COEX Like a Pro 

Top Tips for Exploring Every Hidden Spot 

Beyond exhibitions and shopping 

COEX, where art comes to life  

“COEX is like an open-air museum of art and culture.” 

COEX is more than just exhibitions and shopping—it’s like an outdoor art gallery! You may know about the famous Starfield Library, but there’s so much more to discover here. Let's dive into what makes COEX a cultural landmark you'll want to explore beyond the library. 

When you think of New York, iconic spots like the Statue of Liberty, the Wall Street Bull, or the famous LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana probably come to mind, right? These symbols don't just attract visitors—they add beauty and value to the city. COEX works in the same way; it’s not just a place to shop. It’s a ‘city art museum’, filled with sculptures that make it feel like an open gallery.

Did you know Korea has a unique law that helps promote art? Any building over 10,000 square meters has to spend at least 1% of its construction cost on art installations! This means that big places like COEX are surrounded by impressive sculptures, each with a story to tell. These pieces aren’t just decorations—they reflect the building’s purpose and bring life to the space around them.

COEX, often called an ‘artwork hotspot’, is perfect for anyone interested in Korean culture. 

Today, we’ll introduce five of the most eye-catching sculptures near COEX’s East Gate that will give you a taste of Korea’s creative spirit. 

Whether you're into Korean art or just looking for a cool spot to take Insta-worthy photos, COEX has got you covered. Ready to explore Seoul's art scene in a whole new way? Then let's go!

Tip: COEX has four main entrances: East, West, South, and North Gates. If you’re interested in checking out the art scene, start at the East Gate and North Gate, as these areas have the most sculptures and artworks nearby. From there, take a full loop around COEX to make sure you don’t miss any of the cool pieces scattered throughout. Enjoy the journey!

01. Gangnam Style

Remember PSY’s iconic 2012 hit, Gangnam Style? It took the world by storm and had everyone moving to its catchy beat. If you need a reminder, check out the official music video and relive the excitement!  

📌 Watch the Gangnam Style Music Video
[Click here]

At COEX, you’ll find a sculpture inspired by PSY’s signature 'horse dance' hand movements from the video. Viewed from above, the sculpture even looks like two hands encircling the Earth—a tribute to how the song’s energy connected people around the globe. Near the sculpture, there’s an info board in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese that gives more details about the piece, so be sure to check it out! 

02. SM Entertainment Artist Handprint Sculpture

If you're a K-Pop fan, this is one sculpture you absolutely can’t miss! Featuring handprints from SM Entertainment’s biggest stars—everyone from Girls’ Generation, EXO, and SHINee to today’s trending group NCT—this spot also includes prints from SM’s actors and comedians. Finding your favorite star’s handprint is half the fun!

What are you waiting for? Go snap a photo in front of this sparkling display! Especially in October, when the natural light is perfect, it's a great chance to capture a memorable shot before the winter set in.

03. Ring of Seoul / In-su Choi

This massive ring sculpture, standing at an impressive 9.6 meters tall, was created by In-su Choi, an honorary professor of sculpture at Seoul National University, one of Korea's top universities.

The sculpture symbolizes the promise associated with engagement or wedding rings, but what makes it unique is that it goes beyond just being a piece of art. It acts like a lens, framing the scenery behind it, allowing viewers to look through the ring and see the changing landscape of Seoul. 

Depending on the season and your perspective, you can see different views of Seoul through the ring—sometimes it frames the COEX building, and other times, the surrounding cityscape.

It’s also a fun spot for taking photos with your loved ones. Imagine capturing a moment with the ring framing Seoul’s beautiful scenery behind you. Why not create some special memories through this artistic piece?

04. Unification 1 & 2 / Tai-jung Um

The artist, Um Tai-jung, born in 1938, is one of Korea’s first-generation abstract sculptors. Fascinated by the materiality of metals, especially iron, Um has dedicated much of his career to creating metal sculptures. Even now, he continues to develop his distinctive style, which has gained him international recognition. In 2024, his works were exhibited in London, and in 2019, he was the only Korean artist featured at Frieze Sculpture in London, where he showcased a large outdoor sculpture, further cementing his global presence. 

Unification 1 & 2 represents harmony and coexistence, blending vertical and horizontal lines, planes, and spaces. Despite the tension created by intersecting planes and lines, the piece conveys a message of healing. Standing in front of this sculpture can evoke a sense of self-reflection, offering a moment to pause and consider one’s inner balance. Why not experience the calming and healing presence of this piece yourself and see what emotions it brings to light?

05. The yearning lines 2000 / Han-chul Shin

Did you know that one of Han-chul Shin’s works, which can also be seen at prominent locations like the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea and The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, is also displayed at COEX? It’s truly remarkable! 

He, often referred to as the 'Korean Sphere' artist, creates sculptures based on spheres, incorporating concepts of growth, division, and expansion. He believes that the sphere represents the beginning of life and its starting point, using it to depict the ever-changing and expanding nature of life. 

Even though his work is a static sculpture, it gives off an organic, almost living energy. Standing before it, you may feel a sense of mystery, as if something alive is breathing right next to you. This piece encapsulates profound meaning and life force within its simple forms. Be sure to check it out and experience its dynamic presence for yourself.

There are still so many impressive sculptures near COEX’s East Gate that we haven’t covered yet. While today we focused on outdoor sculptures, the inside of COEX is filled with even more art, from sculptures to paintings, scattered throughout the entire space. It’s practically impossible to introduce them all in one go. 

So, the next time you visit COEX, go beyond just shopping and exhibitions—take some time to explore the artwork. It’s a fantastic way to experience Korean culture from a fresh perspective in this artistic space.

Address 

서울 강남구 영동대로 513 

513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea