Leeum Museum of Art
Leeum Museum of Art is Seoul's premier private art museum, run by the Samsung Cultural Foundation in Hannam-dong. Three landmark buildings by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas house 2,000 years of Korean art alongside major international contemporary works. Permanent collections are free; special exhibitions are ticketed.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Subway Line 6, Hangangjin Station, Exit 1 — approx. 7–10 min walk uphill |
| Time needed | 2 hours for a thorough visit across all buildings |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings for smaller crowds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value7.5
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a free audio or digital guide?
- Yes. Proximity-triggered digital guides are available free of charge at the information desk in the lobby. They support Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. You must leave a passport or government-issued ID as a deposit, which is returned when you return the device.
- Who designed the Leeum Museum of Art buildings?
- Three internationally renowned architects each designed one building: Mario Botta (Museum 1), Jean Nouvel (Museum 2), and Rem Koolhaas/OMA (the Samsung Child Education and Culture Center). The complex won the 2005 Excellence in Design for Civic Architecture award from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- Yes. Leeum operates a timed-entry reservation system; reservations open 14 days before your visit and are capped at four people per booking. Walk-up tickets are available only if slots remain, so online booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during popular temporary exhibitions.
- What are Leeum's opening hours and closing days?
- The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Mondays, New Year's Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
- What facilities are available inside the museum?
- The museum has a café, a museum shop, and free luggage storage lockers. Photography policies vary by gallery, so check signage on arrival. English-language guided tours have been offered on weekends — confirm current schedules at the ticket desk or on the official website.
- What is the difference between Museum 1 and Museum 2?
- Museum 1, designed by Mario Botta, houses traditional Korean art across underground floors — highlights include Goryeo celadon ceramics, Buddhist paintings, and royal metal crafts spanning 2,000 years. Museum 2, designed by Jean Nouvel, displays Korean and international modern and contemporary art and is considered one of the most dramatic museum interiors in Asia.
- How much does it cost to enter Leeum Museum of Art?
- Permanent exhibitions (M1 traditional Korean art and M2 contemporary art) are free, but advance reservations are required. Special exhibitions carry a separate admission fee — recent all-exhibition passes have run around 20,000 KRW per adult, with discounts for youth and seniors. Check the official site (leeumhoam.org/leeum) for current pricing, as it changes with each exhibition cycle.
- How do I get to Leeum Museum of Art by subway?
- Take Seoul Metro Line 6 (brown line) to Hangangjin Station and use Exit 1. Walk south uphill for approximately 7–10 minutes following signs for the museum. A taxi from Itaewon takes about 5 minutes.
Nearby in Ask Seoul
- Leeum Samsung Museum of ArtAttraction0.05 km · 1 min walk
- Palsaik SamgyeopsalRestaurant0.62 km · 8 min walk
- ItaewonNeighborhood0.62 km · 8 min walk
- Magpie Brewing Co.Bar1.08 km · 14 min walk
- Southside ParlorBar1.12 km · 14 min walk
Where to stay near Leeum Museum of Art
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