The Singing Room

Well hello again! Also, Happy New Year! I figured it would be wise to start the year off right with a brand new blog. I've been planning this one for a while, but have been procrastinating. I also needed to gather pictures from friends who have managed to take relevant pictures. The subject matter doesn't really lend itself to picture taking. Usually people are quite distracted and just don't bother.

I'm here today to talk about an type of establishment known as the 노래방 or Noraebang. That translates to singing room. Norae is singing, bang is room. That a short a, so it's not bang like a gun. Bah-ng. Like that. These businesses are incredibly popular here in Korea. In the busy areas of our small town (around 100,000 people) I could probably spin in a circle and count at least 20 of these places. They're all over.

I'm pretty sure that these types of places started in Japan and the idea eventually ended up here as well. It's basically Karaoke, just with only your friends (or random street people you choose to bring along I guess). Most of these businesses have around 20 rooms of varying size. Each room contains places to sit (usually comfy couches), a tv, a few microphones, tambourines, a couple song folders, a remote, and a table to keep all that and your beverages.

Those folders are filled with songs. They're huge and ready to burst with singing joy. The ones around here typically have Korean, English, Chinese, and a bunch of other languages. The selection is pretty deep. It's not all Britney and Christina. There's punk, pop, metal, oldies, country, really most genres are well represented. There's something for everyone.

The little remote is used to input songs. At most places you can enter songs ahead of time, so while Billy is singing that Nickleback song you don't care for you can ensure that the Quiet Riot is next up for your personal enjoyment. The songs aren't actually cd tracks with the vocals ripped out. They're often just midi files. That's computer beeps and boops in layman's terms. They sound alright enough. You're there for the singing, not the background music. The remote lets you change the tempo or shift the key of the song. The lyrics appear on screen and you and a partner (or a roomful of partners) belt out your favorite ditty. Good times.

After the song is finished the machine grades you. It doesn't track pitch or anything complicated (ie Rock Band or recent Guitar Heroes), I believe it just makes sure you're singing something at appropriate times. Sometimes the scores seem rather arbitrary and everyone happily gets scores in the high 80's on up to 100. Other visits the machines is ruthless and you receive delightful 42s or even the dreaded 17.

Behind the lyrics, videos play. The videos are completely unrelated to whatever you may be singing. Usually they're just Korean pop videos. Some Noraebangs (sexy noraebangs) play a little more erotic fair. Some friends regaled us with a story or Christmas Eve '08. A mixed group of males and females from parts all over the world went to a Noraebang to sing Christmas carols. They weren't aware that anything was sexy about this noraebang until topless girls were bouncing on the screen to their renditions of Silver Bells and the First Noel.

I have no idea when Noraebangs open. Early evening would be my best assumption. They are most popular after drinking activities. As long as there are customers, the proprietor will usually stay open. In fact, my very first time at a Noraebang we stayed until after 6 in the morning. As long as there are other people there, they're happy to let you stay. In fact, a lot of Noraebangs pump the sounds of the patrons out to the street to encourage others to come in. They love when English speakers are there because they can push English music out to the street. It's so well received that you'll usually find yourself with extra time on the clock. It's not unheard of to pay for one hour and then to end up staying for an extra 3 or so for free.

All that singing is thirsty work, but they have you covered. There is always a variety of drinks and light snacks available. All but one of the ones I have been to serve beer and soju, but they also have water, juice, pop, etc...

I guess that's the basics. It's a pretty awesome time. I wouldn't have ever expected this to be something I'd end up doing often. Now we do it at least every other weekend. Oh, the cost? About $15-20 an hour. Not per person, per room. As many as you can jam in there. Some Noraebangs have huge rooms (for your extra large parties) that might run you an extra couple bucks. There are also luxury Noraebangs that have extra cushy couches and cool stuff like giant upright bongos.

So, that's all that.... I can't think of any more to add. Maybe Mel will have some anecdotes to throw in. For now, on to the pictures!







These are pictures of a rather small Noraebang we went to in Suwon. This one is probably meant for around 5-7 people (There's a couple more seats of of picture).


This is the same Suwon stop. There was some really weird background video. Please note, the lyrics are for Call Me by Blondie. My Sharona was the next song up, not the current song :)


This evening myself and 2 others were at the singing room. The other gent in the pic was just visiting Korea and this was his only opportunity to hit a NB. Unfortunately no one else could make it. So, there were 3 of us, but they gave us like the hugest room in the place :D


We recently went skiing and they had a Noraebang on the premises. This was on our first night there. Most of the guys (well all of them besides myself) decided to ski the first night. I and all the girls ended up going for a tune or two.

I actually got Mel to sing with me. You can see the evidence below (much to her chagrin)



Okay, that's it. Bye!

Aaron