Entertainment · Film · 19 hrs ago
South Korea’s private cinemas offer more space and fewer distractions
In South Korea, private cinemas are offering film screenings to one group at a time, often for just one or two people.
Sigloo, which has eight locations, charges two people 36,000 won for three hours on weekday mornings, 60,000 won on weekday evenings and 75,000 won on weekends.
Other venues are changing their rooms too: a Seoul hotel cinema cut its seats from 30 to 12 and added reclining motion beds, while another hotel opened a 30-seat cinema.
Fewer people are going to large cinemas as streaming services become common and ticket prices rise.
A survey cited in the story found that 45.8% of respondents had gone to cinemas less often over the past year, and 25.1% named the cost of going as the main reason.
Some viewers still pay more for comfort and privacy, rather than simply cutting spending on films.
Cinema operators are also adding food and merchandise, and the industry expects more venues to offer experiences that are hard to get at home.
Private cinemas in South Korea are offering smaller audiences more space and fewer distractions.
Sigloo rents its screening room to one group per booking, usually one or two people, with a maximum of 10.
A two-person booking costs up to 75,000 won for three hours on weekends.
Other venues have reduced seating or added small screening rooms in hotels.
The trend comes as fewer people go to large cinemas and some viewers pay more for a quieter, more comfortable experience.
- Who
- Private cinema operators in South Korea, including Sigloo, are serving audiences seeking a more private viewing experience.
- What
- Small cinemas are offering more space per viewer and fewer distractions, sometimes renting an entire room to one group.
- When
- The trend is growing, according to an industry report on November 6.
- Where
- South Korea, including venues in Seoul.
- Why
- Some viewers want a comfortable, distraction-free cinema experience despite higher prices, as attendance at large cinemas has fallen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sigloo opened its first branch in Konkuk University area.
Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam opened a 30-seat small cinema in its basement after refurbishment.
Best Sleep Cinema at RYSE reopened with 12 seats, reduced from 30.
An industry report said private cinemas for one or two viewers were becoming more common.
- Sigloo price
- 75,000 won for three hours for two people on weekends
- Sigloo capacity
- Usually one or two people; maximum 10
- Sigloo locations
- 8 branches
- Best Sleep Cinema at RYSE
- 12 seats, down from 30
- Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam
- 30-seat cinema in the basement
- Cinema attendance
- 45.8% said they had gone to cinemas less often in the past year
What people are saying
I was disappointed that even though there is more content with artistic quality and visual beauty on OTT, people have to watch it only on a home TV or smartphone.
Now we need to give audiences a clearer reason to visit cinemas.