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The murals for the films "The Sound of Music" (1965) and "Titanic" (1997) are seen at the Nagwon Instrument Arcade in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai By Park Jin-hai In an era of skyrocketing prices, older adults currently feeling the pinch are finding respite through a nostalgic escape to a movie theater nestled in Nagwon Instrument Arcade in Jongno District, central Seoul. This theater has transformed into a sanctuary for older adults seeking both entertainment and a sense of community.

The fourth floor of the historic arcade, built in 1967 and that previously housed the Hollywood Theater — once a mecca for cinephiles before it declined in the 1990s with the advent of multiplex theaters, has changed ownership several times and been reborn as a place for the older adults since 2009. Under a sign with the words "Hollywood Classic," two single-screen movie theaters — the Silver Cinema and Nangman (nostalgia) Theater — are in operation. They screen a variety of old but gold classic Hollywood and Korean films as well as movies that resonate with older adult audiences.



For some 15 years, the ticket price has been consistently set at 2,000 won ($1.5) for people over the age of 55. This pricing strategy is particularly appealing given the current economic climate, where many older adults are struggling due to the high prices.

People buy movie tickets at the Nagwon Instrument Arcade in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday. Korea .

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