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2020.03.23 11:26 GMT+8

South Korea drive-in cinemas enjoy sales boom over virus fears

Updated 2020.03.23 11:26 GMT+8
CGTN

A couple look at a mobile phone as they sit in a car at a screening at a drive-through cinema in Seoul, South Korea, March 21, 2020. /AFP

A long queue of cars forms in front of a drive-in cinema in Seoul, as South Koreans look for safer spaces to enjoy a movie without the risk of contracting the coronavirus raging across the world.

Box office numbers in South Korea, which has 8,897 confirmed virus cases, have plummeted in recent weeks due to the epidemic, with authorities urging the public to avoid large crowds.

But at Park Dong-ju's drive-in cinema, moviegoers can enjoy a film from the comfort of their cars, parked in front of a large outdoor screen.

A couple walk between cars queuing for a screening at a drive-through cinema in Seoul. /AFP

At drive-in cinemas, moviegoers can enjoy a movie from the comfort of their cars, parked in front of a large outdoor screen. /AFP

The entrance to the drive-in cinema. /AFP

"We've had a 10-20 percent increase in sales for weekdays, and sell out on weekends," Park said, adding, "We're definitely getting many more calls and internet inquiries after the coronavirus outbreak."

A website for his drive-in cinema shows a large banner that reads, "Open throughout the year," a stark contrast to some theaters worldwide forced to suspend business over virus fears.

Choi Jin-young, a 22-year-old hospital worker, said she had to wait two hours for tickets and was worried that it might sell out for the weekend.

A couple sit in their car as they watch a movie screening at a drive-through cinema in Seoul. /AFP

Movie fans say they feel "safe" at the drive-in cinema. /AFP

People have gone to the drive-in cinema looking for some "culture." /AFP

"I wanted to enjoy culture life with my boyfriend but since cinemas are dangerous and worrying to go, I looked for a special date and that's how we came here," she said.

Park Ji-seung, 24, said he refrained from going outside due to the coronavirus outbreak, but added he felt "safe" at the drive-in cinema.

Park Dong-ju's drive-in cinema has enjoyed a "10 to 20 per cent increase in sales for weekdays." /AFP

It has been sold out on weekends. /AFP

The drive-in cinema in Seoul is open all year round. /AFP

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged religious, indoor sports and entertainment facilities to suspend operations for 15 days, asking the public to work from home and refrain from going outside.

Scores of events – from K-pop concerts to sports matches – have been cancelled or postponed over the contagion.

Source(s): AFP
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