Hightlight
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Accessible
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Architect's Choice
Travel Map: Seoul
Leeum Museum of Art | 리움미술관
Samsung’s private art museum in Itaewon, designed by three world-class architects
Introduction
Traditional Korean art and contemporary art under one roof. Three buildings, each by a different architect: Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. The permanent collection is free.
Worth Visiting?
Yes. Leeum is smaller than MMCA but everything here feels intentional. The traditional Korean art wing (celadon, calligraphy, Buddhist art) is presented beautifully, and the contemporary wing keeps things focused rather than overwhelming. If MMCA is a sprawling experiment, Leeum is a tight, polished edit.
The architecture alone is worth seeing. Three Pritzker Prize winners each designed a building, and the contrast between them is part of the experience.
Highlights
Three Buildings, Three Architects
- Museum 1 (Mario Botta): Traditional Korean art. Warm terracotta exterior, clean geometric interior.
- Museum 2 (Jean Nouvel): Contemporary art. Dark, moody spaces with stainless steel and glass.
- Samsung Child Education & Culture Center (Rem Koolhaas / OMA): Special exhibitions and educational programs. Koolhaas also designed the overall campus layout.
The buildings sit next to each other on a hillside, and each one feels like a completely different world. Walking between them is part of the visit.
Traditional Korean Art (M1)
One of the best places in Seoul to see Korean ceramics, calligraphy, and Buddhist art. The displays are minimal and well-lit, so you actually look at individual pieces instead of rushing past rows of objects. Less overwhelming than the National Museum of Korea.
Contemporary Art (M2)
Korean and international artists. Exhibitions rotate less frequently than MMCA, but when they change, the quality is consistently high.
Photo Spots
- Two staircases in the museum are popular photo zones. The central cylindrical staircase in Museum 1 (Botta’s building) spirals up through the core of the building with clean curves and natural light from above.
- The other is a staircase lined with mirrors on the front and ceiling, lit by green light and circular fluorescent rings. Both get shared on social media constantly.
Local Tips
- Book tickets in advance at leeumhoam.org. Walk-ins are possible but you might wait during busy periods.
- Reservations open 14 days before the visit date, at 18:00 KST.
- The permanent collection (M1) is free. Special exhibitions may have a separate fee.
- Free audio guide available in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
- Go in the morning for the quietest experience.
- Photography allowed, no flash. No tripods or selfie sticks.
- There is a cafe and gift shop on site.
Getting There
By Subway (Recommended)
- Hangangjin Station (Line 6), Exit 1. Walk uphill toward Itaewon direction, about 5 minutes.
Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue – Sun | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Last entry 17:30. Closed every Monday, January 1, Seollal, and Chuseok.
Admission
| Area | Price |
|---|---|
| Permanent collection (M1) | Free |
| Special exhibitions | Varies (check website) |
Culture Day (last Wednesday of month): 50% off paid exhibitions.
Key Info
| | |
|---|---|
| Nearest Station | Hangangjin Station (Line 6), Exit 1 |
| Address | 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul |
| Reservation | leeumhoam.org |
| Website | leeumhoam.org |
