Bhavika Choudhary, ’28, is a Computer Science major studying at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) this Fall 2024.
When I first arrived in Daejeon to study at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), I had no idea that some of my most memorable nights would be spent in tiny rooms, belting out everything from BTS to Beyoncé with my new friends. Welcome to the world of noraebang (노래방) – Korean karaoke rooms that have become my absolute favorite part of nightlife here in South Korea.
Think of noraebang as karaoke, but make it uniquely Korean. Unlike American karaoke bars where you’re singing in front of strangers, noraebang offers private rooms where you and your friends can sing your hearts out without judgment. The word literally means “song room,” and let me tell you – these rooms have witnessed some of the most epic sing-alongs of my life.
After spending time in Daejeon, I’ve become somewhat of a noraebang connoisseur. My favorite spots are in the Eunhaeng-dong area, near KAIST. While not as bustling as Seoul’s famous neighborhoods, Daejeon still has plenty of amazing noraebang spots, especially around Timeworld. Pro tip: look for the neon microphone signs! My go-to place is right next to the famous street food alley, where rooms typically cost around 3,000-5,000 won ($2-4) per person for 30 minutes during regular hours, with prices going up a bit during peak times on weekends. Trust me, it’s worth every won. And when I visit Seoul on weekends, I make sure to check out the famous spots in areas like Hongdae and Gangnam too!
The best part? You don’t have to commit to a whole night – you can start with an hour and extend if you’re having too much fun (which, let’s be honest, always happens). When I first walked into a noraebang, I was honestly surprised by how many English songs they had. While I came to Korea ready to belt out BTS’s “Dynamite” and BLACKPINK’s “How You Like That,” I was thrilled to discover I could also queue up my reliable karaoke standbys like “Sweet Caroline” and “Mr. Brightside.”
Through many noraebang sessions, I’ve developed my tried-and-true formula for the perfect night: Start with a high-energy K-pop song to set the mood – “Next Level” by aespa always gets everyone hyped. Then mix in some English classics that everyone knows (turns out “Bohemian Rhapsody” is truly a universal language). Throw in a Korean ballad – even if you mess up the lyrics, your Korean friends will be touched that you tried. I’ve been practicing “For You” by Kim Gun-mo, and the reactions are priceless. And always keep some easy, fun songs in your back pocket for when people claim they “can’t sing” – “Baby Shark” in Korean is surprisingly entertaining!
Speaking of being prepared, here’s what experience has taught me to bring: water (your throat will thank you later), some simple snacks (there’s always a convenience store nearby), hand sanitizer (those mics get passed around a lot), and most importantly, a positive attitude and zero shame. Over time, I’ve also picked up on some important noraebang etiquette: always cheer for others, no matter how off-key they might be; take turns choosing songs (don’t be that person who queues up ten songs in a row); join in on the chorus, even if you don’t know all the words; and never make fun of someone’s singing – noraebang is about having fun, not showing off.
What I love most about noraebang is how it breaks down barriers. In my first week at KAIST, I was struggling to connect with my Korean classmates – the language barrier felt huge, and I was worried about making cultural mistakes. Then someone suggested noraebang after our group project meeting. That night changed everything. There’s something magical about watching your usually quiet Korean language partner absolutely nail a Beyoncé song, or having your entire study group join in for the chorus of “Sweet Home Alabama” (which, surprisingly, everyone knew!). Music truly is a universal language, and noraebang proves it.
The best part? Nobody cares if you mess up the Korean lyrics or can’t hit the high notes. I’ve seen the most reserved KAIST engineering students transform into superstars, and I’ve definitely embarrassed myself trying to rap in Korean – but that’s part of the fun! As my time in Korea continues, I can’t help but wish we had something like noraebang back home. It’s more than just karaoke – it’s a space where friendships are forged, cultural barriers dissolve, and memories are made.
Whether you’re studying abroad in Korea or just visiting, put noraebang at the top of your must-do list. And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover, like I did, that you have a hidden talent for Korean trot music (still working on those vocal runs!), or that your Korean friends know every word to “Sweet Caroline” (BAH BAH BAH!). That’s the magic of noraebang – you never know what might happen when the music starts playing.
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