I Finally Visited the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul (And It Was Worth the Wait)

After living in Seoul for so many years, there are still places on my bucket list that somehow slip through the cracks. And one of those places was Leeum Museum of Art. I finally decided it was time to visit after hearing so many people talk about one of its latest exhibition, Inside Other Spaces: Environments by Women Artists 1956–1976. To make the day even better, my mom was visiting, so we turned it into a little mother-daughter museum date.

And honestly? I can’t believe I waited this long to check it out.

Located in Hannam-dong, Leeum brings together centuries of Korean history, world-class contemporary art, award-winning architecture, and some of Seoul’s most impressive rotating exhibitions. Even the buildings are considered part of the museum’s collection because it was designed by not one, not two, but three world-famous architects (Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas). Which is why you’ll see just as many people photographing the buildings as the artwork inside.

The museum’s major exhibition this season explores immersive environments created by pioneering female artists between 1956 and 1976. Instead of traditional paintings hanging on walls, many of the works invite you to walk through them, around them, or experience them from different perspectives. It blurs the line between art and environment, making you feel like you’re part of the exhibition instead of just looking at it.

Some rooms were playful and colorful, others were thought-provoking, and a few left both my mom and I standing there for a while just taking everything in and, if we’re being honest, just trying to figure things out. One room was literally filled with goose feathers for you to romp through. And maybe it’s just the kid in me talking, but that was my favorite one. It was one of those exhibitions that sparks conversations as you move through it, which made it even more fun to experience together.

While the special exhibition was the highlight of our visit, the permanent galleries were nothing short of impressive. I’m talking about 4 floors of ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, Buddhist art, metalwork, lacquerware, wood furniture, folk paintings, and historical documents that span prehistoric Korea through the Joseon dynasty. My favorite section focused on the famous green-blue Goryeo celadon (청자) that Korea is well known for. It showcased different techniques and decorative styles, including the intricate inlay work that makes Goryeo celadon so distinctive.

I think my favorite thing about Leeum is how effortlessly it blends old and new. In one gallery you’ll find Korean National Treasures, including exquisite celadon ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy that span centuries of Korean history. A few minutes later, you’ll be surrounded by contemporary installations, sculptures, video art, and interactive works from some of the biggest names in modern art. It never feels repetitive and every gallery feels like walking into an entirely different world.

Even if you don’t normally visit museums while traveling, this is one that’s worth making time for.

• 🗓 Inside Other Spaces: May 3 ~ November 29, 2026
• ️⏰ 10:00 am ~ 06:00 pm (Closed Mondays)
• 📍 Leeum Museum of Art (Naver Map, Google Maps)
• 🎟 All exhibitions – 25,000 KRW (50% off on Culture Day)
  • 1 exhibition – 18,000 KRW
  • Permanent exhibition – FREE
    • **Culture Day is the last Wednesday of every month**