// SEOUL // HANNAM //
leeum museum of art
리움미술관
a striking cultural complex for traditional and contemporary art
In a city that masterfully blends ancient traditions with a relentless gaze towards the future, Leeum Museum of Art stands as a beautiful example of Seoul’s contemporary cultural landscape. The architectural complex is composed of three buildings, designed by OMA, Mario Botta and Jean Nouvel, integrated into a residential hills of Hannam. The sleek contemporary buildings interplay bold forms and clean lines with natural materials in dialogue with its surroundings. Stepping in, there’s beautiful use of light. The dramatic light in the galleries and the strategic design inviting in natural light to dance through the space.
Leeum offers a compelling conversation between historic and contemporary art, from traditional Buddhist art, pottery and calligraphy to contemporary works by Korean and international artists. It’s an art experience that feels at once expansive yet intimate through the buildings. Museum 1 showcases traditional art, including celadon glazed ceramics from the Goryeo dynasty, paitings and calligraphy from the Joseon dynasty, and a collection of intricately carved Buddhist artifacts. Museum 2 houses contemporary art. from large scale installations to mixed media to paintings and photography. Leeum also has ongoing programming of special exhibitions throughout the year.
The museum shop is worth a stop in itself. Definitely more aspirational than accessible. Curated with the eye of an artist, from books to ceramics to design objects that extend the museum’s aesthetic. It’s great to pick up an artsy souvenir, or just any beautifully designed object too add to your own collection.
the details
| Address | 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul |
| Website | https://www.leeumhoam.org/leeum |
| @leeummuseumofart | |
| Hours | 10:00-18:00 Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays |
| Price | access to their permanent collection of traditional Korean art is free, and they have paid exhibitions too, with all access tickets at 20,000W (~$15) |
| Aesthetic | contemporary architecture, with raw concrete, glass, and steel, dynamic and dramatic, a clean backdrop for both traditional and modern art |
good to know
Go here for: an art fix with beautiful contemporary architecture
Don’t miss: the special exhibition spaces, and of course the museum shop
Amount of time to spend: 2 hours to explore the permanent collections, more for the special exhibitions
When to come: weekdays are definitely less crowded
Getting here: about a 5 minute walk from Hangangjin Station (Line 6, exit 1)
Other things to note:
- Tickets can be reserved online up to 14 days in advance but are also available for walk in (last entry is at 17:30)
- There’s a 50% discount on the last Wednesday for “culture day”
Last visited: December 2024
Last updated: January 2025