Welcome to chapter 7 of my Escape To Explore Series! This week, I experienced my first karaoke ever in Seoul and I can't wait to share it with all of you! Checkout my previous articles down below to read about time here in Seoul so far! (Chapter 1)

(Chapter 2) (Chapter 3) (Chapter 4)

(Chapter 5)

(Chapter 6)

Chapter 7

Did you know that Karaoke (Noraebang = singing room in Korean) is a popular hobby here in Seoul? Karaoke is deeply embedded in Korean culture and is a very popular thing. I personally didn't really grow up doing karaoke around my area in the states. I remember writing down in my notes all of the things I wanted to do in Korea and then adding on from there, and karaoke was at the top of the list. I finally experienced my first karaoke on a Saturday night in Hongdae with other interns. We did a little shopping during the day, and when we were about to head back to the station, one of the interns suggested all of our karaoke. It excited me because this whole event was unplanned. Once we finally got there, it was interesting to see that the karaoke place was on the top half a clothing store. It was covered in strobe lights, music blasting all through the walls, and you could see a glimpse of the hallway of the karaoke place right before we got into our room.

At the end of the night, I ended up learning so many things from this experience. Now that I finally have experienced karaoke, let me tell you 5 reasons why should go out and karaoke!

5 Reasons Why You Should Karaoke in Seoul

1. A Wide Range of Songs That You Can Choose From

All of us took turns putting a song on in the queue and having our own solo performance, which we cheered each other on. We would also put on tunes we were all familiar with to sing them together. We sang classics, famous top-chart K-Pop songs, to early 2000's American songs. What was great, though, was that many of us got introduced to new songs that night. It was exciting to have a diverse group of interns share their favorite songs or songs they grew up with. I'd never heard of them before, and learning more about them was great.

A picture of a Karaoke Screen Captured by Jordan

2. Karaoke Room Layout

Once we got into our room, we were all in awe and super excited to start the night. All of us thought it was like a Jacuzzi because of the layout of it all. There were two big flat screens mounted on the sides and then steps that led to the long-rounded booth with the table in the middle. There was also four microphones mounted on the wall next to the TV and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. From then, it is time to get karaoke night started!

A picture of the Karaoke Room captured by Jordan

3. Perform All Night Long

With a two-hour reservation for the room, we ended up singing around 10 to 12 songs by the end of the night. Singing our hearts out song after song and singing Korean and English songs, we all had a blast dancing and genuinely having a good time together. It was also lovely to do this since some interns were leaving soon because they arrived here much earlier than I did. By the night's end, we couldn't even speak because we had spent two hours singing. Dancing, singing, and just enjoying each other company and celebrating the fact that we were in Seoul was a special night for all of us.

Karaoke is unique because there is no judgment when you just let loose. It also helped me release some of my anxiety over the past few weeks. I still pinch myself that I am here in Seoul and have learned much in so little time. Everything was so fast-paced and came after the other that tonight was like the first, where we all felt relieved and happy that everything had worked out so far at our internship.

4. Make More Connections

As the night went on, I mentioned how cool it was to discover new songs and tastes from my friends. Karaoke can broaden your knowledge of music by having people in the room with you who may not share the same likes. Also, you may not really know someone you thought you knew when you just discovered their favorite songs. Karaoke as an activity can be a very enlightening experience. During my first karaoke night, I learned many new songs that the other interns listened to. I found differences and similarities as well. Some liked the 40's-50's music, while others liked rap and some metal music, so I got to know who they were. What also helps bring you closer through karaoke is the act of performing alongside them. Both lettings lose and singing your hearts out, karaoke can become great memories to cherish in the long run.

A Picture of Jordan and her friends at karaoke Captured by Jordan

5. Reasonable Price Range

I guess it depends on the area you go to for karaoke but lots of karaoke spots all over Seoul has a pretty reasonable price. It depends on the amount of people in your group but usually for an hour or two it would be between 3,000 to 8,000 won, but you might have to pay more. Regardless, its a pretty good deal and I think karaoke is a great stress reliever and paying that amount to hangout with your friends or family, I think is worth it!

Takeaway from this Chapter?

- karaoke is something you should try at least once
- it's a fun activity that you can do with friends and family
- It could introduce you to new songs
- it's a great stress reliever

I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience and what I have learned about Karaoke in Seoul. Stay tuned for upcoming articles soon! If you haven't checked out my previous articles click below to read more about my journey so far here in Seoul!

(Chapter 8)