Last checked: October 29, 2026, against the MMCA official exhibition and Deoksugung visitor pages. The exhibition page did not list admission. “Strangers in Paris” is my translation of 파리의 이방인.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Deoksugung opens 파리의 이방인 (“Strangers in Paris”) on December 17, 2026. The exhibition marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. It follows Korean artists who went to Paris, starting with Lee Jong-woo (이종우), the first Korean artist to go there, in 1925, and covers artists who went in the 1950s to the 1970s. It runs until May 9, 2027.
Quick facts
- Dates: December 17, 2026 to May 9, 2027.
- Where: MMCA Deoksugung, the whole building (Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul).
- Admission: Not confirmed on the exhibition page. The museum says fees differ by exhibition and that Deoksugung palace admission is separate.
- Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. Wednesday and Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, with free admission from 6 PM to 9 PM. The Deoksugung main gate stops entry at 8 PM.
- Closed: January 1 and every Monday.
- Getting there: City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2) Exit 1, or Seodaemun Station (Line 5) Exit 5.
- Map: MMCA Deoksugung on Google Maps
What to expect
The museum lists more than 50 artists, including Lee Ungno, Kim Chang-yeul, Lee Ufan, Lee Seong-ja and others who worked in Paris. I did not find a full works list. The show looks at how artists balanced a search for national identity with new subjects and experiments in media.
Tips for international visitors
- Entry is through the Deoksugung main gate, and the museum says palace admission is separate. Check how the two tickets work together before you go.
- Wednesday and Saturday evenings are free for the museum, but the main gate closes to entry at 8 PM.
- The show runs into May 2027, so you can plan it around other Seoul stops.