These days I am happily married, so can't enjoy the nightlife. Do I miss it? Well...
Most Koreans love to sing almost as they love to drink and a stop at the Nora Bong(singing room) while out socially almost seems mandatory. Can they actually sing is another issue and like anybody some have real talent and others peel the paint off the walls.
Singing rooms are just that. You get a private or semi-private room(some have windows in them) with a karoke machine and can sing your favorite korean or English ditties to your heart's content. You generally rent the room by the hour and can pay in advance for as many hours as you'd like or you can just keep paying till you've had your fill. Prices vary depending on the quality of privacy and whether alcohol and side dishes are included.
You can get alcohol there, although no cocktails that I've seen and while my Korean friends do imbibe while there, they generally use the time to work the alcohol by vigorously singing and dancing like wildmen and women.
Selections to sing in English vary from a few songs at some places to a wide selection at others. If you really want to impress your Korean friends or adult students, why not learn to sing a Korean song or two. They will be definitely impressed and your standing with them will go up several notches.
Hanging around singing with a bunch of guys not your cup of tea, well you can bring women with you or for a small fee the manager will bring them to you. Now,get your mind out of the gutter, for most places these girls just act like hostesses and will stict to talking, hopefully with you, refilling your beer glass, hand feeding you side dishes and generally singing and dancing up a storm. The good ones can definitely liven up the room and create a real party atmosphere. Don't like the looks of the ones they bring you, send 'em back and get cuter or friendlier ones. Yeah, you might hurt their feelings, but you are paying for their services, so, be a little picky. It helps if they speak alittle English, but when you have a beautiful, friendly young Korean woman sitting next to you lighting your smoke, does it really matter?
This is by no means an exhautive list of the types of bars in Korea. Everytime I think I have been or heard of every type a new one seems to pop up. So, I'll give you the basics. Half of the fun of going out in Korea is bar hopping, every bar is alittle different. So explore and enjoy.
Soju Hofs: One of the traditional alcohols of Korea(it is like a low grade vodka and has a real kick), Soju is cheap and consumed by poor and rich and alot of Koreans in between. Only got a few bucks in your pocket and want to get hammered. Head to a tent or indoor soju hof and enjoy.
Beer and Soju Hofs: Similiar to the first, but you can get beer there, too.
Korean Style Bars: These again vary in style, but generally serve beer and soju, and menu side dishes. They are generally mom and pop style places and remind me more of a diner, than a bar.
Western Style Bars: These run the guantlet in style and theme. Some have a very relaxed atmosphere where you get to sit on comfy couches to places with long bars where you can get up close and chat with the staff. They vary so much in style that I just don't have the space to descibe everytype. Alcohol selection is usally good;, beer, whisky, cocktails(though I have been to a few places that, although, they had cocktails on the menu didn't know how to make some or all of them). Some bars even have live bands. All have live music, usally too loud for me, but at some places if you ask nicely they'll turn it down a notch or two. All western bars, while proclaiming to be like the places we know and love back home always have a korean feel to them. Maybe its the staff.
Fusion Bars: These places generally have a long bar as well as tables, but because they usually have the best looking bar staff, most prefer to sit at the bar. Here you will find some of the best looking women in Korea, but just for looking. Though, if you're smooth you might get a phone number or two.
Whiskey Bars: Just that, a place where they serve whisky primarily, although, you can usually get beer and funny looks if you don't buy a bottle of whiskey. These bars tend to be upscale and their prices reflex it. On your salary, you'd better wait till the boss or one of your richer adult students invites you and make sure they're paying the bill. A night out here could run $500 plus easily. They also generally have hostesses who will join your table and serve you.
Dance Bars: Popular among the college set, they are loud, crowded places where students can let their hair down and bust a move. Like other bars, they vary(except for the music).
Night Clubs: Korean night clubs are large noisy affairs an old guy like me is not used to. They are similiar to western places of this sort(with a korean twist) and a great place to dance the night away. Most korean bars don't have dance floors, so if you want to get down this is the place. The have an interesting custom in here, where if you ask one of the waiters or managers, they will bring single women to your table to meet. Night clubs here are a place for the busy Korean worker to meet women of the opposite sex.
There are a few things you should know when you go out with Koreans:
1)Always drink and eat with your right hand. Using the left is considered rude especially if you are pouring someone a drink.
2)Koreans pour for each other and your korean friend might grow thirsty if you neglect to refill his glass.
3)Don't fight over the bill. Offer graciously, but if your companion rebuffs you grin and accept his kindness.
4)Always accept an invitation to go out, especially with your boss. To do otherwise is a serious matter and could get you in hot water and possibly even looking for a new job.
5)If a bar requires you to order a side dish, order the cheapest one. It might get you a dirty look, but they'll keep serving you the precious alcohol.
6)Don't be too aggressive if you find your server attractive, they might get offended and you'll find your service slowing or non existant.
7)Buy your server a drink or offer to pour them some of yours(we're talking beer, soju or whiskey, not cocktails). It will be greatly appreciated and they'll stay at your beck and call all night. A little kindness goes along way.
8)Keep your cool. Athough, most bars don't have bars, if you get into a fight especially with a korean, you will be amazed on how many friends came with him and the staff usually have 019(the cops) on speed dial.
Other than that, general courtesy rules apply. I'm sure there are rules I have left out. Just do as the koreans do and you'll do fine.
Prostitution is illegal in Korea!
While it is rampant, it is still illegal and if you are caught with a lady of the evening you will be prosecuted by the justice system. So, while it may seem the chances are slim to none, be warned. That being said Koreans have some interesting places where you can...ummm...fulfill your manly needs. Need a haircut? Some places are more full service than others. Feeling lonely at your motel room? Order some take out coffe and the coffee girl might have other thing than cream and suger. Love tea? Go to a traditional tea house and have a cup or not.
You need not be lonely or frustrated in Korea, just be careful.
Regular Korean women are a tougher nut to crack, but if you're looking for something long term(and realitively free) go for it.But that's a topic for another page.
