An Improvement on Karaoke

Korea has something so wonderful, so magical, so fun, that I had to share it with all of you.  This activity is called noraebang.

Noraebang literally means "singing room" and that's kind of what it is.  But more awesome.  Let me describe.  A noraebang is a business where there are multiple small rooms, each equipped with a large TV monitor, an attached noraebang (karaoke) system, couches, two tambourines, two microphones, and a light show.  There is also the option to purchase alcohol, something which is almost always necessary and desired.

In the noraebang room you choose your songs and then stand in front of the TV monitor singing and dancing with your friends.  But my favorite part of all of this is that while your song plays, in the background there are images of '80s era Koreans singers crooning away and cutaway shots to scenic landscapes.  All while you're dancing around belting out Lady Gaga's Bad Romance.  Totally cracks me up.

Noraebang is fantastic because it's open all night (I think?  I've never stayed past 4am...) and you get to sing with just your friends.  How awful is it when you go to a bar and you have to listen to other people you don't even know suck at karaoke.  Ugh.  The worst.  No more, my friends!  Noraebang is your answer.

Noraebang.  It's happening.

Korean people love noraebang and they go frequently.  It is very common to go to noraebang after attending a dinner with your fellow teachers.   The trains even have a noraebang.  Incredible.