The photography exhibition 20segi Sajin Geojangjeon Bit, Siganeul Meomchuda (20세기 사진 거장전 빛, 시간을 멈추다) runs from November 20, 2026 to March 28, 2027 at Art Chosun Space in Jung-gu, Seoul. The Korean title roughly means “20th-Century Photography Masters: Light Stops Time.” The show brings together more than 80 works by 17 photography masters, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Tina Modotti and William Klein, and every piece on the walls is an original print. Adult admission is 12,000 KRW (~$9 USD), or 7,200 KRW (~$5 USD) if you book the early-bird rate.
What Is 20segi Sajin Geojangjeon Bit, Siganeul Meomchuda?
All of the works come from the collection of Gallery Lumiere. From it, the curators picked more than 80 photographs by 17 masters of 20th-century photography. The Chosun Ilbo and Gallery Lumiere are the organizers, and the Chosun Ilbo’s cultural projects division runs the show.
The exhibition is built around the “physical print.” These aren’t digital files. They are analog photographs printed by hand in the darkroom, using silver and platinum on photographic paper. On a phone screen you just swipe past a picture. Here you can see the texture of the paper and the full range of black-and-white tones up close. The show is meant to be taken slowly, so give yourself time to stand in front of each print.
Exhibition Dates and Opening Hours
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exhibition period | Friday, November 20, 2026 – March 28, 2027 |
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00 |
| Last entry | 17:30 |
| Regular closing day | Every Monday |
| Additional closing days | Wednesday, February 10, 2027; Tuesday, March 2, 2027 |
| Age rating | All ages |
| Venue | Art Chosun Space (ACS), 1F, 30 Sejong-daero 21-gil (Taepyeongno 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 세종대로21길 30 (태평로1가) 1층) |
The gallery is closed on Mondays. When a public holiday period includes a Monday, though, the gallery closes on the day after the holidays instead. It’s also closed on the two additional closing days listed above, so check the calendar before you go.
Which Photographers Are on Show?
The exhibition has three parts: pure photography, street, and documentary. It moves from the pioneers of modern photography who made the medium a fine art, to the humanist masters, and then to documentary photographers who captured the energy of cities and the inner lives of the people in them.
Key Artists and Highlights
| Artist | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004) | His works, plus his handwritten signature |
| Tina Modotti (1896–1942) | A complete set of 15 works |
| William Klein (1926–2022) | Featured artist |
| Alfred Stieglitz | Featured artist |
Extras at the Exhibition
- Video screenings
- Artist catalogues and merchandise for sale
- Original prints for sale
20segi Sajin Geojangjeon Bit, Siganeul Meomchuda Tickets and Early-Bird Prices
Regular tickets are available, and the ticketing site NOL Ticket also sells early-bird tickets at 40% off the regular price.
| Category | Regular price | Early bird (NOL Ticket) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (ages 19–64) | 12,000 KRW (~$9 USD) | 7,200 KRW (~$5 USD) |
| Children & youth (ages 7–18) | 9,000 KRW (~$7 USD) | 5,400 KRW (~$4 USD) |
| Seniors (ages 65+) | 9,000 KRW (~$7 USD) | 5,400 KRW (~$4 USD) |
| Special discount | 9,000 KRW (~$7 USD) | 5,400 KRW (~$4 USD) |
| Infants (ages 6 and under) | Free | Free |
Early-Bird Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid | Friday, November 20, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 |
| Visit date | Open-dated (you don’t pick a date when booking) |
| Cancellation deadline | January 31, 2027, 17:30 (after that, tickets can’t be used or refunded) |
| Ticketing inquiries | 1544-1555 |
- The special discount covers people with disabilities in grades 1–3 (severe) plus one companion, people with disabilities in grades 4–6 (mild), and Korean national merit recipients, people injured in acts of rescue, and bereaved families of people who died in acts of rescue. Except for the one companion with grades 1–3, the discount is for the holder only.
- Staff at the on-site ticket booth apply discounts only after checking proof, such as an ID, student ID or welfare card. Bring yours with you.
- Discounts can’t be combined.
- The event listing mentions a 50% discount on “Culture Day” (문화가 있는 날), but the ticketing page doesn’t. If you’re counting on it, call ahead to confirm.
How to Get to Art Chosun Space, and Is There Parking?
Art Chosun Space sits between Seoul City Hall and Gwanghwamun, so the subway is the easiest way in. The address is 1F, 30 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 세종대로21길 30 1층).
| Starting point | How | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Hall Station, Exit 3 | Subway Line 1 or 2, then walk | 241 m | About 4 minutes on foot |
| Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 6 | Subway Line 5, then walk | 299 m | About 4 minutes on foot |
Parking
The gallery has no parking lot of its own. If you’re driving, the paid Jeongdong Minyeong Parking Lot (정동 민영 주차장) at 76-2 Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 태평로1가 76-2) is a 2-minute walk away. This is central Seoul, though, so public transport is the easier option.
Tips for Your Visit
- Book early-bird tickets before the end of January. Adults save 4,800 KRW (~$3.60 USD) off the regular price, and because the tickets are open-dated, you can go on any day within the valid period.
- Don’t plan a Monday visit. The gallery closes every Monday, and it’s also closed on February 10 and March 2, 2027.
- Get in before 17:30. With more than 80 original prints to see, plan on plenty of time so you don’t have to hurry.
- Bring proof for discounts. Child, youth, senior and special discounts are applied only after staff check your documents at the venue.
- Don’t miss the full set of 15 Tina Modotti works or Cartier-Bresson’s signature. They’re two of the standout items in this show.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does 20segi Sajin Geojangjeon Bit, Siganeul Meomchuda run, and what are the opening hours?
It runs from November 20, 2026 to March 28, 2027. You can visit Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, and the last entry is at 17:30.
When is the gallery closed?
It’s closed every Monday. When a public holiday period includes a Monday, the gallery closes on the day after the holidays instead. February 10 (Wed) and March 2 (Tue), 2027 are also closing days.
How much are tickets, and what is the early-bird price?
Regular tickets cost 12,000 KRW (~$9 USD) for adults and 9,000 KRW (~$7 USD) for children, youth, seniors and special-discount visitors, and infants get in free. NOL Ticket’s early-bird price is 7,200 KRW (~$5 USD) for adults and 5,400 KRW (~$4 USD) for each of the children, youth, senior and special-discount groups. Early-bird tickets are valid until January 31, 2027.
Which photographers’ works are on display?
You’ll see more than 80 works by 17 photography masters. They include Henri Cartier-Bresson, Tina Modotti, William Klein and Alfred Stieglitz, and every work is an original print.
How do I get to Art Chosun Space?
The subway is the easiest way. The gallery is 241 m from Exit 3 of City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2) and 299 m from Exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), and both are about a 4-minute walk.
Is there parking at Art Chosun Space?
No, the gallery has no parking of its own. Use the paid Jeongdong Minyeong Parking Lot (76-2 Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul), a 2-minute walk away.
Can I bring children?
Yes, the exhibition is open to all ages. Children aged 6 and under get in free, and children and teens aged 7–18 pay the discounted rate.
Who do I contact with questions about the exhibition?
Contact the Chosun Ilbo’s cultural projects division at 02-724-6319. For early-bird booking questions, call the ticketing site at 1544-1555. Exhibition news is posted on Art Chosun Space’s Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/artchosun_space/).
