Leeum Samsung Museum of Art(리움 삼성미술관)

2025-11-06
koreanow

Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
It is located in the Hannam-dong area of Yongsan District, near Itaewon.
On a map, the museum sits at the base of Namsan Hill, within a short walk from Hangangjin Station (Line 6, Exit 1).
The area combines modern architecture, diplomatic residences, and upscale cultural venues, forming Seoul’s “art valley.”

By subway: AREX → transfer to Line 6 at Gongdeok Station → get off at Hangangjin Station (Exit 1); total about 1 h 45 min. Rome2Rio+1
By bus: Airport Limousine #6001 → Itaewon Station stop → 10-minute walk to the museum. Rome2Rio+1
By taxi: Approx. 64 km; ~60–70 min. Rome2Rio+1

By subway: Line 4 → transfer to Line 6 (Hangangjin Station, Exit 1); total 20–25 minutes. Rome2Rio+1
By taxi: ~4.5 km / 10–15 min / ₩8,000–₩11,000. Rome2Rio+1

Opened on October 19, 2004, as part of the Samsung Foundation of Culture.
Designed collaboratively by world-renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas, symbolizing harmony between tradition and modernity.
The museum consists of two main buildings: Museum 1, which houses traditional Korean art (ceramics, calligraphy, metalwork, paintings), and Museum 2, devoted to modern and contemporary art.
The collection includes works by Kim Whanki, Park Seo-bo, Damien Hirst, and Andy Warhol, among others.
After a renovation from 2019–2021, Leeum reopened with new curatorial spaces and digital interpretation systems for foreign visitors.

Itaewon Street: International district known for global dining, bars, and boutique shops.
Namsan Seoul Tower: Iconic observation tower offering city views, 10 minutes by car.
National Museum of Korea: Korea’s largest museum housing national treasures, 15 minutes away.
SOUNDS Hannam: Lifestyle complex with galleries and designer cafés.
Yongsan Park (under redevelopment): Future central park integrating nature and culture.