Leeum Museum of Art on Postcard

"It's important to support establishments like Leeum Museum of Art, who've championed their home country from the start."

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Seoul

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@afar

"Opened in 2004, the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art seeks to bridge the past, present, and future of art. The sleek complex consists of two wings, one dedicated to traditional Korean works and the other to international contemporary art. The traditional wing is shaped like a reverse cone, with a spiraling walkway that winds through galleries of ancient paintings, calligraphy, and crafts. In stark contrast, the glass-and-steel contemporary wing was built without supporting posts, encouraging viewers to move freely among distinctive works by Basquiat, Olafur Eliasson, and Takashi Murakami. The experience continues outside on the parking lot deck, where there is a polished sculpture garden."

The Best Things to Do in Seoul

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@ellemagazine

"An open museum where traditional art meets contemporary art."

Laura Kim's Guide To Seoul

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Zeno Casti

Google

The Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul is a must-visit for art lovers! Located in Itaewon, this beautifully designed museum blends traditional Korean artifacts with striking contemporary art. The ambiance is elegant and peaceful, making it a great place to explore at your own pace. One of the highlights for me was the stunning staircase—it’s definitely worth skipping the elevator to take in the design as you walk down. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, and you can see everything in under two hours, which makes it perfect for a relaxed visit. Whether you’re into ancient history, modern art, or just want to experience a unique cultural spot in Seoul, this museum is highly recommended. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon!

Antonella Sciortino

Google

Today, I visited the incredible Leeum Museum of Art—an absolute must-see in Seoul! From the moment I arrived, the architecture captivated me. The exterior features a stunning blend of red bricks, chrome, and glass that feels both bold and harmonious. Inside, the spatial design is impeccable, with highlights like the spiraling staircase, the elegant lobby, and even a sleek designer recreation area. The exhibition spaces themselves are top-notch, showcasing a perfect arrangement of both permanent and temporary collections that pull you in at every corner.

Isabel

Google

They always host new FREE exhibitions, so be sure to check out what’s currently on display! Some popular exhibits may require advance ticket reservations. The museum is beautifully designed with plenty to explore.

Miles Macdonald

Google

Delightful art gallery, particularly if you're interested in ancient ceramics. It's free to visit, and the displays cover four floors with lift access to all floors. The fourth floor features celadon porcelain from the Goryeo dynasty dated the 12th century to the mid-13th century. The third floor features Korean Buncheon porcelain produced during the 15th & 16th centuries. The second floor features beautiful calligraphy & painting from the Joseon dynasty. The gold lettering painted onto the Buddhist manuscripts is exquisite. Finally, you have various religious ornamental pieces like reliquaries on the first floor. Toilets & Lockers available to use.

Christian Breitkreutz

Google

Spectacular museum! Impressive architecture and good list of exhibitions in the past. When I went there last week I saw a very good exhibition by Korean-American artist Anicka Yi who works mainly with organic materials. Very impressive. Great curation! Another exhibition captured young Asian artists from several Southeast and East-Asian countries. The permanent exhibition is also impressive if you are into porcelain art. This in particular is a very Korean kind of art. All three exhibitions together were 18k Won. Less than 15 Dollars

Lynn Tan

Google

This is listed as the Rium Art Museum in Korean navigation apps. The permanent Korean traditional arts gallery occupies 4 floors and is completely free to view - it is a really nicely curated exhibit and worth spending an hour+ on if you enjoy history and/or art. I registered online at the museum's website in advance and just exchanged my reservation (digital) for a physical ticket at the reception when I arrived. It was very quick. I was most fascinated by the remarkably well preserved Buddhist sutras (scrolls) and sutra box on the second floor. The modern architecture of the building itself is also an artistic highlight. An enjoyable morning.

Jocelyn Terry

Google

This was a very nice museum to visit. It's not the MET, but we enjoyed it and the beautiful ancient artwork. The staircase is beautiful, Skip the elevator and take the stairs going down, at least for the top level. All in all, we enjoyed it and it took less than 2 hours to see everything.

Tina C

Google

A lot bigger than I thought it would be. It’s a bit stuffy in there so make sure to use your time wisely to get through all the rooms. We were too tired to go through all the last rooms. They have lockers for your bags and audio headsets in English if you give them your ID.

Zeno Casti

Google

The Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul is a must-visit for art lovers! Located in Itaewon, this beautifully designed museum blends traditional Korean artifacts with striking contemporary art. The ambiance is elegant and peaceful, making it a great place to explore at your own pace. One of the highlights for me was the stunning staircase—it’s definitely worth skipping the elevator to take in the design as you walk down. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, and you can see everything in under two hours, which makes it perfect for a relaxed visit. Whether you’re into ancient history, modern art, or just want to experience a unique cultural spot in Seoul, this museum is highly recommended. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon!

Antonella Sciortino

Google

Today, I visited the incredible Leeum Museum of Art—an absolute must-see in Seoul! From the moment I arrived, the architecture captivated me. The exterior features a stunning blend of red bricks, chrome, and glass that feels both bold and harmonious. Inside, the spatial design is impeccable, with highlights like the spiraling staircase, the elegant lobby, and even a sleek designer recreation area. The exhibition spaces themselves are top-notch, showcasing a perfect arrangement of both permanent and temporary collections that pull you in at every corner.

Isabel

Google

They always host new FREE exhibitions, so be sure to check out what’s currently on display! Some popular exhibits may require advance ticket reservations. The museum is beautifully designed with plenty to explore.

Miles Macdonald

Google

Delightful art gallery, particularly if you're interested in ancient ceramics. It's free to visit, and the displays cover four floors with lift access to all floors. The fourth floor features celadon porcelain from the Goryeo dynasty dated the 12th century to the mid-13th century. The third floor features Korean Buncheon porcelain produced during the 15th & 16th centuries. The second floor features beautiful calligraphy & painting from the Joseon dynasty. The gold lettering painted onto the Buddhist manuscripts is exquisite. Finally, you have various religious ornamental pieces like reliquaries on the first floor. Toilets & Lockers available to use.

Christian Breitkreutz

Google

Spectacular museum! Impressive architecture and good list of exhibitions in the past. When I went there last week I saw a very good exhibition by Korean-American artist Anicka Yi who works mainly with organic materials. Very impressive. Great curation! Another exhibition captured young Asian artists from several Southeast and East-Asian countries. The permanent exhibition is also impressive if you are into porcelain art. This in particular is a very Korean kind of art. All three exhibitions together were 18k Won. Less than 15 Dollars

Lynn Tan

Google

This is listed as the Rium Art Museum in Korean navigation apps. The permanent Korean traditional arts gallery occupies 4 floors and is completely free to view - it is a really nicely curated exhibit and worth spending an hour+ on if you enjoy history and/or art. I registered online at the museum's website in advance and just exchanged my reservation (digital) for a physical ticket at the reception when I arrived. It was very quick. I was most fascinated by the remarkably well preserved Buddhist sutras (scrolls) and sutra box on the second floor. The modern architecture of the building itself is also an artistic highlight. An enjoyable morning.

Jocelyn Terry

Google

This was a very nice museum to visit. It's not the MET, but we enjoyed it and the beautiful ancient artwork. The staircase is beautiful, Skip the elevator and take the stairs going down, at least for the top level. All in all, we enjoyed it and it took less than 2 hours to see everything.

Tina C

Google

A lot bigger than I thought it would be. It’s a bit stuffy in there so make sure to use your time wisely to get through all the rooms. We were too tired to go through all the last rooms. They have lockers for your bags and audio headsets in English if you give them your ID.

Leeum Museum of Art

Leeum Museum of Art

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