A Must-Visit in Korea: The New World of PC Bangs
'PC Bang' often appears in K-dramas and movies as a place where characters play games all night. If you thought it was just a room with computers, you'd be mistaken. Korea's PC Bangs are high-spec gaming spaces boasting the world's fastest internet, 'foodie hotspots' with menus rivaling restaurants, and sometimes, a date spot for couples or a cozy shelter from extreme weather. Let's dive deep into Korea's unique PC Bang culture.
STEP 1: How to Use a PC Bang - It's Easy!
- Entry & Seat Selection: Most modern PC Bangs have a kiosk at the entrance to purchase usage time. Select your desired time, pay, and you'll get a receipt with your seat number or login info.
- Login: Go to your assigned seat, turn on the computer, and log in with the ID/password from your receipt, or log in with your own member account. Non-member options are also available.
- Enjoy: Now, it's your free time! Play the latest games, surf the web, or chat with friends. All seats are usually equipped with high-performance headsets.
🍔 Is This a Game Room or a Restaurant? The Fantastic Food Menu
The most surprising aspect of a PC Bang is the food. It's no longer just cup noodles and snacks. A new world unfolds with just a few clicks on your screen.
- How to Order: Click the 'Food Order' icon on the desktop. A menu with pictures will pop up. Add your desired items to the cart and pay. You can pay by deducting from your pre-paid time or directly by card.
- Signature Menus:
- Ramen: Not just instant noodles. The standard is 'boiled ramen,' properly cooked with green onions and an egg.
- Deopbap (Rice Bowls): Hearty meals like Jeyuk-deopbap (spicy pork) or Donkatsu-mayo-deopbap are available.
- Fried & Snack Foods: A full lineup of snacks like french fries, fried chicken, tteokbokki, and 'so-tteok so-tteok' that would make a movie theater jealous.
- Unbelievable Menus: Surprisingly, some premium PC Bangs even offer a grilled pork belly (Samgyeopsal) set or a full pork cutlet (Donkatsu) meal. Watching a staff member deliver hot food directly to your seat is a major culture shock for first-timers.
- Cafe-Level Drinks: Iced Americanos and lattes are standard, and they have almost every cafe menu item, including various smoothies and fruit ades.
💑 PC Bang: A New Cultural Space for Koreans
PC Bangs have evolved beyond being just a place for games.
- PC Bang Dates: Young Korean couples often enjoy dates at PC Bangs instead of cinemas or cafes. Sitting side-by-side, playing games together, and ordering food is a very popular date activity.
- An Urban Oasis: During Korea's hot, humid summers or bone-chillingly cold winters, when it's tough to be outside, a PC Bang is the perfect refuge. For a low price of around 1,000-2,000 KRW per hour, you can rest for hours in a comfortable chair in a pleasant environment. There's no better place when you need a short break.
✨ Tips Before You Visit
- Most PC Bangs are non-smoking, but they have separate, enclosed smoking booths.
- Payment is usually pre-paid, but some places have a post-payment system where you pay when you leave.
- The dim lighting and people focused on their games might feel a bit strange at first, but don't worry—it's a very safe and secure space.
If you come to Korea, even for just an hour, I highly recommend stopping by a PC Bang to experience its dynamic digital culture and delicious food firsthand!
