February has been giving us Seoulites a cold wave. It’s less biting than January’s frigid spell, but it’s still not inviting for any outdoor stroll. I had been seriously hibernating since I came back from my country’s warm embrace but I can’t be staying in the house forever. And so, I joined a group of lovely women yesterday at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art.
Our Leeum visit was a treat because we were expertly toured around by Kyung (I just met her yesterday but she’s a good friend of a good friend – how’s that?), who works as a volunteer tour guide at the museum. She gives tours once or twice a month and I guess, we were lucky she was kind to tour the group yesterday.
Leeum has a smaller version of the Millenium Eye, the symbolic landmark of Digital Media City. It has 2 museums: Museum 1 has the Traditional Korean Art; and Museum 2 has the Modern and Contemporary Art by Korean and foreign artists. The 3rd Building houses the Samsung Child Education and Culture Center and is being used for educational and exhibition functions. We are not allowed to take photos inside the museum but we can take photos in the lobby and that’s exactly what some of us did.
The above contemporary art is 18 meters long and is seen from the lobby as it hangs on the 4th floor high ceiling of the museum.
There’s also an interesting interpretation of the solar system and as this is on the stairs leading out of Museum 1, I was able to take a photo:
The IG photo above doesn’t do justice. It’s more impressive when you get to see it on display. As all artworks are meant to be, they are better seen with your own eyes. Going through the whole exhibit is approximately 2 hours so if you plan to visit, you can work around that time frame. As Leeum is located in Hannam-dong, there are many restaurants and cafes where you can spend a relaxing time in with friends. You can go to nearby L’Atelier or have lunch at Tasting Room like we did. Or leisurely walk around and check out the different restaurants serving different cuisines. You’re in the area of Itaewon and you can’t find a more international place as this one here in Seoul.
How to go there?
Address: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea 04348
Tel: 02-2014-6901
By subway: From Hangangjin Station (Subway Line 6) Exit 1, walk straight for 100m towards Itaewon. Make a right turn at the first intersection and alley, walk up the hill for about 5 minutes.
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I love contemporary art! Didn’t know about this museum in Itaewon, will definitely have to check it out!
I really like that they’ve grouped the museums together, it makes seeing everything a lot easier 😉 That solar system piece looks interesting… where there rings for each planet?
Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes, there were. If I took it from another angle, you would be able to see the other rings.
Nabitin ako ms wendy 😅 sayang di pwede kumuha ng pics kaya konti lang yung na share nyo. Nevertheless, this is also a must visit. I love arts and I’m sure I’ll enjoy this two hours visiting the whole exhibit.
Yay! Congratulations on being brave and facing the cold weather^^ And thank you for recommending this museum! It’s been a long time since I went to an art museum and I think this post has inspired me to go.
GReat! Let me know if you liked it!
This looks like such a great exhibition! I love visiting different museums to see exhibits. It’s a great idea to do in the cold weather too! You can stay nice and warm inside but enjoy getting outside! Stay warm!
At least until end of February, I think it’s indoors for me:-)
OMG. I just realized that I haven’t written anything about my trip to Digital Media City when I saw the mini version of Millennium Eye.
I wanted to visit this museums when I was in Korea. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity because my only free time is Monday – the day museums are closed.
This will definitely be a part of my itinerary on Autumn.
DO write about DMC. I’m sure it will be great:-).
The weather in Korea this winter has been horrendous! I feel like I’m living a Chicago winter, which doesn’t have me too happy haha. I love Leeum. I’ve been there a couple times. I’m a fan of that area – with the cafes and other galleries.
Yap, it’s an area I would want to live in if not for the distance to my children’s school.
Going to museums is always a chore because its hard to find other enthusiastic visitors who would at least try to appreciate what they are seeing. So I’m glad to hear that you have not one but a group of friends who enjoy exploring Seoul spaces with you, especially on a cold February day. My favorite exhibit was the LED Signage display. Thanks for sharing!
I love that museum. I love their changing exhibits. They always seem to have really interesting things. Just across the street is a great brunch spot too.
Wow. Looks like a cool place to visit. I really like hanging out in Hannam-Dong, and have been to a few smaller museums around there. Will check this place out in the future!
Wow.. That place Was so Nice and Beautiful, the view, the Design inside and Out the Museum was so Awesome, and really Nice to Go And Visit
Ganda ng review mo Ms.Wendy sana ma experience ko din maka punta sa ganyan ka ganda museum 🤩yung design niya super nice.
Thanks for a quick tour momsh wen! You made me feel like I was a tourist and you were the tourist guide 😍 the led signage is 😍