I have spent a lot of time touring the cities of East Asia. And over my many years I keep coming back to Seoul time and time again. It is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent places for any budding traveller looking to get swept up in a unique culture. Home to the most mouthwatering cuisine. The friendliest people. The most fascinating historical sites. And, more importantly to our topic of the day, a thriving karaoke culture.

The first karaoke machine was invented in Japan back in 1971. Although it wasn’t originally called a karaoke machine until it was used as a stand-in for a live music event where the orchestra refused to play. This is where it got its name. Karaoke translates to ‘Empty Orchestra.’ And it very quickly took the nation of Japan by storm. They already had a longstanding tradition of singing in casual spaces. Karaoke was just the ultimate modernisation of that tradition.

And it soon spread to South Korea. The first karaoke machine was installed there in 1991. And South Korea quickly adopted it and put their own spin on it. Cut to today and you will find hundreds of karaoke bars anywhere you go in South Korea. But, as with anything in the nation, the beating heart of South Korean karaoke culture is in Seoul! And it is that culture we are going to be breaking down today!

Noraebang

While you are in Seoul you will see this word a lot. Noraebang translates to ‘Song Room’ and is another name used for karaoke spots across the country. South Korea, much like Japan, has always had a strong tradition of using signing as a tool for bonding, relieving stress, and as a way to entertain guests and dignitaries. And this tradition is still going strong to this day.

In Seoul karaoke is a daily occurrence for many citizens. A quick stop in a single karaoke booth or at a packed out Noraebang to relieve stress after a long day at work. Unlike in most of the western world, public singing has never had any ideas of shame or embarrassment attached to it in South Korea. Which is why the people of Seoul have made karaoke such a staple part of their daily lives.

So much so that it isn’t just in dedicated Noraebangs that you’ll find karaoke machines. Many clubs, restaurants, and even a Gangnam Full salon or two are known to have karaoke booths available to use. And this isn’t just a cultural thing either. Over the years karaoke has become a major draw for tourism to South Korea. And the nation has embraced this willingly.

Karaoke In Seoul

There are many different types of Noraebang in Seoul. The range of variety on offer is almost staggering. The most popular for new tourists to Seoul to try are the coin operated karaoke rooms. These are everywhere in Seoul and definitely worth a go if you have some spare change in your pocket. The booths are often designed for single occupancy or for couples. They often let you download and keep an audio recording of your singing for after.

You’ll also find the more traditional private karaoke rooms. Where you can hire your own karaoke space for the evening. These rooms are often more luxurious and the venues are fitted with bars and kitchens. The level of catering at these places is often restaurant quality too. Making them a great place to spend an entire evening with your travelling companions.

If you’re looking for a more social space then you only need to head to one of the many bars in Seoul. A vast majority of them run open karaoke nights. These are similar to what you will be most familiar with in countries like England or America. People taking turns singing to the entire venue.

What Songs To Pick

One of the other reasons people have been flocking to Seoul in recent years is the increasing popularity of K-Pop. The genre has swept over the globe and changed the face of the entire music industry. And karaoke spots in Seoul have embraced this whole heartedly. You’ll find a full catalog of the latest K-Pop hits on offer everywhere you go.

If you are performing karaoke at one of the public venues then you should be aware that there is a certain cultural expectation associated with the songs you pick. Karaoke is meant to be a celebration in these cases. Something to connect you with your audience and bring joy and happiness. To that end you will want to pick songs that are upbeat and well known. Something that everyone can sing along to and dance to.