Watching a movie in Korea.

If you are like me, then going to the movies is a regular part of your life. Even if you're not as big of a cinema fan as I am, chance are you're going to see a movie in Korea sooner or later. While the process itself is relatively straight forward there are some things you should know before heading to the big screen.

- Most big American blockbusters make it to Korea around the same time as their American releases. If its a big movie and primed to make money, chances are its coming out worldwide at the same time. In fact, some releases come out even earlier. Take The Avengers for instance, its release date was a full week earlier than in the US along with The Amazing Spider Man, once again a full week earlier than in the US.

- If you're a fan of smaller flicks or indie flicks, you might have to wait before seeing them on the big screen. Korean cinemas are constantly trying to push out more blockbusters leaving little to no time for smaller films. Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris was released last fall in the US, but is just now receiving a theater release date in Korea. Other films such as Melancholia and Cabin in the Woods are also only recently getting a theatrical release date, despite coming out last year and earlier in the year.

- However, there are a few cinemas that specialize in showing more artistic films to Korean cinema goers. Their locations in Gangbyeon, Sangam and Gwanghwamun are known for showing more indie flicks in a smaller location.

- If you're looking at a movie outing as a date option, theaters in Korea will accommodate you too. Most famous theaters in Korea (CGV, Lotte) have special couple's seating that will allow you and your date to sit closely together and enjoy the movie in close proximity. Not quite my cup of tea, but it is an option for couples into that sort of thing.

- If you and your date want another private and close movie viewing option, DVD-bangs are also a cheap alternative. Featuring a wide selection of movies, comfortable seating and rooms with complete privacy. Just be warned if you are just beginning to date someone, suggesting a DVD-bang may not be the best idea since quite a few couples use it for reason not really related to movies (sex).

- If you're worried about getting tickets, do not. There are many options to get tickets. Some websites for foreigners such as Ticketlink and Maxmovie allow you to reserve tickets online. Be warned: both of the sites are in Korean and also require foreigners to present their ARG cards to sign up. 

- Cine in Korea is a website made especially for foreigners to reserve movie tickets. While it doesn't include all theaters and really doesn't represent smaller towns, most theaters in major cities are represented. 

- If you reserve your ticket at the theater, you can either use one of the automated machines or simply go to the counter to order your ticket. Both options will have English option and for the most part are very easy to find. 

- Unlike the states, when you reserve your ticket, you also reserve your seat as well. That goes without saying if a popular movie is showing getting there to get good seating (especially if you're with a group) is a must. 

- For those wanting the bigger picture and sound experience, IMAX is the way to go. There are many IMAX screens in all major cities in Korea (you can view the list here). I have been to two IMAX's, one in Incheon and one in Daegu. Both were equally fantastic. Large screen, excellent sound and high quality picture. It was easily one of the best IMAX related experiences I have had so far.

- However, for film fans savvy on their technical information, these IMAX's were not the "true" IMAX's that feature the proper sized screen. These are digital projection IMAX's and while they still look incredible next to their normal screen counterparts, they are not a true IMAX experience. This may come across as incredibly disappointing especially since some recent movies such as last year's Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol and this year's Dark Knight Rises had sequences specifically shot for the true IMAX format. Most people will not be able to tell the difference, but for those that can (like me) it will definitely be a step down in quality and lacking the complete grandeur that the scenes were intended for.

- There is one true IMAX in Korea, located in Seoul's 63 Center. However it is limited to showing only three movies a year a most of them are documentaries. Still, if you want to see the difference in quality and immersion, it is more than worth your time.

- The other format still making its rounds through movie is 3D. While most movies that are released are post converted 3D, meaning that most movies are originally filmed in 2D, and then have the 3D effects added later on, a few released this year were filmed specifically in 3D, most noticeably Prometheus and the result is fantastic. 

- If you do end up seeing a post-converted 3D movie, rest assured that even if the effort is subpar, it will not be through lack of proper equipment. A majority of theaters in Korea are very up to standard with crystal clear digital projection and 7.1 Dolby Surround. I live in a smaller town (Gimcheon) and the teeny tiny theater there still has an amazing screen and sound set up. It is a definite step up from a majority of standard theaters back in the states.

- Finally, if you want to go for something different, trying a 4D theater or D- Box is worth trying for the experience, at least once. You sit in a seat that moves with the movie, so each explosion, bump and jolt you feel in your seat as it shakes and rocks back and forth. Along with this movement, sprays of water and blasts of air are thrown in your face.  I saw my first 4D movie at the Incheon IMAX CGV (John Carter) and while the experience was fun, it won't be something that I will be doing again anytime soon. Not only was the screen only a standard sized theater screen (not IMAX), the projector was shockingly dim and the motions while fun, in the end did more to take me out of the movie rather than immerse me even more.  

That's all I have for now. This is a crap ton of information but watching movies and films is one of my favorite hobbies and being able to continue this hobby all the way in Korea is a very nice thing indeed. 

A link to more information about watching movies in Korea. 
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=261865