Noraebang: A complete guide to karaoke in South Korea (2025)

Have you ever heard of "Noraebang", the South Korean cultural institution that thrills an entire country? If you're curious to find out more about the karaoke in Korea or if you're planning a trip to this fascinating country, this article will immerse you in the captivating world of Korean-style vocal entertainment. Much more than a simple pastime, Noraebang represents a veritable social phenomenon that reveals much about contemporary Korean culture.

So what makes Korean karaoke so special and different from those found elsewhere in the world? How do they work? Where can you find them? Get ready to discover all the secrets behind this must-see experience for anyone interested in modern South Korea.

Karaoke Korea: a cultural institution not to be missed

The word "Noraebang" (노래방) is made up of two Korean terms: "norae" (노래) meaning "song" and "bang" (방) designating a "room" or "space". Literally, it's a "singing room". But in reality, it's much more than that. It's a pillar of Korean social life that transcends generations and social classes.

But why is karaoke such an important part of South Korean culture? The answer lies partly in the country's social structure. In a society where emotional expression can be constrained by rigid social codes, Noraebang offers a free space where everyone can let off steam and express their personalities without judgment.

The origins of karaoke date back to Japan in the 1970s, but the Koreans have made the concept their own, transforming it in their own way. It was in the 1990s that the phenomenon exploded in South Korea, in parallel with the country's economic boom and the emergence of K-pop. Today, it is estimated that there are over 35,000 Noraebang rooms across the country!

For Koreans, going to Noraebang is not an exceptional activity but rather a normal part of their social life. Colleagues go there after work, families to celebrate an event, students to unwind after exams, and friends simply to have a good time together. It's a place where social hierarchies temporarily fade away, allowing for more relaxed and authentic interactions.

What's more, karaoke plays a crucial role in "hoesik culture" (회식), the quasi-mandatory company outings that cement professional relationships. After a hearty meal, the evening often continues at Noraebang, where employees and even bosses can put on a more relaxed face. It's sometimes in these moments of musical camaraderie that real professional bonds are forged.

The different types of Noraebang in South Korea

Contrary to the image of karaoke in the West, where people often sing in front of an audience of strangers, the Korean karaoke favors intimacy and togetherness. Groups of friends or colleagues usually come together to rent a private room. But not all Noraebang are alike, and there are different categories of establishments targeting different clienteles.

Classic Noraebang

This is the most common type. These establishments offer private rooms of various sizes, from small groups (2-4 people) to larger groups (up to 10-15 people). Rates are generally calculated on an hourly basis, with some exceptions. prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 won (approx. 7 to 22 euros) depending on the size of the room and the standing of the establishment.

These classic Noraebangs are often well-equipped, with quality sound systems, large screens and a minimum of two microphones. Most also offer tambourines and maracas to accompany the singers and set the mood.

Luxury Noraebang (VIP)

For those seeking a premium experience, luxury Noraebang venues offer spacious rooms with meticulous decoration, top-of-the-range audio and video systems, and sometimes even in-house catering and bar services. Some even offer specific themes or rooms with perfected acoustics.

Prices can easily reach 50,000 to 100,000 won (35 to 70 euros) an hour, but the experience is up to scratch, with comfortable seats, perfect soundproofing and state-of-the-art equipment. These establishments are particularly popular for special occasions or romantic rendezvous.

Noraebang Corner (코인 노래방)

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the much more affordable Coin Noraebang. As their name suggests, these establishments operate on a token or coin system, hence the term "coin" in English. You generally pay for a certain number of songs, rather than by the hour.

The cabins are smaller (often for 1 to 4 people maximum) and the equipment is basic, but it's an economical option that's very popular with students and young people. Prices can be as low as 500 won (less than 0.50 euro) per songwhich makes it a very accessible activity.

Noraebang without alcohol vs. with alcohol

Another important distinguishing criterion is the sale of alcohol. Many Noraebang offer alcoholic beverages (beer, soju, cocktails) and snacks, while others are explicitly "alcohol-free" and more suitable for families or minors.

Noraebang with alcohol often have a more festive atmosphere and can be transformed into veritable private mini-nightclubs. Drink prices are generally higher than in supermarkets, but remain reasonable compared with bars.

Where to find karaoke in Seoul and other major cities?

If you're looking for a karaoke in KoreaNoraebang are a ubiquitous feature of the South Korean urban landscape, virtually at every subway exit and on major roads. However, certain districts and areas are particularly renowned for their Noraebang.

