Leeum Museum of Art in Hannam-dong: How to Visit and Reserve

Short answer: Leeum Museum of Art is Samsung's private art museum on a hillside in Hannam-dong, Seoul, about a 10-minute walk from Hangangjin Station (Line 6, Exit 1). In recent years the permanent collection of traditional Korean art has been free, but you still need a timed ticket booked online through the official Leeum website before you go. Special exhibitions are usually paid. Book a few days ahead, bring your mobile ticket, and plan around two hours.

What Leeum is and why visitors go

Leeum is one of the most respected art museums in Korea. It is known for two things: a world-class collection of Korean traditional art (celadon, white porcelain, Buddhist paintings, calligraphy and metalwork) and modern and contemporary art from Korea and abroad. The buildings themselves are part of the attraction. The complex was designed by three famous architects, Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas, so even the walk between halls feels like a small architecture tour.

For a first-time visitor, Leeum is a good choice if you want something calmer and more curated than the big national museums. It is compact, quiet on weekday mornings and sits in one of Seoul's most stylish neighborhoods, so it pairs easily with cafes, design shops and galleries along Hannam-dong and Itaewon.

The main spaces

MUSEUM 1: Korean traditional art

The terracotta-colored building by Mario Botta holds the traditional collection. The layout is easy to follow: you start at the top and spiral down through the floors. Highlights usually include Goryeo celadon with its soft jade-green glaze, Joseon white porcelain moon jars, and Buddhist paintings and sculpture. Labels have English text, and the displays are spacious with good lighting, which makes it easy to slow down and look properly.

MUSEUM 2: Modern and contemporary art

The dark steel-and-glass building by Jean Nouvel shows modern and contemporary works. Its content changes with the collection rotation and exhibition schedule, so check the official site to see what is on during your trip.

Special exhibitions and the grounds

Leeum regularly hosts major special exhibitions, often of internationally known contemporary artists. These are typically ticketed separately and can sell out on weekends. Outside, look for the large sculptures around the entrance and courtyard, which are free to see on your way in.

How to reserve a ticket

Reservations are the part that catches first-timers out. Even for the free permanent collection, Leeum works on advance online booking with time slots, and people without a ticket can be turned away when it is busy.

1. Go to the official Leeum Museum of Art website (it has an English version).
2. Choose the exhibition you want: the permanent collection, a special exhibition, or both.
3. Pick a date and time slot. Bookings usually open about two weeks ahead, and weekend slots go first.
4. Sign up or book as instructed. Some booking steps may ask for a Korean phone number; if you get stuck, try the English booking flow or contact the museum by email well before your visit.
5. Keep the confirmation or QR code on your phone and show it at the entrance.

Prices, free-admission rules and booking windows can change between exhibitions, so treat the official site as the final word rather than any blog post, including this one.

Getting there

By subway

The nearest station is Hangangjin Station on Line 6. Take Exit 1 and walk uphill for about 10 minutes. The street is lined with galleries and cafes, so the walk is pleasant. Itaewon Station (also Line 6) is one stop away if you want to walk a little further and combine the visit with Itaewon.

By bus or taxi

Taxis can drop you near the entrance, which is useful in summer heat or rain because the last part is a slope. Show the driver the Korean name: 리움미술관.

How long to stay and when to go

Plan about one to one and a half hours for the traditional collection alone, and two to three hours if you add a special exhibition. Weekday mornings are the quietest. The museum is generally closed on Mondays, but check the calendar for holiday changes. An audio guide is often available for exhibitions, which is worth it if you want context on Korean ceramics and Buddhist art.

Combine Leeum with the neighborhood

• Hannam-dong cafes and boutiques: The streets below the museum are full of concept stores, Korean designer brands and specialty coffee.
• Itaewon: International restaurants and bars are a short walk or one subway stop away.
• Other museums in Yongsan: If you have a museum day, the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial of Korea are both in the same district. See our guides to the National Museum of Korea in half a day and the War Memorial of Korea.

"Go see the moon jars first, then walk downhill for coffee. That is my whole Hannam plan." — Ciel, POPORO CITY singer

Quick tips

• Book online before you go, even for the free collection.
• Choose a weekday morning slot for the calmest galleries.
• Start at the top floor of the traditional art building and work down.
• Large bags may need to go in a locker; travel light.
• Check photo rules for each exhibition; they differ.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk from Hangangjin Station.

FAQ

Is Leeum Museum of Art free?

The permanent collection of traditional Korean art has been free in recent years, while special exhibitions are usually paid. You still need an online reservation. Check the official website for the current rules.

Do I need to reserve Leeum in advance?

Yes. Leeum uses timed online booking, and walk-ins may not be accepted when slots are full. Book a few days ahead, especially for weekends and popular special exhibitions.

Which subway station is closest to Leeum?

Hangangjin Station on Line 6. Use Exit 1 and walk about 10 minutes uphill.

Is Leeum good for visitors who are not art experts?

Yes. The collection is compact and well labeled in English, and the architecture and Korean ceramics are enjoyable even without background knowledge.

What day is Leeum closed?

It is generally closed on Mondays, with possible changes around public holidays. Confirm on the official calendar before your visit.