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Standing up in front of a crowd at a bar on karaoke night might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but this cultural phenomenon has been around for a long time and continues to draw in new fans.
Karaoke first appeared in Japan in 1971. The popularity of the pastime quickly spread to South Korea, the United States and other countries, but evolved to meet the preferences of the locals. For instance, in the U.S., karaoke is mostly a public activity enjoyed at bars or at house parties with an audience. In South Korea, the focus is on the singing and can be enjoyed casually in a private room where you pay by song.
If you are interested in trying karaoke while stationed overseas in the Pacific, here’s what you need to know about this entertaining pastime that has garnered worldwide fans for decades.
Unleash your inner rockstar in Korea!
After watching “Bohemian Rhapsody” a few years ago, I decided to take my American friends to a noraebang to sing the songs of Queen together. In Korea, people go to a noraebang, or singing room, to enjoy karaoke.
Some of them had never been to a noraebang before and one of my friends was startled by her voice over the speakers.
Watching Koreans enthusiastically singing and dancing, the novices finally grabbed the microphone bravely, and started singing. Their embarrassment of singing on the microphone was only temporary as we were soon belting out “Bohemian Rhapsody” together.
Most Koreans have been singing at noraebangs since their teens as it’s a big part of the entertainment culture. Many Koreans believe that enthusiastically singing at a noraebang helps relieve stress. Unlike American-style karaoke where you have to perform on stage in front of others, Koreans usually sing at a private room alone or with friends.
Going to a noraebang is a great opportunity for you to practice your singing skills and perhaps discover a hidden talent. Prices are very affordable and, more importantly, it’s tremendously fun!
Types of Noraebang - Noraebang (Singing room) or - Norae-yeonseup-jang (Singing practice room)
These are the most common type and suitable for groups of friends. Each establishment has multiple rooms in different sizes that can accommodate 2 to 15 people. Most establishments charge per hour and differ based on the room size and number of people. While there are businesses that don’t allow alcohol, some are like bars and serve drinks and food in a private noraebang room. So, if you want to drink alcohol, you should ask staff before entering. This is a great place for enjoying a party atmosphere with your friends.
- Price: Approximately 20,000 to 50,000 won hourly (about $16 to $40; varies based on room size and number of people)
- Coin noraebang In coin noraebangs, there are small rooms for 1 to 5 people with a karaoke machine. No matter how many people are in the room, you are charged base on how many songs you sing. Machines usually accept coins, bills and credit cards and inserting 1,000 won offers 1 to 4 songs. Using coin noraebangs is very convenient and affordable. They are greatly favored by young students, and those who enjoy singing alone. Keep in mind that alcohol is strictly prohibited here. Also, many coin noraebangs prohibit bringing in outside food. Coin noraebangs are usually found near subways, train stations or busy streets, so you can definitely find one at the nearest station from your base.
- Price: 1,000 won for 1 to 4 songs
Great Noraebangs to check out!
Su Noraebang
The Hongdae area is a great place to explore trendy noraebangs! Two establishments of Su Noraebang are located in the main street of Hongdae, which makes it convenient to try while having a blast in the area. This place requires you to take off your shoes when entering a room, allowing you to sit very comfortably while singing. Moreover, there are unique types of rooms available such as big window rooms where you can see outside and duplex rooms. Ask staff if you want to choose a specific one.
Luxury Hongdae branch - Address: 67 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, NAVER MAP
Main branch - Address: JSJ, 37 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, NAVER MAP
- Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 a.m. Mon.-Fri. and open 24 hours on Sat. and Sun. - Price: From 20,000 won - 50,000 won for an hour (Price can vary)
Rock-Q Coin Noraebang This coin noraebang stands out with its large and clean facilities among the coin noraebangs in Hongdae. It’s conveniently located in the center area of Hongdae. Also, it has a coin recording studio where up can feel like a professional singer.
- Address: BF 1-2, 74 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, NAVER MAP - Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. Sun.-Thu.,10 a.m. – 5 a.m. Fri.-Sat. - Price: 1,000 won for 2 songs
Junco Music Town Junco Noraetown is a franchise noraebang with branches all over Korea. It’s a combined Korean-style bar and a noraebang, allowing you to enjoy alcohol and food. Junco offers a free unlimited all-you-can-eat snack bar with ramen, tteokbokki, and various snacks. This is a great place to enjoy Korean food during a noraebang party.
Pyeongtaek branch - Address: B1, Sancheon Building, 6 Pyeongtaek 2-ro, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, NAVER MAP - Hours: 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. - Price: from 25,000 won
Tips for using a Noraebang
If you’re new to Noraebang, try a coin noraebang or go with a Korean friend to they can show you the ropes.
It’s highly recommended to visit Noraebangs on busy streets. Most busy Noraebangs have the newest English songs.
Sometimes there are noraebangs that may seem ordinary but actually are shady establishments. If there are pictures of women on the sign or if the atmosphere is different from a typical noraebang, it’s better to leave.
Make sure to use the microphone covers provided at a noraebang for hygiene purposes.
It can be confusing on how to use remote controls since they are in Korean. However, with a few tries, you’ll quickly figure out how to operate them. When searching for a song you want, search by the song’s title or the artist’s name.
Towards the end of your time at the noraebang, the staff may suddenly add an additional 30 minutes as a service (for free). You can also request additional time directly. It’s a common practice in Korean culture. However, in busy establishments, they may not provide this service.
Speakin’ Korean - Karaoke/singing room: Noraebang (노래방) - Sing/song: Norae (노래) - Room: Bang (방) - Microphone: Maikeu (마이크) - Singer: Gasu (가수) - Reservation: Yeyak (예약) - Free stuff: Service/Seo-bi-seu (서비스) - Let's go to karaoke!: Noraebang gaja! (노래방가자) - Are there karaoke rooms available?: Bang isseoyo? (방 있어요?) - How much is it for an hour of karaoke?: Han-sigan-e eolmayeyo? (한시간에얼마예요?) - Pick a song: Norae golla-yo (노래 골라요) - Do you want to sing a song together? Gachi norae bureul kkayo? (같이 노래 부를까요?) - Is our time up?: Uri sigan kkeut-nasseo-yo? (우리 시간 끝났어요?) - Let's order a drink from the menu: Masil geo jumun haja (마실거 주문하자) - Do you like a noraebang(karaoke)?: Noraebang joa-haeyo? (노래방 좋아해요?) - You are a good singer!: Norae jinjja jal-haeyo! (노래 진짜 잘해요!) - Please make a reservation for this song: Ee norae yeyak-haejuseyo. (이 노래 예약해주세요) - Can you give us an additional time(for free)?: Service juseyo (서비스 주세요)
