By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
With Korea rapidly becoming an aging society, the so-called silver business is booming. Now, it is branching out to the movie industry. There is only one "silver cinema" that caters to seniors but, by many indications, it may see its best days ahead.
That one outlet is Hollywood Classic, a 300-seat theater in downtown Seoul. It is not uncommon for a large group of senior citizens to be seen trooping out of it after a movie.
"I come here alone or with my wife often," says Choi Eui-han, 59, during an interview with The Korea Times. To be more exact, two or three times a month.
"What I like about this place is that I don't have to make a reservation or wait in a long line," said Choi, who retired from an executive position four years ago. "The Korean movies from the 1960s and 1970s remind me of the old days. I am glad to see classic movies again," Choi said.
According to Choi, this theater could be a good alternative to drinking at Tapgol Park, a favorite hangout among seniors, or riding the subway all day. Seoul City Hall subsidizes the theater, which is the first of four cinemas planned by the city administration.
"I wish there were more chances to go to see plays or musicals for seniors at a cheaper price," Choi said. "However, senior welfare should not be a burden for taxpayers."
At Hollywood Classic, a ticket costs only 2,000 won for seniors older than 57 years old. Those who are younger have to pay the regular 8,000 won.
What makes Hollywood Classic popular is the movies it shows ― classics as well as new releases.
The old Korean classic, "Yalgae, a Joker In High School," "Ben-Hur" and new release "Haeundae" were shown on the day this reporter visited.
Seniors work as volunteers at the theater, and they are able to attend the needs of the customers well, as they are in the same generation.
Ahn Nan-jun, a 76-year-old volunteer, called it a "playground" for the elderly.
"Seniors don't have places to spend time properly. The cinema is a good pastime," Ahn said.
Since its opening in January, the theater has seen some 50,000 customers.
Lee Keun-hong, president of the Korean Society of Welfare for the Aged, pointed that the government is still focusing on senior citizens who are suffering abuse, poverty and illness.
"Senior welfare should be diversified to meet the needs of the elderly in various classes," Lee said. "For low-income brackets, the government should offer financial incentives or find jobs for them. For those who are in the middle class and healthy, proper pastime activities including cultural life is needed."
Seoul City is helping the theater financially because of this keen need. According to its own statistics, the number of Seoul residents over 65 jumped to 927,000 in September from 1998's 505,000. It is expected to surpass 1 million in 2012.
"We started the '9988 Senior Welfare Project' to provide welfare for ordinary people last year," O Young-dan of the city's senior welfare team said. The number in its title signifies a slogan of sorts, encouraging seniors to lead an active life even at the age of 99.
"For instance, we hold concerts for the elderly once a month. We plan to expand the concert to be performed by the seniors next year," O said.
The city also plans to build a comprehensive senior center in Jongno and four "silver towns" by 2014.