 Sign out front a typical PC bang. A PC bang (PC방 or 피씨방) is the Korean name for what is commonly known as an internet cafe, though there are marked differences. A PC bang (pronounced like the a in ball and not like a in sang, and the C in PC is pronounced as she, not see) is more commonly used for gaming, dating, and some people will spend the whole day in one, even dozing off in front of a computer from time to time. PC bangs are quite cheap, generally 1000 to 2000 won per hour, and some of the larger chains have a 'mileage' program (called either 마일리지 as in English or 적립 - accumulation) where one can earn free hours with a membership. The word 'bang' is written 房 in hanja and means 'room'.
Service at a PC bang is generally quite minimal, and patrons are usually expected to either be members or just to grab a card from the front with a number to input in order to access the computer. Many people who work in PC bangs are gamers themselves and do not like to be overly disturbed. However, some of the higher-class PC bangs will be non-smoking (in practice as well as in theory), have oxygenated air pumped in from machines next to the computers, and may even have a cafe inside the PC bang itself where one may drink caffe lates, espresso-based drinks and fruit juices.
[edit] Useful expressions
- 한시간당 얼마예요? (Han shigan dang eolma yeyo) - How much is it per hour?
- 여기 마일리지 같은게 있어요? - (Yeogi mailliji gateun gae isseoyo) Do you have something like mileage here?
- 컴퓨터에 문제가 있어요 - (Kompyuteo e munjae ga isseoyo) I have a problem with my computer.
[edit] Chains that offer 마일리지 (mileage)
- The Hangame franchise offers 마일리지 with membership. Signing up requires only your name and birthday (which you can make up if you feel like it). Phone number or any form of ID is not required.
[edit] See Also
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