Seoul KTV Fixed Choice and Korean Nightlife Glossary
01 Karaoke (가라오케)
At a Seoul KTV, In Korea this does not mean a coin-operated singing box. It refers to a private room venue where partners join the table. The singing-box format is called noraebang.
02 Hyperpublic (하이퍼블릭 · 하퍼)
Often shortened to hyper. A category positioned above ordinary public rooms, run with fixed choice and prices disclosed before entry.
03 The bracket above
Literally 'point five'. One bracket above hyperpublic in both formality and price. Fixed choice.
04 The top bracket
The highest tier of Gangnam lounges, with the most formal service and the highest unit prices. Names vary by venue, so compare by system rather than label.
05 Shirt room and three-no (셔츠룸 · 쓰리노)
Concept names rather than tiers — they describe dress code and house rules, not rank.
06 Fixed choice and rotation (초이스 · 로테이션)
Choice means you decide once and the seating holds. Rotation means partners change on a timer. This single difference changes the evening more than the venue name does.
07 TC and bottle fee (TC · 주대)
TC is the per-partner, per-hour charge. Bottle fee (judae) covers the drink, basic snacks and soft drinks. Total is bottle plus TC plus any extension.
08 Room fee / RT (룸티)
The charge for the room itself. Some venues fold it into the room charge and some bill it separately, so ask which.
09 Setting fee (세팅비)
What it costs to lay out the basic bottle, snacks and glassware. Usually inside the room charge.
10 Session (타임)
The base block of time a partner is at the table. Venues count it as 1 time, 2 times. Ask how many minutes one block is.
11 Extension (연장)
Added when you stay past the base session. Check whether it starts automatically or only when you say so.
12 Naesang (내상)
Slang for a bill that comes out far higher than expected because items were never disclosed. Fixed-rate venues do not produce it.
13 Fixed rate (정찰제)
Every line item is agreed before you enter and nothing is added after. This is how we run.
14 First and second slot (1부 · 2부)
1부 is roughly 18:00–21:00 and 2부 runs from 21:00. Early arrivals are cheaper and quieter.
15 Valet (발렛)
Staff take the car at the entrance. A designated driver is arranged for the way home, so you do not drive after drinking.
