First-Time Karaoke Tips for Visitors in Korea

Basic Karaoke Room Tips
Korean karaoke rooms (noraebang) are a lot of fun but can feel new for some. Find busy, lively spots that may run 15,000-25,000 won each hour. Pick places with English on their machines to help you out.
Starting in Your Karaoke Room
Take shoes off before stepping into the noraebang room. The new touch screen helps you pick songs in many languages. Head to the English songs list which mostly has these:
- Big pop hits
- Major rock tracks
- Famous K-pop songs in English How to Negotiate the Best Price for a Private Karaoke Room
- Top chart songs
Tips to Sing Well and Score High
Keep the mic 2-3 inches from your mouth for good sound quality. Look at the blue and yellow pitch guide to hit the right tones. Start with simple songs like BTS’s “Dynamite” to feel at ease.
How to Behave in Korean Karaoke
- Handle the mic with two hands to be polite
- Let the older ones choose songs first
- Clap along to support other singers
- Keep a good mood going when others sing
- Pass the mic around your group
These actions keep the noraebang enjoyable and respect Korean customs.
Finding a Great Noraebang
Choosing a Location
When out at night in Korean cities, take your time to find a great noraebang.
Look for spots that look nice outside, with bright, clear signs, near schools or lively areas.
Good spots often show clear prices and are popular all the time.
Top Karaoke Chains
Big noraebang chains like Su Karaoke and Luxury Su are known for top-of-the-line karaoke systems. They offer great features like:
- New song lists
- English options on machines
- Two-language song lists
- Simple remote controls
Evaluating Quality and Price

Main Features
The best noraebangs are known for:
- Good air systems
- Keeping the place very clean
- Taking care of their singing rooms
- Staff who are friendly
- Clear price rules
Common Costs
Prices range from 15,000 to 25,000 won per hour. Many spots offer:
- Discounts for students
- Deals during happy hours
- Special rates for group bookings
- Plans for longer visits
Stay away from spots with unclear prices, poor maintenance, or rude staff to ensure you have the best karaoke experience in Korea.
Choosing Songs
Complete Guide to Choosing Noraebang Songs
Understanding the Systems
Digital ways to choose songs vary across Korean noraebang spots, from touch screens to old-style remotes.
Most modern locations use touch pads that allow searches by song title, artist, or number codes. 이 가이드에서 자세한 정보 확인하기
Using the Number Method
The number system is a quick way to find songs. Each one has a unique 5-6 digit number, making it easy to locate.
Song lists at each location have complete details sorted by language groups:
- Korean tracks
- English songs
- Japanese tunes
Browsing Song Books
English song sections are organized by name and artist, making it simple for foreign visitors.
The big song books are usually on tables in each room, offering easy ways to choose from thousands of songs.
Using Touch Screens
How to Operate the Touch Screen
- Type song numbers directly on the screen
- Switch languages with menu icons
- Browse songs sorted by genre
- Add songs to the queue
Using Remote Controls
- Enter song numbers on the pad
- Press “cancel” to correct errors
- Hit “OK” or “Enter” to select songs
- Arrange the song order with special buttons
Best Practices
- Queue songs instead of cutting off the current one
- Switch the machine language for easy use
- Write down a few song codes beforehand to keep things moving
- Double-check your choices before confirming