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Hannam-dong is where responses to changes in culture, art, and lifestyles is the fastest. While the neighborhood has gained attention recently as a hotspot where many celebrities frequent the growing number of global brand-name showrooms and boutique shops targeting the MZ generation, you can also easily find world-renowned art galleries, cafes and restaurants, and places where you can have your own personal art experience. Spend a day where the transition from just observing art to actually enjoying art occurs naturally while walking through the streets.

Hangangjin Station, beginning an art tour by subway

Hangangjin Station on Subway Line 6 is the most convenient starting point when visiting Hannam-dong and Itaewon. Named after the "Hangang Ferry Port" of the Joseon Dynasty, it leads to an area where Seoul's most modern cultural and artistic spaces are gathered. When you get out of the station, you can see Seoul's representative performance and art spaces such as the Leeum Museum of Art and Blue Square.

Leeum Museum of Art, Completely dedicated to art from the architecture to the exhibits

The Leeum Museum of Art is Korea's leading contemporary art museum where visitors can see world-renowned artists' exhibitions. The three structures themselves, designed by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas, feel like one gigantic piece of artwork.

Permanent exhibitions focusing on the collections of ancient art and highlighting the beauty of Korean cultural heritage are available for free, and special exhibitions in collaboration with leading contemporary artists from home and abroad are also introduced every year. Another way to enjoy the Leeum Museum of Art is to walk slowly between the buildings and admire the structure of the space and seasonal scenery of Namsan Mountain.

Tip. Digital guides explaining the exhibits in multple languages (Korean/English/Chinese/Japanese) are available for free.

Leeum Museum of Art (Click)

 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
 Closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Not Bad Coffee, where emotions from the art lingers

Located about 130 meters from the Leeum Museum of Art, Not Bad Coffee Hannam is a good place to take a break after viewing the exhibition. All of Namsan Mountain and downtown Seoul spreads out before you from the rooftop, making it a good place to settle down after the exhibition, drink a cup of coffee and plan your next move at leisure. Seasonal menus, pop-up events, and small-scale exhibitions in collaboration with various brands are often held, so make sure to check their SNS before visiting.

Not Bad Coffee, Hannam

 37, Itaewon-ro 49-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
 Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Gamjungsun Project, your very own, one-of-a-kind art souvenir

As you focus and work with your hands for about 90 minutes, the 'production process' becomes an art experience in itself. Going beyond simply appreciating the exhibitions, you can memorialize this special day in Hannam-dong for a long time by creating your very own artwork.

Gamjungsun Project, Itaewon 

 7, Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, B 1F
 Closed on Mondays. Tue-Fri 3:00 PM, Sat-Sun 3:00-8:30 PM.

The art of Hannam-dong is always ongoing. Art tours in art galleries allow visitors to see the artworks, followed up by gourmet experiences where visitors can taste delicacies from cafes and restaurants, and finally a hands-on experience where they can make their own artworks.