Karaoke, also known as noraebang is an important of Korean culture and social life. It is a fun activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
When visiting Seoul, Korea, you will see signboards for “퍼펙트가라오케” on almost every street in the city. Although there are many karaoke rooms, not all of them are of the highest quality. But if you are looking for a way to enjoy yourself with your friends, it will suffice.
Your visit to Seoul is incomplete without experiencing karaoke with your loved ones. You don’t have to be a trained singer to sing at a karaoke. It’s all about having fun and spending a good time with your friends and colleagues.
To know more about Korean karaoke culture, you should read this post. This blog will cover everything you need to know about noraebangs.
What is the cultural significance of noraebang?
Noraebangs are widely popular in Korea. It is a way of relieving stress for Koreans. In contrast to other countries, Korean karaoke takes place in a private room. These rooms get fancier with a price. The more you pay, the more you get.
Expensive karaoke booths offer more than just microphones and karaoke machines. They provide comfortable seating, mood lighting, and food and drinks.
When you are in a karaoke room surrounded by your friends, it is easier to forget about your stress and relax. You immerse into the music and forget about the outside world.
The good thing about Korean karaoke is that there’s no judging. You sing in a private room with your friends, instead of strangers. So even if you suck at singing, no one will make fun of you.
What made noraebangs more popular is the society’s ability to act as a whole, instead of an individual mindset. Korean people tend to bond by performing activities together. For them, sharing is an important part of their culture. In a noraebang, you sing and drink together. This helps them develop a strong bond with their friends and colleagues. Also, it is very common for Koreans to express themselves through dance and song.
Dos & Don’ts In A Korean Karaoke
Karaoke is a popular activity in Korean culture. It’s a fun way to spend time with your friends and family. However, there are some dos and don’ts that you should remember.
As a visitor, you might not be familiar with Korean karaoke culture. To help you out, we have listed the dos and don’ts below.
DO:
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Choose your songs wisely
When visiting a noraebang, remember to pick your songs wisely. While you may be tempted to show off your vocal skills, it’s important to consider the preferences of the people who are with you.
Noraebang is meant to be a fun and social activity. So make sure to choose songs that everyone can enjoy. Avoid selecting vulgar songs or any other songs that might be offensive to others.
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Share the mic
Noraebang is a collaborative activity. Most karaoke rooms have two microphones. So if you have more people in the group, you will have to share the mic.
You shouldn’t hog the microphone when someone else is singing. Let the person finish and then take the mic from them. Everyone should take turns singing the songs they like. However, you can encourage others to join you during duet or group songs.
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Prepare your songs in advance
You should prepare a list of songs that you are going to sing before visiting a noraebang. This will save you a lot of time once you reach there.
Preparing the songs in advance will give you an idea of what you are going to sing next. It is not polite to take a lot of time to decide on a song, especially when others are waiting for their turns.
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Take short breaks
If you are going to spend long hours in a karaoke, taking short breaks between songs is worth it. Singing for a long time can be tiring for your vocal cords. This is why you should take breaks for drinking.
It is important to keep yourself hydrated. This will help you to stay energized and allow you to enjoy more. It’s even better if your karaoke rooms serve beverages or alcohol, instead of just water.
Don’ts:
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Avoid singing offensive songs
When in a private karaoke room, you should avoid singing any abusive or offensive songs. It is considered very rude to sing inappropriate songs in front of others.
Even if it’s your favorite song, you shouldn’t sing it at a karaoke. You should also avoid songs that might be sensitive to others.
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Don’t sing too loudly
We understand that you are going to karaoke to sing your heart out. But there should be a limit to the amount of noise you produce.
It’s natural to get carried away when singing with friends. But it is also important to keep the sound low. Understand that most noraebangs are located near universities and other busy areas. This is why you should not sing too loudly as it might disturb the neighbors.
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Don’t bring outside food or drinks
If you want to enjoy snacks and drinks while singing, go to a noraebang that offers these services. No matter what you shouldn’t carry outside food and drinks to a karaoke room.
This is not only rude but you might get banned by the establishment from future entry.
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Don’t dirty the karaoke room
Karaoke rooms are all about having fun. But it is also important to maintain hygiene in the room.
You shouldn’t leave the room dirty. Even while having fun, you should maintain cleanliness inside the room. You need to be considerate of the establishment and other people who will book the room after you.
Final Words
Korean karaoke is one of the best things you will enjoy in Seoul. Just make sure to follow all the rules and regulations and you will be good to go. It’s the best way to have a blast with your friends.
