Hey everyone! When you think of the unique "bang" (room) culture in Korea, what comes to mind? For many foreigners visiting Korea for the first time, places like jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), noraebang (karaoke rooms), and PC bang (internet cafes) are probably among the most intriguing. Today, let me introduce you to some of the best spots in Seoul to experience this unique Korean culture. Ready for a new adventure in Korea? Let’s dive in!
Located at 247 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, the Dongdaemun SPM Spa in the Good Morning City Mall is a jjimjilbang with a traditional Hanok-inspired interior. To me, this place feels like a blend of tradition and modernity. The admission fee is quite reasonable at $9 during the day and $11 at night. After a temporary closure during COVID-19, it has reopened, offering a popular dry sauna experience known as the “bulhanjeungmak,” where you can alternate between low and high-temperature saunas to detoxify your body. The dry sauna is perfect if you prefer heat without humidity. There’s also a spacious relaxation area where you can unwind with family or friends. It’s the perfect spot to recharge and end your day feeling refreshed. If you’re planning a special day with friends, I highly recommend it!
When you think of Hongdae, you think of its lively and free-spirited atmosphere, right? At the heart of it is Soo Karaoke, located at 37 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The large rooms here make it perfect for group gatherings with friends or family. Rates are $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends, making it a great spot for affordable fun. This place is also famous as a filming location for Korean dramas, which adds to its popularity. You can sing, dance, and have a blast here! From the outside, you can even catch glimpses of people enjoying their time through the glass windows, making it an entertaining experience just walking by. And if you prefer some privacy, you can always pull the curtains. If you want to dive into the vibrant karaoke culture of Korea, this is the place to be!
Finally, let's talk about the Riot PC Cafe located on the 3rd floor of Gran Seoul Tower, 33 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This internet cafe is equipped with top-tier gear from brands like Logitech and Omen, creating an ideal gaming environment. For just $1.50 an hour (with an extra 20 minutes added for each hour), it’s super budget-friendly! Whether you’re watching dramas or playing games with friends, this is the perfect hangout spot. With high-performance specs like Intel Core i7-10700K CPUs and 32GB RAM, you can run any game smoothly without a hitch. When I visited around 10:30 AM on a weekend, it was already buzzing with people enjoying games together. A PC bang isn’t just for gaming—it’s a place to meet friends and have a good time. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Korean experience!
These "bang" spaces are more than just rooms; they are gateways to experiencing a unique aspect of Korean culture. Give them a try, and let me know what fun stories you end up with!