In Seoul

HongdaeNoraebang: This trendy student district is packed with Noraebang of all types, from the most basic to the most extravagant. The atmosphere is young and relaxed, ideal for travelers wishing to immerse themselves in contemporary Korean culture.
GangnamPsy: Made famous by Psy's song, this chic neighborhood is home to some of the capital's most luxurious Noraebang. If you're looking for an upscale experience, this is the place to go, especially around Gangnam Station or on Garosugil.
ItaewonItaewon: A cosmopolitan district par excellence, Itaewon offers Noraebang that is more accessible to foreigners, often with more extensive selections of international songs.
Myeongdong: This tourist and shopping area is home to a large number of establishments, easily identifiable by their illuminated signs. Some are even open 24 hours a day.

In other major cities

BusanThe country's second-largest city has no shortage of good Noraebang, particularly in the Seomyeon and Haeundae districts.
DaeguThe areas around Kyungpook University and the Dongseongno district are known for their many lively Noraebang.
IncheonBupyeong: Near the Bupyeong district and around Bupyeong station, there's a high concentration of establishments to suit all budgets.

How to spot a Noraebang? It's quite simple: look for signs with the character 방 (bang) or the full inscription 노래방 (noraebang). Many feature microphones, musical notes or bright, colorful signs. In tourist areas, some even display "Karaoke" in the Latin alphabet.

Most Noraebang are open very late, some until dawn, others 24 hours a day. It's a particularly popular late-night activity, after dinner or a few drinks in a bar.

Korean Noraebang technologies and systems

One of the distinguishing features of karaoke in Korea of their Western counterparts is the level of technological sophistication. The systems used are generally highly advanced, with intuitive interfaces and impressive functionality.

The main system suppliers

Two major suppliers dominate the karaoke system market in Korea:

TJ Media (TJ 노래방): This is the market leader. Their system, recognizable by its blue interface, offers a vast catalog of Korean and international songs. Their song numbering has become a benchmark, so much so that some K-pop fans know the numbers of their favorite songs by heart.
KY Entertainment (금영 노래방)TJ's main competitor, recognizable by its red/pink interface. Also widely used, it offers a slightly different catalog and distinct ergonomics.

Both systems are constantly updated with the latest Korean and international hits. Every month, new songs are added, allowing users to sing along to the latest hits just a few weeks after their release.

Interface and remote control

How does a Noraebang remote control work? This is often the first question asked by novices. Although the interface may seem intimidating at first, its operation is fairly intuitive:

Song searchYou can search by number (if you already know it), by title, by artist, or by theme. Most systems feature Korean and sometimes English keyboards to make searching easier.
Waiting list managementOnce you've found your song, you add it to the queue. You can manage the queue, change the order of songs or delete songs.
Technical settingsThe remote control also lets you adjust volume, tone (to adapt the song to your vocal range) and tempo, and sometimes even add echo or reverb effects to flatter your voice.
Performance assessmentA particularly popular feature is the scoring system. At the end of each song, the system assigns you a score based on your accuracy and rhythm. This is often the occasion for friendly competition between friends!

The screens usually display lyrics, which change color in time with the music to indicate when to sing, as well as background videos or official clips.

Noraebang's musical repertoire: from k-pop to international hits

One of the great advantages of Korean karaoke is the breadth of their musical catalog. A typical Noraebang can offer up to several tens of thousands of songs, covering a wide variety of genres and eras.

The Korean repertoire

Unsurprisingly, K-pop reigns supreme in Noraebang. Legendary groups such as BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, TWICE, or solo artists like IU, Taeyeon or G-Dragon are a must. The systems offer not only their latest hits, but also their old favorites.

Beyond contemporary K-pop, we also find:

Korean ballads (very popular and perfect for showing off your vocal talents)
Trot classics (a traditional Korean musical genre much appreciated by older generations)
Soundtracks to Korean dramas (often very well-known and emotional)
Folk and patriotic songs

International directory

Can you sing in English or French in a Noraebang? Absolutely! Korean systems offer an impressive selection of international hits:

Numerous American and British hits, from classics of the 80s and 90s to current hits
Japanese songs (J-pop and anime songs)
Some Chinese hits and C-pop
A limited selection of French, Spanish and other European songs

For foreign tourists, it's often a pleasant surprise to discover that they can sing their favorite songs, even if the choice is naturally more limited than for Korean songs.

How do I find my songs?

Searching for songs can sometimes be tricky, especially if you don't read Korean. Here are a few tips:

Universal numbers: The big international hits often have specific numbers that are the same in most Noraebang. For example, Céline Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" or Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" have well-known numbers that regulars can tell you about.
Searching in EnglishMost modern systems allow you to search in the Latin alphabet. Simply type in the name of the artist or title.
Hot songs: There's usually a "popular" or "recent" section for quick access to the hits of the moment.
Thematic listsCategories such as "easy songs", "duets", "songs for beginners" or by musical genre can help you navigate the huge catalog.

