LEEUM SAMSUNG MUSEUM OF ART The Leeum Samsung museum is built on a stunning property right in the heart of Itaewon. This posh museum feels more like a design hotel rather than a museum and it’s evident they spent a lot of money to make it look good. 3 renowned European architects were commissioned to design the different buildings that make up the museum and the result is stunning! Mario Botta from Switzerland was inspired by the beauty of Korean porcelain. He designed museum 1 with terra cotta tiles since both porcelain and terra cotta come from earth and fire. Museum 1 houses Korean artifacts such as celadon and porcelain pottery which dates back to the era of the three kingdoms, Buddhist paintings, historic bronze sculptures, and jewelry found inside ancient tombs. There is an impressive circular white staircase with long rectangular 'windows'. At the roof of the staircase is a glass enclosed skylight which lets in natural daylight. Museum 2, which showcases modern art from both foreign and domestic artists, was designed by architect Jean Nouvel from France. Museum 2 features a glass wall and rusted stainless steel exhibition boxes which guarantee that each work of art gets it own space. There's a sunken garden and the staircases have seemless back-lit handrails. The most interesting artworks are on level B1. There's 45 golden Marilyns by NY artist Andy Warhol. Artist Damien Hurst brings us "The Dance of Death", a huge display of pills on a reflective steel shelf which signifies the danger of drugs. There's also a loosely autobiographical installation artwork from Korean artist Nam June Paik. It's straight out of the 80's, with televisions and all kinds of junk hanging off it. Another highlight is a suit of armor by artist Su Do-Ho. It's made completely with military dog tags and is supposed to symbolize the solidarity that built the country of South Korea.There are about 70 artworks in this wing and though it's not that extensive, the space, as well as the collection are impressive! Rem KoolHaas (What a hip name!)) from the Netherlands designed the Samsung Child Education and Culture Center. This wing usually hosts special exhibitions from guest artists. Mr. Koolhaas was awarded with the Priker Architecture prize in 2000. (It's the architectural equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize!) The building is 17 meters high and consists of three seemless levels which are connected by escalators. The structure is built with concrete, glass and wood. When I went there, they had a strange and sexual exhibition by US artist Matthew Barney. The soft fluorescent lights perfectly complemented the surreal displays. After reflecting on the bizzare displays, I thought it was quite ironic that it was in the 'child education wing'. (Matthew Barney for kids?- I don't think so!) Mr. Koolhaas also designed the outdoor garden area as a place to contemplate art while relaxing your weary feet. The museum is very exclusive and can only be visited by reservation, unless you stop by on Thursday, when it's open to the public. Even then, it's not cheap to view the museum. One very futuro feature of Leeum is the digital guide you can rent which explain the artworks. The digital guide is a PDA device which you wear around your neck. You attach the headphone to your ear and as you pass each item, a sensor picks up your device, and the artwork is displayed in the screen of your PDA. A voice comes on to explain the different features of the work, and why the artist made it. The PDA device makes you feel like you've been transported into some cyber movie like 'The Matrix'! Very, very cool! Unfortunately, absolutely no photos are allowed and there are security guards and cameras everywhere.This is one of the most amazing museums in the world. A visit to this Leeum is a real treat for art and architecture enthusiasts! ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE: 747-18, Hannam-Dong Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-893 02) 2014 6900/ reservation: 02) 2014 6901 WEBSITE: www.leeum.org OPENING HOURS AND ADMISSION FEE: 10:30-17:00 Closed on Mondays Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance for up to 4 persons at a time. Special exhibits are 6000-7000 won. If you want to visit Museums1&2, it's an additional 10000 won. Digital Guide rental (PDA) is 2000 won TRANSPORTATION: Bus Numbers 110 or 0014. Line number 6 to Hangangjin Station Take exit 1 and walk in the direction of Itaewon. Make the first right and walk up a slight incline about 5 minutes till you reach the museum. Back to museums main menu

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