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

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 ($1.45) 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 Times photo by Park Jin-hai

Jung Jung-kyu, 80, comes to the Silver Cinema almost every day, traveling one hour in distance from Hanam, Gyeonggi Province.

"I used to love movies. Back then, coming to the movies was a big event for the day and a most cherished pastime. I walked 8 kilometers from the countryside in Namwon (in North Jeolla Province) to watch movies. I remember watching movies outdoors on a makeshift screen back in the day. It was during the 1960s or '70s," Jung said, recalling his favorites: "The Men Who Stepped on the Tiger's Tail" (1963) and "Five Marines" (1961).

"With just 2,000 won, I can meet my friends here and watch movies. What better place can I have this fun at this cost? I love getting lost in nostalgia when I watch movies. So I come here almost every day."

The lyrics of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" float through the air in the café in front of the movie theaters, transporting older patrons back to the 1970s. The singer sings, "Oh such a perfect day, you just keep me hanging on" in an area decorated with old dolls, antique furniture, sliding door television sets and old public telephones. Along with the wall posters and paintings featuring timeless icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor, the space conjures up a unique, old-time comfort to visitors.

According to the theater, an average of 600 people visit daily throughout the year. Screenings begin at 10:30 a.m., with four to five showings each day, and movie titles rotate every three to four days.

Two women enter the Silver Cinema at the Nagwon Instrument Arcade in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

On a weekday afternoon, some 40 older adults were watching "Bell, Book and Candle" (1958) at the Silver Cinema. Couples and friends freely go into the dark, air-conditioned theater even after the movie has started but nobody seems to care. The adjacent Nangman Theater, similarly filled with people, was playing the black-and-white "Inherit the Wind" (1960).

The theaters offer a hub for the older adult community. While the Silver Cinema only screens films, the neighboring Nangman Theater hosts concerts once a month, where singers who are familiar to the older generation perform at the low ticket price of 5,000 won.

Two women in their 70s visiting the Silver Cinema said they had been great movie fans and were excited to come to the theater.

"I remember I skipped classes and sneaked into the theater as a teenager. I've seen 'Gone with the Wind' and 'East of Eden.' Entering into the theater, it was a whole different world. I was visiting countries that I've never known and seen how they live in surprise through movies," said Kim Soon-bong, 71, who came to the theater for the first time with her friend.

"I retired in December and have plenty of time. I'm really happy that we have this kind of place where we can enjoy movies at a cheap price."

Lee Young-jik, 89, said he came to the theater after a three-hour journey from his home in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to simply meet friends. The stylish man in pants with suspenders and a beret said he has worked hard his entire life so had no time to go to movie theaters when he was younger. So he comes to the place with people he met while he was playing Go at a nearby community center.

Dolls, antique furniture and sliding door television sets are on display at Nagwon Instrument Arcade in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

The success of these cinemas highlights their role not just as places of entertainment but as community spaces that offer social interaction for Seoul's older adults.

"When popular movies such as 'Ben-Hur' (1959) are screened or singers perform at a concert, all 300 seats are often sold out," said Jung So-eun, a 64-year-old former retiree who got hired at the theater selling tickets. "The price of 2,000 won has never been changed for 15 years. This place is a cultural community for older adults. They simply drop by to drink water, rest or meet friends."

Park Seung-hee, professor emeritus at Sungkyunkwan University who specializes in social welfare, said these "cinemas for older adults" are meaningful since they contribute to the happiness of these people who are in their twilight years.

"While it is essential to stay alive and well, it is also crucial to find joy in life. Engaging in enjoyable activities promotes happiness, which in turn reduces the risk of illness, boredom and loneliness. This creates a positive cycle," Park said.

However, on the other hand, those theaters can also highlight the limited leisure activities some older adults have, because it is a passive form of entertainment, according to the professor.

"They have gone through immense hardships and put frugality first. Pastimes have been a luxury. The education they received — giving focus on learning mathematics and English, neglecting to emphasize the importance of creative pursuits such as dance and music — didn't help. So, this current older generation, I say, is the most unhappy generation as they don't know how to enjoy their extended lives. No wonder this nation has the highest suicide rate among older adults (65 and over) among OECD member countries," he said, calling for more government support for programs and activities that older adults can engage and enjoy fully.

The movie "Bell, Book and Candle" (1958) is screened at the Silver Cinema in the Nagwon Instrument Arcade in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai