Chowon Photo Studio Visitor Guide — Gyeongju Nostalgic Gem

Chowon Photo Studio in Gunsan is famous as the filming location of the movie, "Christmas in August (1998)" starring actors Han Suk-kyu and Shim Eun-ha. The movie depicts unfulfilled love between photographer Jung-won (Han Suk-kyu) who lives a time-limited life with his father and parking enforcement agent Da-rim (Shim Eun-ha) who appears in front of Jung-won one day. A majority of the movie was filmed at this photo studio. At the time of the production of the film, the production crew decided not to shoot in an indoor set but, instead, searched photo studios across the country; however, they failed to find the right location. Then, one day, when they went into a cafe for a quick break, they found a garage with a shadow of a summer tree outside the window and, after getting permission from the owner, converted it into a photo studio. The name "Chowon Photo Studio" was proposed by the lead actor, Han Suk-kyu, who named it after a neighborhood photo studio near his childhood home. After the filming was completed, Chowon Photo Studio was torn down as promised with the owner but was later restored by the city of Gunsan, and it is now open free of charge to everyone who visits Gunsan. It still exhibits the cameras, fans and albums that appeared in the movie and, after tourists take photos here, the studio managers send their photos by email.

Why Chowon Photo Studio matters

Chowon Photo Studio owes much of its fame to its pivotal role in "The Classic." Directed by Kwak Jae-yong, the film masterfully wove a tale of enduring love across generations, set against the backdrop of both contemporary and past Korea.

Chowon Photo Studio, as a tangible link to these emotional narratives, quickly became a focal point for fans eager to experience a piece of the film's magic firsthand. Its selection as a key location was no accident; the studio's inherent retro charm perfectly complemented the film's exploration of a past era.

Beyond its cinematic fame, Chowon Photo Studio stands as a genuine relic of Korea's photographic past. Traditional photo studios like this were once community hubs, capturing everyday life, special occasions, and the evolving faces of Korean society.

Planning Your Visit to Chowon Photo Studio

Chowon Photo Studio is located in the Woljeonggyo area of Gyeongju, a city rich with historical sites. It is relatively accessible, though it’s advisable to check its operating hours before your visit, as these can vary.

Official visitor information

Official address: 12-1 Guyeong 2-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do.

Official visiting hours: Monday 09:00~18:00 Tuesday~Sunday 09:00~21:30.

Official closure information: First and third Mondays of every month.

Parking availability is not stated in the current official record.

Use the official website for current contact details.

How to use this guide

Use the official information above as the planning baseline. Opening arrangements, programs, admission conditions, and access rules can change after this review. Follow the official source links before traveling, especially when your visit depends on a particular exhibition, performance, seasonal activity, or facility.

The remaining recommendations on this page are editorial guidance for understanding the setting and organizing a visit. They are not a substitute for instructions issued by the venue, local government, cultural-property authority, or transport operator.

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