One of my favorite things to do in South Korea was going to a noraebang (karaoke). Noraebang (노래방), formed by norae (song/sing) and bang (room), literally means a room to sing. It became popular in Korea in the 80s and 90s after karaoke machines were invented in Japan in the 70s. In Korea, noraebang is a huge part of the culture because it’s an affordable and fun way to socialize or de-stress after a long day at work. Noraebangs are so common that you can probably find at least one on any street in Seoul, especially in recreational areas or student areas. It is common for Koreans to eat and have drinks at a bar and then go out to a noraebang to sing. Noraebangs are enjoyed by Koreans of all ages, from children to older adults. Because noraebangs are busiest in the evenings, they are often open until late at night.
Hongdae is an urban area near Hongik University known for its music culture, street shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. When I was in Hongdae, there were dozens of noraebangs, all within close proximity. Hongdae is one of the most popular places among students and young adults to enjoy nightlife and sing at a noraebang with friends, family, or even coworkers. Besides Hongdae, other popular noraebang areas in Seoul include Gangnam or Myeongdong.
Noraebang prices are calculated based on time and the number of people you are with. It is also cheaper to go during off-peak hours. The average hourly price ranges from 5,000 ~ 15,000 KRW depending on the time and the number of people. Mornings, 9am-12pm, are usually half the evening price. There are also luxurious noraebang rooms which are more expensive around 20,000 ~ 30,000 won per hour. There are also ‘coin’ noraebangs that have smaller rooms than traditional noraebangs but are less expensive since you pay per song, rather than hourly. Oftentimes, noraebang workers will give you extra time to sing or additional songs as a ‘service’ (for free). One time, my friends and I received a whole extra hour of additional time.
Sources: https://korealocalpages.com
Comments
I am so surprised about these prices. The two noraebangs I've been to in NOVA were way more expensive and it sounds like the ones in Hongdae are so much more fun. I've always wanted to go to Hongdae and now I 100% will. A luxurious room in Gangnam is now on my bucket list.
I really love going to Noraebang! When I first went to Korea and my friends wanted to hang out. They texted in the group chat saying let's meet at this noraebang. At first I didn't even know what a noraebang was and thought they just wanted to meet there. But I realized when we went inside that it was a culture that Korean's enjoyed to bond with others.
I also love noraebang, although like in the states they are much more expensive. When I went to Dallas for winter break, I went to karaoke 13/14 days, and on the last day I ruined my vocal chords to where I ended up getting laryngitis, and was congested/sore for several days after. But definitely, if I was to be in Korea, I would go much more often.