Korean Cinemas Explore New Directions
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Due to the strong competition between cinemas in the Korean market, Korean cinemas are developing new concepts to establish their position. Leading exhibitor CJ/CGV announced that their strategy will include a luxurious cinema in Apgujeong, Seoul. The cinema will have a 30-seat capacity.
The top-end cinema will cater to affluent Seoulites by offering superior screens which cost three times more than a standard screen, US$ 8 000 adjustable seats, improved sound experience and high-end five course meals prepared by chefs who enjoyed their training at Le Cordon Blue, a renowned French cooking school. Admission will cost between US$ 65 and US$ 85 during lunch time, and up to US$ 105 a ticket in the evening.
Korean cinema chains as Megabox and CJ/CGV are also exploring new markets by entering the developing Chinese theater market.
English subtitles are back in cinemas on a limited scale. Korean films offered with English subtitles are in general independent titles, possibly because those films already require English subtitles for their tour along international film festivals. Korean subtitled films include Kim Ki-duk's "Breath" at Sponge House in Jongno, Seoul.
Several years ago, also mainstream Korean films were shown with English subtitles at selected cinemas in Seoul. However, that initiative died a quiet death within a year.
Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
The top-end cinema will cater to affluent Seoulites by offering superior screens which cost three times more than a standard screen, US$ 8 000 adjustable seats, improved sound experience and high-end five course meals prepared by chefs who enjoyed their training at Le Cordon Blue, a renowned French cooking school. Admission will cost between US$ 65 and US$ 85 during lunch time, and up to US$ 105 a ticket in the evening.
Korean cinema chains as Megabox and CJ/CGV are also exploring new markets by entering the developing Chinese theater market.
English subtitles are back in cinemas on a limited scale. Korean films offered with English subtitles are in general independent titles, possibly because those films already require English subtitles for their tour along international film festivals. Korean subtitled films include Kim Ki-duk's "Breath" at Sponge House in Jongno, Seoul.
Several years ago, also mainstream Korean films were shown with English subtitles at selected cinemas in Seoul. However, that initiative died a quiet death within a year.
Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
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