Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is an art museum in Hannam-dong, Seoul, South Korea, built as three separate buildings designed by different international architects. The structures in stone, steel and glass create different spaces for classical and contemporary collections.

The institution opened in 2004 through the Samsung Foundation of Culture to present Korean cultural heritage in a modern setting. The complex arose after years of planning and international collaboration with leading architects.

The complex pairs two buildings for classical Korean art with a third devoted to contemporary works from around the world. The collection places ceramics from different dynasties alongside installations by living artists, giving visitors a direct sense of how traditional and modern art coexist.

The nearest subway station is Hangangjin on Line 6, from where you can walk to the entrance. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, remaining closed on Mondays.

The entry path follows a wooden ramp through a glass structure, descending into a sunken garden planted with birch trees and native ferns. This transition, designed by Rem Koolhaas, forms a quiet threshold between street and exhibition spaces.

Location: Seoul

Inception: 2004

Architects: Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Website: https://leeumhoam.org/leeum

GPS coordinates: 37.53797,126.99949

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31