🎤 How to Use a Korean Noraebang (incl. Coin Noraebang)

⏱️ 30-Second Summary — The Order of a Noraebang Visit

If it's your first time, just remember this flow.

① Enter → check in at the counter/kiosk for headcount & time (or coins)
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② Get shown to a room, or choose a room number
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③ Find song numbers with the remote/songbook and enter them
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④ Grab the mic and have fun!
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⑤ (Regular) Pay upfront or settle after / (Coin) Pay in advance

1. Noraebang vs. Coin Noraebang — What's the Difference?

• Regular noraebang: You pay by the hour, per room. Several people go in together and sing all they want. Usually has sofas, a tambourine, and a big screen.

• Coin noraebang ("kono"): You pay per song or in short time blocks. Many have small 1–2 person booths, so it's no big deal to go alone. Young Koreans go all the time!

💡 If you're alone or want a quick session, go for a coin noraebang; if you want a long session with friends, a regular noraebang is better.

2. How to Use a Regular Noraebang (Step by Step)

STEP 1. Enter & Check In

• Tell the counter your number of people and how long you want. (e.g., "Three people, one hour.")

• Prices are roughly ₩15,000–25,000 per hour (varies by area, time, and group size). It's usually per room, so the more people, the less each person pays.

• Payment method varies by venue: you either pay upfront at entry, or settle at the counter after you're done.

STEP 2. Head to Your Room

• Staff will show you to your room. Each room has a mic, remote, songbook, and tambourine.

• Many places sell drinks and snacks. (Paid separately.)

STEP 3. Find & Enter Songs

• Find a song in the songbook or by on-screen search, then enter the number with the remote → press "Reserve/Start."

• If you queue up several songs in advance, they'll play in order.

STEP 4. Have Fun 🎶

• You can adjust mic volume, echo (reverb), and key (pitch) with the remote.

• There's also a scoring feature when you finish a song. (Just for fun!)

STEP 5. Wrap Up & Settle

• Unless you paid upfront, you settle at the counter when you're done (time used + drinks, etc.).

• As your time runs out, staff often give you free "service time" on top. It's the warm-hearted side of Korean noraebang culture! 😊

3. How to Use a Coin Noraebang (Step by Step)

STEP 1. Enter & Check the Payment Method

• Coin noraebang are usually unstaffed or have a simple counter.

• Often you pay by inserting cash or a card into a machine. Roughly 2–4 songs for ₩1,000, or a time-based system — it varies by venue. (It's posted at the entrance or on the machine.)

STEP 2. Go Into an Empty Room

• Either walk straight into an empty room, or select a room number at a kiosk and then use it. (The method varies by venue.)

• Many are 1–2 person booths, so going alone isn't awkward at all.

STEP 3. Pay and Sing

• Pay at the machine in the room with coins, bills, or a card, and your song count (or time) gets loaded.

• The rest is the same as a regular noraebang. Enter the number → start singing!

💡 Coin noraebang mostly don't sell alcohol, and bringing in outside food or alcohol is often restricted too. It's a culture of short, casual fun. The prices are cheap, so there's little pressure.

4. 🌏 How to Find English & Japanese Songs (Essential for Foreigners!)

This is what people ask about most! Korean noraebang have tons of foreign songs.

• The machines are usually one of two brands: TJ Media (TJ) or KY (Kumyoung). The remote and screen design differ a little.

• How to search:

  • Switch the remote/screen to "Search" or English/Korean input mode.

  • Search by song title or artist name (English works) to get the number.

  • Enter the number and start!

• There's a wide range of English pop, J-POP, anime OSTs, and more.

💡 If searching is tricky, you can show the staff the song title and they'll often find the number for you.
⚠️ The newest foreign songs may not be available, depending on how updated the venue's machine is.

📱 Song-search apps: TJ Media and Kumyoung let you look up song numbers in advance on their official apps or websites. Jotting down the numbers of songs you want to sing makes it easier!

5. Tips & Etiquette Worth Knowing

• 🎵 Tambourine: Regular noraebang have a tambourine — an essential item for setting the mood in a Korean noraebang!

• 🎤 Mic covers (hygiene): Many places provide mic covers, so putting on a fresh cover before use is more hygienic.

• ⏱️ Service time: Regular noraebang sometimes give you extra time for free at the end. (Varies by venue policy.)

• 🔊 Echo & key adjustment: Use the remote to change mic reverb and pitch so it's easier to sing.

• 🚭 No indoor smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside; only in designated areas.

• 🔞 Youth hours: Minors may be restricted from entering late at night (usually after 10 p.m.). Some coin noraebang have time restrictions too.

• 🤫 Be mindful of other rooms: The rooms are soundproofed, but move quietly in the hallways.

6. 🏢 Common Noraebang Brands

Look for these names on the signboard.

• Regular noraebang machines: TJ Noraebang, KY (Kumyoung) Noraebang

• Coin noraebang brands: Seven Star Coin Noraebang, LuckU Coin Noraebang, and others

7. ⚠️ Don't Get Confused — "Noraebang" vs. "Karaoke"

This is something foreigners often mix up.

• Noraebang / Coin noraebang: A wholesome singing space anyone can enjoy — family, friends, or solo. These are the places this guide covers.

• "Karaoke / room salon," etc.: Depending on the sign, these can be adult entertainment venues. They're different from a "noraebang," so for ordinary singing, look for a "노래방 (Noraebang)" or "코인노래방 (Coin Noraebang)" sign.

8. 🗣️ Useful Korean Phrases

• "한 시간 이용할게요." (Han sigan iyonghalgeyo.) — I'd like to use it for 1 hour.

• "영어 노래 있어요?" (Yeongeo norae isseoyo?) — Do you have English songs?

• "카드 결제 돼요?" (Kadeu gyeolje dwaeyo?) — Can I pay by card?

• "시간 추가할 수 있어요?" (Sigan chugahal su isseoyo?) — Can I add more time?

9. Common Questions from Foreigners ❓

• Can I go alone? → Yes! Solo use is very common at a coin noraebang. Enjoy it without any pressure.

• Do I need a reservation? → Usually you can just walk in. There may be a wait on weekend nights.

• Are there lots of English songs? → Yes, a wide range of pop, J-POP, and more. (Though the newest songs may vary by machine update.)

• Can I drink alcohol? → Some regular noraebang sell drinks and light snacks, but coin noraebang usually have no alcohol and restrict bringing your own.

• How long do you book for? → Regular is usually by the hour; coin lets you freely choose by song count or time.

10. Quick Checklist

• Choose regular (hourly) vs. coin (per song/time)

• Regular = pay upfront or after; coin = pay at the machine directly

• Walk into an empty room, or pick a room number at the kiosk

• Search by song title/artist on the remote/screen (English works)

• Put on a fresh mic cover (hygiene)

• Note youth nighttime restrictions

🟦 A guide put together by the CultureHub team.
📅 As of 2026 · ⚠️ Prices, hours, and procedures vary by venue and may change. Please check with the venue before visiting.