Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, and was established to showcase the art collection of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of the Samsung Group, to the public. The name "Leeum" is a combination of Mr. Lee’s surname and the word "museum."

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is composed of Museum 1, Museum 2, and the Samsung Children's Education & Culture Center. Museum 1 was designed by the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. Its exterior features red bricks used metaphorically to represent the image of ancient Seoul surrounded by city walls. The interior is arranged around a circular lobby called "Rotunda," which resembles a porcelain piece, showcasing over 120 pieces of Korean ceramics from prehistoric times to the Joseon Dynasty. Museum 2 was designed by the celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel and was the first in the world to use corroded stainless steel and glass in its construction. The building’s color harmonizes with the ground, giving the impression that it rises forcefully from the earth. The museum exhibits a large number of modern and contemporary Korean artworks as well as modern international artworks created after 1945, including masterpieces by renowned Korean artist Kim Whanki.

The final structure of the museum complex—the Samsung Children's Education & Culture Center—was designed by the world-famous Dutch architect and Harvard University professor Rem Koolhaas. This building uniquely employs black concrete to create a stylish, futuristic space that is highly popular with both domestic and international visitors.

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Must-visit reason: One of Korea’s most famous art museums

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Korea[Korea]

Province/State: Seoul Special City [Seoul Special City]

City: Yongsan-gu [Yongsan-gu]