Korean Job Discussion Forums

Been There, Taught That · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:45 am Post subject: Another Norae Bang Question

I know that this is Korea, and not the US/Canada and all, but the time comes, as a Westerner, when you think about breaking out of the overpriced echo chamber and doing things the way you remember: up in front of real people in a bar or something like that.

I haven't actually been to a Norae Bang more than three times, but it didn't take long before they had me thinking about the fun of seeing people make or break themselves in front of other (usually drunk or nearing the point) people while being, well, not totally in any shape to be singing.

Inebriated listeners can be sooo appreciative! And I'd say that Karaoke can make a dive into a tourist attraction, or a popular place that much more popular. Any chance of a karaoke place in Korea (probably Seoul), or is that just not done here?

pidgin · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Seoul

I've heard that there are indeed a few around....As I was told....Moran Station....Miguem (I think) and/or Hongdae somewhere. I haven't been able (or tried too hard) to track them down. I suppose a Korean searching on Naver could tell you lickety-split!

greedy_bones · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: not quite sure anymore

Personally, I don't mind noraebangs. It's more fun to sing in front of a large crowd of strangers, but it sometimes takes up to an hour between songs. The one thing I would like to find, however, is a noraebang that has a different selection of songs. I've heard that there is only one company that all of the noraebangs use, and that's why the songs are exactly the same in every one, but if one exists that has a different selection, I'd love to know.

rusty1983 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

travelingfool · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Location: Parents' basement

For me the funnest thing about karaoke is singing in front of strangers. I have never seen such a bar in Korea. The cool thing about bars with karaoke is that you can go by yourself and usually meet new people.

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

Easter Clark · Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Location: Hiding from Yie Eun-woong

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Theres an open-style kind of karaoke bar called dallanjujeom.

They tend to cater to an older crowd (30s & 40s) but not exclusively. The waitresses socialize with you if you want. If you're with a fun group it can be good times.

Not generally suited to single drop-ins though. Not much is in this country.

McGenghis · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Gangneung

There's a little ra i beu bba in my tiny seaside town where the owner will sit down and play guitar as you expose your soul to the room.

No gong, though.

valkerie · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Location: Busan

There is a dedicated karaoke bar in Itaewon (Seoul).

Can't recall the name right now but will check.

Group on Facebook called 'I like to sing in an open bar' or similar.