Singing Alone in a Tiny Booth? Totally Normal in Korea

One of the most surprising cultural experiences for many foreigners visiting Korea is the noraebang—also known as a singing room. In Korea, a noraebang isn’t just a place to sing. It’s a space for expression, emotion, and stress relief, all packed into a tiny booth.

Coin Noraebang: Affordable, Private, and Everywhere

These days, coin noraebangs are wildly popular. You can find them near subway stations, universities, or tucked into almost every alley. For just 1,000 won (around $1), you can sing two or three songs. What’s more interesting? It’s completely normal to go alone. In Korea, singing solo in a small booth is not awkward—it’s therapeutic. This solo trend even has a name: “hon-kono” (short for “honja coin noraebang”), meaning “solo coin singing room.”

Everyone Sings—From Kids to Grandparents

The noraebang isn’t limited to any one generation. Elementary school kids visit after class with friends. College students sing to relieve stress after exams. Office workers drop by during lunch breaks. Even older couples visit to relive their youth with retro ballads or trot songs. In Korea, singing rooms are a national pastime—open to all ages, any time of day.

Korea’s Passion for Music Goes Beyond Booths

Turn on the TV and you’ll see shows like “The Masked Singer,” “Sing Again,” or “Mr. Trot.” These singing competition programs show how deep the country’s love for music runs. Sometimes ordinary people become overnight stars, and their stories inspire millions.

Singing in Cars, Homes, and… Anywhere

With the rise of Bluetooth microphones, you don’t even need a physical noraebang anymore. People sing in their cars on the way to work or use a mic at home during house parties. In Korea, the concept of a singing room has extended into daily life. Wherever there's music, a mic, and a little free time—you’ll find someone singing.

My Own Noraebang Story

I’ve personally visited more coin singing rooms than I can count. There was a time when I dreamed of singing on a real stage, and the noraebang became my stage. Though I now work a regular office job, singing has always been a big part of me. These booths hold so many memories. These days, with work and raising kids, I don’t get to go as often. But whenever there’s a team dinner or I catch up with old friends, I find myself back in that little booth, mic in hand, singing my heart out again.

So, Do Koreans Really Go to Singing Rooms a Lot?

Yes. All the time. We go alone. We go with friends. We go with feelings. And we sing—loudly, passionately, and joyfully.