Leeum Museum + Itaewon & Hannam-dong Korean Food Travel Course

 



If you’re looking for a place in Seoul where modern sophistication blends seamlessly with traditional Korean aesthetics, the Leeum Museum of Art combined with a stroll through Hannam-dong and Itaewon is one of the best travel routes you can choose. Although this area is known for its stylish cafés and trendy boutiques, it is also home to an impressive lineup of high-quality Korean restaurants—making it especially popular among international travelers. The Leeum Museum itself is a refined cultural space surrounded by boutique hotels, design shops, and architecturally interesting streets, offering a perfect glimpse into Seoul’s sophisticated side.

📍 Basic Information — Leeum Museum of Art

Address: 60 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Subway: Line 6, Hangangjin Station Exit 1 → 5–8 minutes on foot

Operating Hours:

  • Tue–Sun: 10:00–18:00

  • Last admission: 17:00

  • Closed on Mondays

Entrance Fee:

  • Permanent Exhibition + Special Exhibition: ₩15,000–20,000

  • Special Exhibition only: ₩10,000–15,000
    (Prices vary depending on the exhibition season.)

The museum consists of two main buildings:

  • M1: Traditional Korean art

  • M2: Contemporary art

Together, they showcase everything from ancient Korean craftsmanship to bold and innovative works by modern artists. Designed by three world-renowned architects, the museum itself feels like a work of art—making it a must-see even for design lovers.

🍽 Korean Restaurants in Itaewon & Hannam-dong

(Highly Recommended for Foreign Travelers)

The following restaurants are well-loved by foreign visitors because they offer authentic Korean flavors without being overwhelmingly spicy or heavy.

⭐ 1. Mukjeon (Hannam-dong)

Recommended dishes: Nokdu-jeon (mung bean pancake), assorted Korean pancakes, Dongdongju (traditional rice wine)

A casual spot specializing in Korean-style pancakes. The flavors are light and savory, and the atmosphere is traditional yet accessible—perfect for first-time visitors.

⭐ 2. Hannam Bugeotguk

Recommended dishes: Dried pollack soup, gochujang bulgogi, stir-fried spicy pork

Their dried pollack soup is mild, comforting, and perfect for those new to Korean food. The seasoning is clean and not overly spicy.

⭐ 3. Busan Yang Gopchang (Itaewon / Hannam Branch)

Recommended dishes: Grilled beef tripe (gopchang), large intestine (daechang), makchang

A great introduction to Korean-style BBQ with deep, unique flavors. The slightly spicy seasoning is particularly popular among adventurous food lovers.

⭐ 4. Wooraeok Hannam

Recommended dishes: Pyeongyang naengmyeon, bulgogi

This famous restaurant offers elegant, subtle flavors that represent the heart of Korean cuisine. Many foreign visitors find the clean, minimal taste of Pyeongyang-style cold noodles intriguing and memorable.

⭐ 5. Jang Jinwoo Alley (Gyeongnidan-gil, Itaewon)

A narrow alley filled with small, creative restaurants—many serving modern Korean dishes.
A great stop for travelers seeking “trendy Seoul.”

🚶‍♂️ Recommended Course A

“Leeum Museum + Hannam-dong Vibes + Korean Dining”

  1. Arrive at Hangangjin Station

  2. Explore the Leeum Museum (1.5–2 hours)

  3. Stroll around the museum and enjoy photo spots

  4. Enjoy lunch or traditional Korean pancakes with Makgeolli at Mukjeon

  5. Explore Hannam-dong’s stylish streets and boutique shops

  6. Coffee break at Fritz, Daily Ono, or Café Picnic

  7. Dinner at Wooraeok Hannam

  8. Evening walk through Hannam-dong

➡️ A perfect combination of traditional art → traditional food → stylish city scenery.

🚶‍♂️ Recommended Course B

“Itaewon Energy + Leeum Museum + Korean BBQ”

  1. Start with brunch in Itaewon

  2. Walk to the Leeum Museum

  3. Explore the traditional & contemporary galleries

  4. Wander through Gyeongnidan-gil

  5. Dinner at Busan Yang Gopchang or another Korean BBQ spot

  6. Finish with a rooftop bar overlooking Seoul

➡️ A youthful, energetic journey combining art, food, and nightlife.

🚶‍♂️ Recommended Course C

“A Full Day of Art + Light Korean Dining”

  1. Visit the National Museum of Korea

  2. Walk through Yongsan Family Park

  3. Move to the Leeum Museum

  4. Enjoy a light Korean dinner at Hannam Bugeotguk

  5. Coffee or tea near Hangangjin Station

➡️ Ideal for travelers who prefer mild flavors and a relaxing day.

✨ Final Thoughts

The Leeum Museum of Art is not only an excellent place to experience high-quality exhibitions, but its location also makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the stylish neighborhoods of Hannam-dong and Itaewon. By pairing your visit with nearby Korean restaurants, travelers can enjoy both Korea’s artistic heritage and its culinary culture in a single day.

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