Whatever anyone tells you, "noraebang" (노래방) is not just Korean karaoke. There are two major differences: the setting is not a bar, but a small private room for you and a few friends; and, you can't buy or carry in alcohol, which, ironically, has been scientifically proven to lubricate any one's singing voice. If anyone out there is considering a first trip to the local noriban, here are some of my suggestions, in a particular order, which I don't now recall:

1. Before you go, drink lots of "soju" (소주), which is the national paint thinner.
2. Bring someone along that knows how to use the karaoke keyboard.
3. Don't sing songs you like; sing what you know, like Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
4. If you're gifted with a deep voice, don't attempt to sing anything by Brittany Spears. (Oops, I won't do it again.)
5. Disregard the incongruous video playing behind the words of the song. For example, the rap song you're singing has nothing to do with the video of the man singing a ballad during a fake snow storm in a dark room.
6. Laugh all you want at your friends singing, because the music is too loud for you to be heard.

On a completely different note, tomorrow, Leah and I will board a ferry for Dalian, China--and, just 16 hours later, will be there!

Posted by David | Permalink