Norebang

is the place to be: belt out a few tunes, sway those hips, and tap your feet to the rhythm of a jingling tambourine. Finally, there’s a place to sing all the numbers you were too embarrassed to sing in the shower. In America, we call it karaoke, after the Japanese version, but in Korea, this celebrated national pastime is known as Norebang (which literally means "song room").
Hire out a private singing room for an hour and see your “chin-goos” (friends) in a whole new light. When the music starts, neon lights dance around the room, glittering in the eyes of your companions. Song lyrics appear on the giant widescreen TV, and rising stars perform before your very own eyes. Audience members bop to the beat, while scanning the songbook to plan upcoming hits. It’s not a crime to sing off key, however, the worst of all sins is to let silence creep onto the playlist. Don’t drop the ball, every minute is cherished at Norebang.
The best of venues provide "service" (free time) to dedicated customers and are equipped with wireless mics and even a stage (so you can really feel like a celeb). Stage fright? Check it at the door. Get ready for pop songs and love ballads: Whitney, Mariah, and a whole lot more.

Even though I’m on vocal rest (and have a doctor’s note to prove it), I often find myself at Norebang cheering on my friends...after dinner, after hours, and for the hardcore, even during lunch break. Major props to all the talented vocalists.