Ho-Am Art Museum
A serene art museum blending traditional Korean architecture with contemporary art and stunning gardens. Sister museum to Leeum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Ho-Am Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene art museum blending traditional Korean architecture with contemporary art and stunning gardens. Sister museum to Leeum.
"The blend of heritage and contemporary art within a beautifully preserved traditional Korean-style building is unforgettable. "
Free Shuttle from Leeum
Take advantage of the free shuttle from Leeum Museum in Itaewon to Ho-Am Art Museum. :bus:
Book Garden Access
The 'Heewon' garden is a must-see, but often requires a reservation. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heewon Garden
Museum Grounds
A masterpiece of traditional Korean gardening, featuring serene landscapes and thoughtful design. Reservation may be required.
Louise Bourgeois' Spider
Outdoor Lake
An iconic sculpture set against a backdrop of nature, offering a striking contrast between art and environment.
Traditional Architecture
Main Museum Building
Experience the blend of heritage and contemporary art within a beautifully preserved traditional Korean-style building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Shuttle Bus Strategy
Garden Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Shuttle from Leeum
Take advantage of the free shuttle from Leeum Museum in Itaewon to Ho-Am Art Museum. :bus:
Book Garden Access
The 'Heewon' garden is a must-see, but often requires a reservation. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Picnic Potential
Beautiful grounds with a lake make it a great picnic spot, though parking fees apply. :sandwich:
Check Exhibit Schedule
The indoor gallery changes exhibitions frequently, so check what's on before you go. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Shuttle from Leeum
Take advantage of the free shuttle from Leeum Museum in Itaewon to Ho-Am Art Museum. :bus:
Book Garden Access
The 'Heewon' garden is a must-see, but often requires a reservation. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Picnic Potential
Beautiful grounds with a lake make it a great picnic spot, though parking fees apply. :sandwich:
Check Exhibit Schedule
The indoor gallery changes exhibitions frequently, so check what's on before you go. :calendar:
Combine with Everland
Located near Everland, consider visiting both if you have a full day. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ho-Am Art Museum for its beautiful blend of traditional Korean architecture and art, set within stunning natural gardens. The serene atmosphere and unique exhibitions are frequently highlighted as major draws, offering a peaceful escape. Some find the indoor gallery size limited and note the need for reservations for the garden, but overall, it's considered a top-tier private art museum experience.
"This museum is part of the expansive entertainment land that Samsung has. The museum has an expansive outdoor, even with a huge lake out front. Hence it's actually a good picnic area (if you are okay with the parking fee of course!).
The indoor gallery isn't so huge, although it changes exhibitions often. There isn't a permanent exhibition here.
Curiously the main museum is housed in an old Korean style building, bringing heritage with contemporary art together."
Rtexal Tan
"Sitting by the window on the second floor, taking in the serene mountain view, was an unforgettable experience. I really appreciated that it offered such a peaceful space to relax."
PoppiPoppi
"Everything was perfect and neat. Detail was so delicately cared in every corner. You shall not miss entry way from the gate to the museum, called ‘Heewon’ which is masterpiece of legendary Gardening director Jung Youngsun and shows every perspective of Korean traditional garden. Reservation required."
신영수
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a free shuttle bus from Leeum Museum in Itaewon, which is a convenient option. Alternatively, take bus 5002B from Gangnam Station to Everland Amusement Park, then catch a free looping shuttle to the museum.
Yes, parking is available, but there is a fee. It's a good option if you plan to picnic on the grounds.
The free shuttle bus between Leeum Museum and Ho-Am Art Museum is the most recommended method.
Yes, you can take bus 5002B to Everland and then a local shuttle. The shuttle from Leeum Museum is also a popular public transport option.
Ho-Am Art Museum is a short 5-minute walk from the Everland looping shuttle drop-off point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, admission tickets are required. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing and to see if advance booking is recommended, especially for special exhibitions.
Information on discounts is not widely available in social media posts, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter.
The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it's best to confirm the exact hours on their official website as they can vary.
The Heewon garden is a significant part of the museum experience, but it's noted that reservations might be required for entry. Check the museum's official channels for the most up-to-date information.
No, the indoor gallery at Ho-Am Art Museum does not have a permanent exhibition; it frequently changes its displays.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, it's allowed in designated areas, but always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
The Heewon garden, the outdoor lake with the spider sculpture, and the traditional architecture offer stunning photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at art museums and historical sites to protect the exhibits and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
While not explicitly mentioned as 'photo zones,' the garden and outdoor sculptures are naturally picturesque and popular for photos.
Visitors often capture the blend of traditional Korean architecture with nature, as well as contemporary art installations.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe within the museum that offers brunch and coffee, providing a pleasant spot to relax.
The museum grounds are noted as a good picnic area, suggesting that bringing your own food is permissible, though parking fees may apply.
The cafe offers brunch and coffee, making it a convenient place for a light meal or refreshment during your visit.
The cafe is described as a pleasant space to relax, and it's a convenient option if you're already on the museum grounds.
While the museum has its own cafe, the proximity to Everland Resort means there are likely dining options available in that area as well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the indoor galleries might focus on more mature art, the overall environment is peaceful and can be a refreshing change from more bustling attractions. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, making it a more budget-friendly and relaxed outing for the whole family. If you're visiting with children, leveraging the free shuttle services from Seoul or Everland can simplify transportation.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the frequently changing exhibitions, as they offer diverse artistic perspectives.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture unique shots, from the intricate details of the garden to the interplay of art and nature.
+1 The traditional Korean architecture of the museum building itself also provides a beautiful backdrop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection and Exhibitions
Past exhibitions have highlighted prominent artists and themes, such as the works of Kim Whanki, a pioneer of modern Korean art, and collections focusing on Korean traditional painting and ceramics.
The museum's curation is consistently praised for its high quality and solid thematic coherence, making each visit potentially unique. Visitors can expect a thoughtful presentation of art, bridging historical Korean aesthetics with modern artistic expressions. The museum's affiliation with the Samsung Foundation suggests access to a rich private collection, often curated with exceptional care.
Exploring the Heewon Garden
Visitors often find the garden to be a peaceful retreat, offering a chance to connect with nature and traditional Korean aesthetics. The design is meticulously crafted, with seating areas along the 'Stone Men' path providing moments of reflection.
This meticulously maintained garden complements the art within the museum, offering a holistic cultural experience. The blend of art, architecture, and nature makes the Heewon garden a truly unforgettable part of any visit to Ho-Am Art Museum.
+1Architectural Blend: Tradition Meets Modernity
This architectural approach enhances the visitor experience by grounding contemporary art within a rich historical context. The serene mountain views from the second-floor windows further add to the peaceful ambiance, making the museum a place of both artistic and natural appreciation.
The museum's grounds also feature striking modern sculptures, such as Louise Bourgeois' iconic spider, placed strategically within the natural landscape, including a large lake. This interplay between traditional and modern elements, art and nature, is a hallmark of Ho-Am Art Museum's appeal.
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