In Jeongdongjin, not far from the well-known Jeongdongjin Hourglass Park, you can find a unique cultural space. Nestled on one side of a street filled with seafood restaurants, this independent bookstore also serves as a small cinema, and it goes by the name “East Cine.”
“A Small Cafe, a Small Cinema, a Small Bookstore, a Small Accommodation? East Cine”
Defining the space called East Cine in a single word isn’t easy. It’s a place where various activities unfold in a small area.
First and foremost, it could also be referred to as a small cafe. Here, they sell coffee menu items like Americanos, along with various snacks. As the evening approaches, it transforms into a place where you can enjoy wine, giving it a different vibe.
Additionally, one side of the shop is equipped with a screen and seating, allowing you to watch movies on a small scale. It’s not a large cinema where crowds gather to watch movies, but rather a small theater where a few people come together to enjoy films. It’s a place in Jeongdongjin where you can find a small romantic experience.
“A Small Bookstore, Also a Small Independent Bookstore”
East Cine is also a small bookstore. It can also be called a small bookshop, where you can find various books related to movies in one place. The fact that it’s a small space is impressive, and they’ve focused solely on collecting books related to movies.
“Can Also Be Utilized as Accommodation”
Furthermore, this place also serves as accommodation. It operates as single rooms only, and the cost for one night is 50,000 KRW. When you suddenly want to get away somewhere, escape the city, and have a romantic time of your own, it’s a place worth considering.
If you have some free time, it’s also nice to take a walk along the beach in front of Jeongdongjin, or spend time indoors with a cup of tea, a movie, or a book.
“A Sign That Can Be Attached and Detached”
The sign you see in postings introducing this place varies, as it’s designed to be attached and detached, allowing you to arrange the letters as you wish. Even the sign adds a special touch to this interesting space.
A place overflowing with romance, ideal for visiting when you want to briefly escape the city and enjoy the East Coast beach, it might be a bit far to visit frequently from Seoul. However, if you have the leisure, it’s a place you’ll want to visit often.
I stumbled upon this place during my trip to Gangneung, and if I ever have the opportunity in the future, I’d purposely come back to visit this spot in Jeongdongjin, Gangneung.
“Gangneung Jeongdongjin: East Cine”
- Address: 1st Floor, 973 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, 25631
- Phone: 0507-1356-8732
- Operating Hours: (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun) 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Instagram: Link to East Cine’s Instagram