Located on the slopes of the Namsan Mountain in Hannam-dong and flanked by the Hangang River, the Leeum complex is the optimal synthesis of nature and architecture. The complex is split into three major parts by three different internationally acclaimed architects. MUSEUM 1, which will house the Korean Traditional Art collection, has been designed by the Swiss architect, Mario Botta. MUSEUM 2, which is connected to MUSEUM 1, will house the Contemporary Art collection and has been designed by the French architect, Jean Nouvel. Along with Samsung Child Education & Culture Center by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, these three works of contemporary architecture will create a cultural complex where these individual architectural masterpieces will be brought together to create a complementary and harmonious whole.

MUSEUM 1 for Korean Traditional Art and MUSEUM 2 for Contemporary Art collectively occupy a site of some 4,000 with a total floor area of 15,000. The Samsung Child Education & Culture Center, located at the entrance of Leeum, is sited in an area of 4,000 with a total floor area of 13,000. This Center will house educational facilities in the arts for children. Each of the three buildings will use a diverse material palette and innovative approaches to architectural design, reflecting the individuality of each of its designers. Their specific design contributions have created a unique cultural complex that will be an international architectural destination. Mario Bottas solid forms of terracotta, symbolizing earth and fire, bring together traditional and contemporary sensibilities. Jean Nouvels innovative use of glass and steel reflect a highly contemporary attitude and Rem Koolhaas black concrete structure, creates an abstract space and makes a bold statement about his future of architecture.