Gongju's 1967 Hoseo Theater: A Classic Film Experience in 2026

Having moved to Sejong a couple of months back,

I've already found myself in Gongju more than four times.

Being so close to Sejong, it's a perfect spot for a quick getaway, and every visit reveals something new. That's why Gongju has become one of my most frequent travel destinations lately.

Among its many charms, I'm particularly drawn to Gongju's old city center, home to Jemincheon Stream and Gamyeong-gil.

I first noticed a special place on my second trip to Gongju, and on my third visit, I planned my entire itinerary around it. This must-see spot in Gongju is none other than

the 1967 Hoseo Theater on Gamyeong-gil.

Gongju's Hidden Gem:

1967 Hoseo Theater for Classic Films

The 1967 Hoseo Theater is a unique cultural complex that breathes new life into the historic Hoseo Theater building. Here, you can immerse yourself in classic films and captivating media art, all while exploring the preserved remnants of a bygone era.

Our primary reason for returning to this charming venue was the opportunity to catch a classic film.

During our second trip to Gongju, we wanted to go inside, but the movie schedule just didn't align with our plans.

So, for our third visit, we made sure to check the screening times beforehand and planned our entire Gongju old city itinerary around it.

The 1967 Hoseo Theater regularly screens classic films every Wednesday and on weekends.

1967 Hoseo Theaterwww.1967hs.org

Film selections and times can change, so if you're planning to catch a movie, it's always best to check the official website for the latest schedule before your visit. For September 2026, they're currently showing <High School Delinquent>!

1967 Hoseo Theater Admission

Admission to the 1967 Hoseo Theater costs ~$4 per adult.

If you register as an 'Onnuri Gongju citizen', you can receive a 50% discount.

The single admission fee covers access to the film, the internal exhibitions, and the media art, which we found to be an excellent value.

A Glimpse into the Past:

<The Houseguest and My Mother> at the Old Theater

The film showing in August 2026 when we visited was <The Houseguest and My Mother>.

Initially, I worried that a classic film might be a bit dull, but once it started, it was far more engaging than I expected. The protagonist, Ok-hee, is absolutely adorable! Haha. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it, appreciating the unique dialogue and directing style that differs so much from modern cinema.

However, don't expect the plush, comfortable seating you'd find in a typical modern cinema.

When I visited, we watched the movie from camping chairs or beanbags, so honestly, the seating itself wasn't exactly luxurious. Haha.

Nevertheless, the experience of watching a classic film in an old theater was truly special.

Exploring the Old Hoseo Theater

After the movie, we took our time exploring the building.

On the second floor, you'll find the Hoseo Dabang (café). It's not a functioning café, but rather a relaxation area where you can grab snacks from vending machines.

We also watched a video showcasing the old Hoseo Theater's past.

This area is filled with items that evoke the 1960s and 70s, like old radios and LP records, making it a delightful place to browse.

Along the hallway, we found interviews with people who used to frequent the old Hoseo and Gongju Theaters. Reading their stories was incredibly fascinating.

The third floor houses the old projection booth and vintage movie posters, and from a small window, you can catch a glimpse of Gongju's Gamyeong-gil.

While it's not a flashy destination with an abundance of attractions, my husband and I really enjoyed wandering through the actual theater space, discovering its preserved historical traces. Haha.

What About the 1967 Hoseo Theater's

Media Art?

After exploring the third floor, we returned to the first floor just as the media art screening was about to begin.

The 1967 Hoseo Theater's media art features a variety of videos, from the history of the old Hoseo and Gongju Theaters to scenic views of Gongju's various tourist attractions.

Honestly, opinions on the media art itself might vary depending on personal taste. For me, if I were to judge the media art alone, it felt like something I could take or leave.

Therefore, rather than making the exhibition or media art your sole reason for visiting from afar,

I'd highly recommend experiencing the classic film as the main draw, then enjoying the old theater, exhibitions, and media art as complementary experiences.

Pair Your Visit with Gongju's

Gamyeong-gil and Jemincheon Stream

The 1967 Hoseo Theater is best enjoyed not as a standalone visit, but as part of a larger exploration of Gongju's old city center, combining a stroll along Jemincheon Stream and Gamyeong-gil.

When searching for things to do in Gongju, famous attractions like Gongsanseong Fortress or Muryeongwangneung Tomb often come to mind first. However, after multiple visits to Gongju, I've discovered immense pleasure in exploring the charming, older spaces of the original downtown area.

This spot is particularly worth a visit if you appreciate old theaters, retro environments, or are keen to watch classic films that are hard to come by elsewhere.

Conversely, if you're expecting grand-scale exhibitions or dazzling media art, you might find it a bit underwhelming.

For my husband and me, it was a memorable Gongju highlight, so much so that we deliberately returned just to see a classic film. Haha.

If you plan to watch a movie, check the screening times first, and then explore Gamyeong-gil and Jemincheon Stream before or after.

Centering your itinerary around a classic film, as we did, can be a fun and unique way to experience Gongju's old city center. Haha.