If you want to look for your songs in advance of your karaoke session, you can visit the websites of Noraebang manufacturers such as 금영 (Kumyoung) and TJ Media. On their websites, you can directly search for artist names or music titles. Don't forget to activate your web browser's translation on PC or mobile, as both sites are mainly in Korean.

How to use a karaoke machine in Korea: My tips

Now you're ready for the experience of karaoke in KoreaBut you may be wondering how to go about it, especially if you don't speak Korean.

Practical Steps for a Noraebang Session

Choosing your establishmentNoraebang: Depending on your budget and preferences (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, basic or luxurious), find a Noraebang in the neighborhood of your choice.
Reserve a roomAt the entrance, indicate the number of people in your group (with your fingers if necessary). You'll be offered a suitable room and asked how long you'd like to stay (we usually start with an hour, and can extend after that).
Order drinks or snacksIn most establishments, it's possible (and sometimes compulsory) to order at least one drink per person. The menu is usually illustrated, making it easier to choose.
Use the systemOnce in the room, switch on the system with the remote control, choose your songs and off you go! Feel free to adjust volume and tone to suit your preferences.
Extend if necessaryIf you're having fun and want to keep going, most Noraebangs allow you to extend your session in half-hour or hourly increments. A screen will usually warn you a few minutes before your time runs out.
PayPayment is usually made at the end, at the cash desk. Some modern establishments accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand.

Tips and Etiquette

Respect the equipment: Microphones are expensive, so avoid dropping them or blowing into them.
Share equallyIn a group, make sure that everyone gets a chance to sing. In Korea, it's common practice to arrange for everyone to take turns choosing.
Collective atmosphereEven if you don't sing, join in by clapping your hands, playing tambourines or singing backup. It's a group activity!
Avoid excessive behaviorEven if the atmosphere is relaxed, please remain respectful. Noisy or disruptive behavior could result in being asked to leave.
Promotions and happy hours: Many Noraebang restaurants offer reduced daytime or weekday rates. If you're flexible about your schedule, you can save a lot of money.

The Noraebang social experiment: More than just entertainment

To truly understand the importance of karaoke in KoreaNoraebang has a social and psychological dimension. Much more than just a form of entertainment, Noraebang fulfils several essential social functions in Korean society.

An outlet in a pressurized society

South Korea is known as a highly competitive and stressful society, with intense social and professional pressures. In this context, Noraebang offers a welcome space for emotional release. Singing at the top of your lungs allows you to release stress and let off steam in a socially acceptable setting.

Why are Koreans so comfortable singing in public? This is partly due to the Noraebang culture, which normalizes singing in front of others. From adolescence onwards, Koreans frequent these places and develop a certain ease with this exercise.

A ritual of social cohesion

In Korean companies, schools and universities, the Noraebang is often used as a team-building tool. It's a place where hierarchies can be temporarily relaxed, enabling more relaxed and authentic interactions.

It's not uncommon for a boss to invite his employees to Noraebang after a company dinner, or for a professor to bring his students there to celebrate the end of a semester. These moments shared around music create common memories and strengthen bonds.

A revealer of personalities

A Noraebang session can reveal a lot about a person's personality. Koreans often say that you learn a lot about someone by seeing them sing:

The choice of songs can reveal unsuspected tastes
The way you occupy space (shy or outgoing)
The ability to have fun without taking oneself too seriously
Behavior in the face of others' performance (encouraging or competitive)

That's why Noraebang is sometimes used as an activity on first romantic dates or meetings between new colleagues.

Influence on pop culture

The importance of Noraebang is also reflected in Korean popular culture. Many Korean dramas and films feature memorable scenes set in karaoke. Shows such as "King of Masked Singer" and "I Can See Your Voice" are directly inspired by this singing culture.

Indeed, K-pop idols are often asked about their "favorite Noraebang songs" in interviews, and certain tracks are specifically prized for their "Noraebang potential" - catchy choruses that everyone can sing along to.

Conclusion: Karaoke, one of my favourite activities in Korea

Visit karaoke in Korea Noraebang is more than just a leisure activity; it's a cultural phenomenon that sheds light on contemporary Korean society. An outlet, a social cement and a revealer of personalities, Noraebang occupies a unique place in the hearts of Koreans.

For travelers, taking part in a Noraebang session represents an authentic immersion in local culture, far beyond the traditional tourist attractions. It's a chance to share a joyful, uninhibited moment with Korean friends or fellow travelers, and maybe even discover some hidden talents!

So next time you're in South Korea, don't hesitate to push open the door of a Noraebang. Whether you're an experienced singer or a shy beginner, the experience is well worth the detour. After all, as an apt Korean proverb says: "It's not the quality of the voice that counts, but the sincerity with which you sing."

Have you ever experienced a Korean Noraebang? Which song would you choose first? The microphone is now in your hands!