South Korea is renowned for its diverse entertainment places. Among them, karaoke or noraebang stands out as a popular means for Koreans to unwind after a long day of work or school. You probably have seen scenes in K-dramas that were shot in a 퍼펙트가라오케 location.
If you are living in Korea or visiting the country for holidays, you should partake in the noraebang culture at least once. But before that, there are a few important things that you need to know about Korean 퍼펙트가라오케.
**Noraebang: Popular Type Of Entertainment In Korea **
Noraebang, which translates to "singing room" in Korean, has become a popular form of entertainment in Korea. Originating from the combination of the words "norae" (sing) and "bang" (room), noraebang gained prominence in the 80s and 90s, following the invention of karaoke machines in Japan during the 70s.
Nowadays, private karaoke rooms can be found all across the country, particularly in student and recreational areas. It has become a common practice for Koreans to start their evenings by socializing with friends at restaurants and bars and then continue the fun at a noraebang.
The good thing about Korean karaoke is that it takes place in a private room where you can gather with your colleagues or friends and unleash your singing skills.
Additionally, noraebang serves as a great idea to stay energized after a night of drinking. Some Koreans opt for noraebang sessions that extend until dawn.
**Finding A Noraebang **
Finding a noraebang in South Korea is easier than you think. All you need to do is keep an eye out for the signboard featuring the Korean term “norebang.” Sometimes, you may also come across signboards displaying “norae yeonseupjang”, which translates to "singing practice room."
Karaoke rooms are usually located near universities, schools, and recreational areas that are teeming with young people. One notable location is Hongdae which is known as the entertainment hub for students and young adults.
If you wish to enjoy the true noraebang culture, you must visit Hongdae. This vibrant area offers a plethora of clubs, restaurants, and karaoke rooms. This place has everything that you need for a fun-filled outing.
It's common for Koreans to meet up with their friends, enjoy a meal together, and go to a noraebang. In addition to Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam are also crowded areas in Seoul, where you will find a host of noraebang establishments to go to.
**Price Of Noraebang **
The pricing structure for noraebang is determined by the duration and the number of participants. Some places also offer discounts during off-peak hours.
On average, the hourly rates range anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 won, depending on the number of people and the time of day. Morning sessions are usually cheaper than evening sessions.
You will also find luxurious karaoke rooms that offer additional services such as drinks, beverages, and more. Booking such places will cost you an extra price than normal karaoke rooms. The price may range from 20,000 to 30,000 won per hour.
For those who prefer to sing alone, there are solo karaoke rooms available. These rooms offer solo practice sessions at a cost of only 2,000 won in the morning which goes up to 4,000 to 6,000 won per hour in the evening. If wish to practice singing by yourself, you can visit solo karaoke practice rooms.
**Services Offered By Noraebang Rooms **
Korean karaoke rooms come in various styles, each with its unique ambiance. Most karaoke establishments feature diverse themes such as Korean style, bar style, French style, and more.
Typically, noraebang rooms provide a selection of beverages like soft drinks, beer, and more. They also offer snacks to go with the drinks. While most Korean people prefer regular karaoke rooms, there are also luxuries available for those seeking a more high-end experience.
Additionally, some noraebang rooms offer food and beverage services, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited refills of drinks for an extra fee of 1,000 won per person.
You can book a noraebang room for as long as you wish. The good thing is that they allow you to sing for an additional 10 or 20 minutes even after your registered time is up. This is a gesture of goodwill known as "service" in Korea.
**What to expect in a Noraebang room? **
Most karaoke rooms in Korea are equipped with a song selection system, two microphones, a remote control, a tambourine, and a songbook.
They offer a wide variety of songs including Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese to choose from. If your Korean is weak, you can choose to sing the lyrics in some other language.
To select a song, you need to first locate the number in the songbook and enter it using the remote control. There might be a waiting list before your chosen song is played. For K-pop lovers, it’s even possible to dance while singing your favorite tracks.
Once you are done, a score will be displayed on the screen, with a maximum of 100 points. But there’s no need to get too concerned about the score, as these karaoke machines do not have any specific criteria for scoring.
**Coin Noraebang **
Coin noraebang rooms are very popular in Korea, particularly in university areas. These small rooms are designed for 1-4 people where you can enjoy a karaoke session by just inserting money in the machine and selecting a song.
Normally, you get 4 songs for 1,000 won. You can also sing for a fixed duration for about 5,000 won per hour.
Coin noraebang rooms are of two types. The first type is a small room located within buildings. The second type resembles a phone booth and can be found everywhere on the street. These tiny karaoke rooms offer a unique experience. Also, you don’t need to worry as passers-by cannot hear your voice.
**Final Words **
People of all ages enjoy noraebang in Korea. For them, it’s a popular social activity that brings people together for a fun session. Your visit to South Korea is incomplete without enjoying a karaoke session out there.