The 2026 Christmas event is titled “Five More Minutes of Christmas” (도깨비 산타와 크리스마스), bringing a touch of Korean fantasy and storytelling to the holiday celebrations.
This year's concept features a special Dokkaebi Santa, inspired by the imaginative world of The Dallergut Dream Department Store, the popular fantasy novel by Korean author Lee Mi-ye.
The Korean dokkaebi is a mythical goblin-like creature from Korean folklore. By incorporating this traditional fantasy element into a Christmas celebration, the installation offers a distinctive Korean twist on the familiar holiday atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy the festive setting while exploring the library's impressive architecture and towering bookshelves.
Christmas Souvenirs and Special Merchandise
The holiday experience extends beyond the decorations. Visitors can also discover a collection of special Christmas merchandise available from November 13 through December 31.
The collection includes:
- Christmas-themed bookmarks
- Postcards and stickers
- Wooden magnets
- Keyrings
- Special Dokkaebi Santa-themed souvenirs
These items offer visitors a chance to take home a little piece of this year's Christmas celebration.
Event Dates, Location and Visiting Information
If you're planning a winter trip to Seoul, Starfield Library is worth adding to your itinerary.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Five More Minutes of Christmas |
| Korean title | 도깨비 산타와 크리스마스 |
| Opening date | November 13, 2026 |
| Closing date | January 31, 2027 |
| Location | Starfield Library, COEX Mall |
| Address | 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Admission | Free |
| Regular opening hours | 10:30 AM–10:00 PM |
Starfield Library is located inside COEX Mall in Gangnam, making it convenient to combine a visit with shopping, dining, and exploring other attractions in the area.
A Must-Visit Christmas Photo Spot in Seoul
From its enormous bookshelves to its seasonal decorations, Starfield Library offers a memorable backdrop for Christmas photographs.
This year's Dokkaebi Santa concept also gives the celebration a distinctly Korean identity, making it an interesting experience for both international visitors and local residents.
Whether you're a Christmas enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a festive place to visit during winter, the 2026 Starfield Library Christmas event is one to add to your Seoul travel plans.
Would you add Starfield Library to your Seoul winter itinerary this year?