Korean Karaoke Basics: Prices, Facilities, and How to Use the System

guide to korean karaoke

All About Korean Karaoke (Noraebang): A Full Guide

korean private karaoke room

The bright lights of Korea come alive at night with signs for noraebang spots, Korea’s own karaoke. These private singing rooms are not like karaoke bars in the west. They are filled with the top tech and lots of songs in many languages.

How Korean Noraebangs Stand Out

Korean karaoke rooms are famous for their private rooms, where groups can sing away from others. Each room has high-tech touch screens, top sound systems, and lights you can change. The word “noraebang” means “singing room,” showing that these spots are for singing just with pals.

Main Gear and Tech

  • Nice sound systems
  • Screens to pick songs
  • Lots of mics
  • Team Building Event
  • Buttons to ask for help
  • Shakers and drums
  • Good air systems
  • Fun lights

Costs and Time

Noraebang prices usually go by the hour, and the cost can vary by place, time, room size, and extras like drinks or snacks. Many spots have deals during the day and plans for long hours for those who want to save money.

Using Noraebang Tech

  • Song lists in many languages
  • Search by singer, song, or number
  • New songs area
  • Top song lists
  • Lists by language
  • Ways to set up your singing

What is Noraebang: Your Guide to Korean Karaoke

Noraebang, which means “song room” in Korean, brings you the true Korean karaoke feel. Unlike old karaoke spots in Japan, noraebang places give private areas where groups can enjoy songs without others watching.

Gear and Key Tech

  • Pro sound setups
  • Many top-quality mics
  • Smart touch screens
  • Shakers and drums
  • Party lights
  • Air control
  • Call buttons for service

Song Choices and Tech

  • K-pop hits and old Korean songs
  • Worldwide pop songs
  • Japanese songs
  • Top tracks from global charts
  • Tools in different languages
  • Help with lyrics on screen
  • Live tune adjustments for your voice

Key Info

  • Open all the time at most spots
  • Prices for every hour
  • Rooms for groups of all sizes
  • Spread all over Korea
  • Drinks and snacks to buy
  • Option to book songs
  • Easy ways to book a spot

Karaoke Costs and How to Pay in Korea

hotel accommodations and amenities

Usual Cost Method

Rates for noraebang rooms range from 10,000 to 20,000 won ($8-16 USD) each hour on average. Final prices differ based on lots of factors including room size, place type, time, and day.

Cost for Busy vs. Quiet Times

  • Late night singing (after 10 PM) costs more, but afternoon times cost less
  • Happy hour costs: 5,000 won per hour (2-6 PM on weekdays)
  • Fancy places: Up to 30,000 won per hour
  • Less for students: At some spots

Ways to Pay

  • Cash
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Online wallets: KakaoPay, NaverPay
  • Membership cards
  • Points

Extra Perks

  • Loyalty programs
  • Discounts for groups
  • Longer session deals
  • Nicer rooms for more pay
  • Savings for students and more

Modern Korean Singing Times

How to Pick Your Songs

New noraebang setups make it easy to find your song, with a touch screen for easy use:

  • Search by song number
  • Look up by name
  • Find by singer’s name
  • Pick by language type

Search by Language

English songs use a common letter search, while Korean songs can be found using both Hangul and simple text. Popular lists like “English Top 100” and “K-pop Latest Hits” help those new to Korean script.

Smart Tools and Settings

  • Key to fit your voice
  • Speed to match your pace
  • Echo to better sound quality
  • Manage song queue for non-stop singing

Must-Know Noraebang (Korean Karaoke) Rules

When You Start

Take off your shoes before going into the noraebang room and put on the given slippers. As per Korean ways, the oldest person or the one who planned it picks and sings the first song.

How to Share Mics and Pick Songs

Right Way to Act

  • How you eat and drink matters: Serve the oldest first, use both hands when you pour drinks, don’t talk loud while someone sings, and put phones away during others’ turns

Keep it Clean

  • Make sure the place stays clean: Toss trash right, keep drinks and snacks neat, tell staff if you need more time, and add more time in 30-minute blocks

How Loud to Be

Be loud enough to have fun, but keep the sound ok. Note, noraebang rooms aren’t soundproof, so think of others close to your room.