Leeum Museum Seoul Review 2026: Exhibitions, Tickets, & Audio Guide

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Leeum Museum, Samsung Museum of Art, conveniently located near Hangangjin Station in Seoul. If you're looking for a blend of ancient Korean history and cutting-edge contemporary art, this museum is a must-see!

Leeum Museum Location & Visitor Information

📍 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

* Location: Approximately a 5-10 minute walk from Exit 1 of Hangangjin Station (Subway Line 6)

* Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

* Last Entry: 5:30 PM

* Closed: Every Monday

* Reservations: Online advance booking available

From Hangangjin Station, expect a short uphill walk to reach the museum, but the views and the art inside are well worth it!

Individual reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance. While on-site tickets are sometimes available, it can get crowded, so booking ahead is highly recommended for a smoother experience.

👉 Check current exhibitions and book tickets on the official Leeum Museum website⁠

What's on Exhibit at Leeum Museum in 2026?

During my visit, the museum featured its incredible permanent collection of ancient Korean art alongside several fascinating special exhibitions. As of October 2026, here are some of the key exhibitions you can expect to see:

① Permanent Collection of Ancient Art

Explore a diverse range of artifacts spanning Korea's rich history, from the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties.

② Into Another Space: Synesthetic Environments by Women Artists 1956–1976

May 5, 2026 - November 29, 2026

This exhibition focuses on installation art by pioneering women artists, showcasing works that masterfully utilize light, sound, and space to create immersive experiences.

③ Koo Jeong A: Ousomos

September 5, 2026 - December 27, 2026

Experience a multi-sensory journey through the captivating works of artist Koo Jeong A, exploring diverse sensations and spatial relationships.

Beyond these, the museum is also hosting the ongoing 'Idea Museum, After Tomorrow' project, which promises to be equally thought-provoking. I'll be sure to share more about these in future posts!

One of the perks here is the free locker service, which is incredibly convenient for stowing away your bags and coats. Even better, they offer a complimentary audio guide when you leave an ID! What truly impressed me was how seamlessly the guide worked – it automatically recognized when I stood in front of a piece, providing information without me having to fiddle with my phone or a separate device. It made for such a comfortable and immersive viewing experience.

We started our tour with the ancient Korean artifacts, exploring relics from the Silla and Goryeo periods. It was fascinating to see some truly unique pieces that you might not typically encounter in textbooks.

Take this intricate iron dragon-head roof tile, for instance. The level of detail in its depiction really makes you appreciate how advanced Korean culture was. It sounds like something from a history book, I know, but seeing these Korean artifacts firsthand after visiting other international museums truly puts their sophistication into perspective.

I remember learning about the Goryeo celadon inlay technique in history class, but seeing it up close, with its stunning beauty and meticulous craftsmanship, was truly breathtaking. What's more, the museum doesn't just display the typical pieces you'd find in textbooks; they also showcase transitional artifacts, offering a deeper understanding of the evolution of these art forms.

If I had written this review immediately after my visit, I'd probably remember every detail of why I took each photo, but a few days later, it's a bit hazy! However, I recall taking this photo because I was fascinated to see V-shaped pottery from the Goryeo period, as I had always associated that style primarily with prehistoric eras.

The Leeum Museum also boasts quite a few fantastic photo opportunities. I particularly loved the effect of light refracting through the glass from the sky, creating beautiful rainbow hues. It reminded me a bit of an exhibit I once saw at MoMA PS1 in New York, where I just sat and gazed at the sky.

As you make your way down from the fourth floor, you'll encounter a variety of exhibitions. I personally found the Joseon era pieces to be the most engaging. For example, a stunning silk painting by the renowned Joseon artist Shin Saimdang is incredibly well-preserved and vibrant, as if painted just yesterday.

Thanks to the audio guide, I learned that the orchid painting on the left was created by Heungseon Daewongun, a powerful regent during the late Joseon Dynasty. He was known for his exceptional skill in painting orchids, and observing his brushwork, I felt I could almost sense his strong character (though perhaps my preconceptions about his famous isolationist policies played a part!). To the right is a magnificent royal procession painting by King Jeongjo, notable for its early application of perspective. Its sheer size and the intricate details of each figure made it truly captivating to examine.

And this, I discovered, was a poem King Jeongjo sent to one of his favored ministers. Hearing these hidden stories and historical anecdotes through the audio guide really brought the pieces to life!

It also made me marvel at how incredibly well these artifacts have been preserved over centuries! Overall, my visit to the Leeum Museum was fantastic. The exhibitions are diverse and engaging, and the atmosphere truly allows you to immerse yourself in the art. It’s definitely a top recommendation for anyone visiting Seoul!