Wondering what’s happening behind the doors of the PC Bangs in Korea? Wondering if you should go inside? Let’s take a look at how PC Bangs are part of life, even when you aren’t a gamer.
My History with Internet Cafes
Before I came to Korea, I used to use Internet Cafes all across the world to communicate with my family. During my extended trips, I’d find an internet cafe every 3-5 days to let my family know my location in the world, tell a few stories that wouldn’t scare them too much, and prove I was still alive. Generally speaking, internet cafes were uncomfortable, socially sketchy, and the computers barely worked.
Therefore, when I moved to South Korea with a smartphone and my own laptop, I figured didn’t need a PC Bang since I also don’t play video games. How wrong I was…
A First Encounter with PC Bangs
If you’re an ex-pat living in South Korea, like myself, or even a visitor here, these gaming sanctuaries are hard to miss. Tucked between the hustling street markets and towering skyscrapers, these neon-lit havens are a world of their own. You can’t see in the windows and, for some, the PC Bang vibe might feel a little get-beat-up-in-a-back-ally when just looking from the outside.
Because of this vibe, I had lived in Korea for quite a while before I went to a PC Bang. I first started going because our AC went out at home during a terrible heat wave. We needed a place to hang out during the day so that we would die at home and the PC bang near our house was only 1,000 KRW an hour. Using the PC Bang to escape the eat turned out to be a way cheaper and more fun option than hanging out at a cafe.
My first foray into a PC Bang certainly didn’t feel comfortable. As I pushed through the doors of the 6th-floor PC Bang I felt stressed. Walking into a new cultural space where you don’t know the rules generally doesn’t feel good. I was greeted by the soft hum of dozens of high-performance computers, the ambient glow of RGB lighting, and a symphony of clicks and clacks from mechanical keyboards. Mostly kids huddled together in different areas playing various video games and sometimes swearing into their headsets. The result was a symphony of sensory experiences that’s quintessentially Korean.
Getting Checked In
With no person to help, I used Papago to decypher the payment kiosk that allowed me to pay by the hour or buy a membership. After I paid the next step was trying to figure out what computer to use and how to use the receipt given to us. It felt hectic. Thankfully, most PC Bangs have at least one person who can come rescue you and help you get set up.
Once my computer turned on and I settled into the fancy gamer chairs, slipped into the gamer headsets, and leaned back to experience the fastest computers I’d ever used – I was sold. I think I spent 6 hours there my first time around. I worked on my writing, watched a movie, listened to music, and did all kinds of things I had been putting off because my computer was slow and my screen was small. It was SOOOO comfortable. I was hooked.
All The Reasons I Use A PC Bang
After my first trip to the PC bang to escape the heat, I started to use the PC bang for the following things:
- Hanging out with my husband: He would game with friends and family while I work next to him on projects.
- Graduate school: PC Bangs are an amazing place to write your thesis and do grad school research.
- Save Money On Computers: We realized it was cheaper to use PC Bangs than blow money on more computers. Plus the PC Bangs keep their equipment updated.
- Remote Office: Everything I do is hosted on the cloud so I often use PC Bangs to do my work when I’m traveling around Korea. It’s much easier than carrying my computer around with me.
- Taking a Rest: Do you ever find yourself exhausted while traveling? Sometimes I will go into a PC bang and just watch a movie on Netflix, order a coffee, and relax in the middle of the day. **** PARENTS this is a pro-tip for when you need a break from the kids. Go log them into an online game, let them play for a few hours, and grab a coffee nearby. *****
Security on PC Bang Computers
As a standard practice, you should carefully log out of your accounts at PC Bangs. However, additionally, PC Bang desktops immediately reset or reset within a minute of your time expiring. That means, if you have things saved to the desktop or installed certain browsers and plan to keep using the computer, you need to renew your time before your session expires to avoid losing things.
I work on Google docs and use Google drive to manage all my files at PC bangs so that I don’t accidentally lose things I needed.
Now, let’s dig deeper into what a PC Bang is so that you know what you are getting into.
The Anatomy of a PC Bang
Let’s take a moment to dissect what makes these places tick. At its core, a PC Bang (“PC Room” in Korean) is a type of internet café, but to call it that would be a gross understatement. These establishments are equipped with top-of-the-line gaming computers and super-fast internet connections, making them a paradise for gamers.
The seating arrangements are usually comfortable and private, with each gaming station partitioned from the others. The atmosphere is a delicate balance between the intense focus of a library and the relaxed ambiance of a coffee shop, with the added spice of an arcade. Imagine, if you will, a comfortable camping site for gaming enthusiasts or anyone who needs a faster computer.
The PC Bang Culture and Its Impact
The culture around PC Bangs is as fascinating as the places themselves. They’re not just for hardcore gamers; they serve as social hubs where friends meet up after school or work, playing together or simply enjoying the ambient camaraderie. Kids from elementary school up can be found hanging out together with surprisingly little supervision.
The impact of PC Bangs extends beyond their physical presence. They have played a pivotal role in the rise of eSports in South Korea, propelling the country to the forefront of the global gaming industry. The high accessibility and affordability of PC Bangs have democratized gaming, making it a popular pastime across age groups and social classes.
However, what’s wonderful about these places is that they’re not just about gaming. Sure, you’ll find plenty of hardcore players in these spaces, their eyes locked on screens as they command armies, conquer galaxies, or outmaneuver opponents in high-stakes matches. But you’ll also see casual gamers, friends catching up over a game of StarCraft, and even families sharing a unique bonding experience.
From Tasty Snacks to All-Nighters: The Unique Charm of PC Bangs
What’s a gaming marathon without some munchies, right? One of the unique aspects of PC Bangs is the availability of food and drinks. Most PC Bangs have a snack bar, with menus ranging from instant noodles and soft drinks to Korean snacks and even full meals. This means you can game and grub without ever leaving your chair! I can’t tell you how helpful this was during graduate school.
PC Bangs Are Affordable
The affordability of PC Bangs is another attractive feature. As Michael, a British ex-pat blogger living in Seoul, notes in his blog Michael’s Korean Chronicles: “With just a few thousand won, you can enjoy hours of high-quality gaming.”
PC Bangs Are Open 24 Hours
Now, here’s the kicker: many PC Bangs are open 24/7. That’s right, gaming never stops in South Korea! So whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, a PC Bang is always ready to welcome you.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the PC Bang Experience
As an ex-pat living in Korea, experiencing the PC Bang culture is like opening a window to understanding the vibrant and dynamic Korean culture. Even if you’re not a gaming enthusiast, I’d recommend visiting a PC Bang just for the sheer experience of it. Who knows, you might even discover a newfound love for enjoying this uniquely Korean “3rd place.”
Additional Information About PC Bangs
Don’t just listen to my PC Bang experiences though, also read the following articles which will help get you prepared for your first visit:
- The Korean PC Bang: Everything To Know Before You Go!
- Guide to the PC Bang: A Uniquely Korean 3rd Place
- Dinner for two with a side of Starcraft: A modern take on the PC bang
- A year in South Korea: How I fell in love with the local gaming culture – and PC Bangs
Volunteer with South of Seoul
South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that supports international residents living in South Korea. If you would like to write articles for your area, help with social media, research public health information, and so much more – apply today!
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
