Seoul’s PC Bang Culture in K-Dramas Take Gaming to a Whole New Stratosphere!
- lewishooper1
- Nov 15, 2025
- 2 min read
From ramyeon-fueled all-nighters to professional gaming hubs, this is what YOU NEED to know about PC bangs (internet cafés) in Korea!
The social role of the PC Bang as a communal gathering spot for all generations is something that is still widely accepted today, despite most people owning a laptop, smartphone, and other electronic devices themselves.
For many, a PC Bang is an essential "third place" or a social hub away from the confines of small homes and the high pressures of demanding academic or professional life, which are all too common in Korea. They are also affordable, fun, and an easy environment to relax or work in, and as a result, have solidified the PC Bang as a crucial space for social bonding and community in South Korean culture, which is why they have appeared on countless K-dramas in the past.
Why do they appear in so many K-dramas?
If you are a K-drama fan, then we are sure that you will have noticed PC Bangs appearing in K-dramas fairly often. Most K-dramas are culturally ubiquitous in terms of where they are set the show, in a bid to attract younger viewership by showing everyday life and social norms.
Within K-dramas, they ultimately highlight a unique, multi-functional aspect of Korean culture that is relatable to domestic audiences and fascinating to international viewers. If you have ever visited Korea, then you will understand!
A Space for Escape and Conflict
In most of the K-dramas that we know and love today, a PC Bang is often used due to its perfect backdrops when it comes to mini conflict points, such as when characters run into an old enemy or rival, or perhaps when they meet a love interest for the first time. They really are a great setting for dramas!
A PC Bang is often used to show a character's need for an escape from the pressures of work, family, or school, common for many young Koreans today. A tired office worker stopping by after work, or a high school student secretly gaming, highlights their everyday stresses.
24-hour snacks and entertainment
A PC Bang is a great place for people of all ages, thanks to the convenient prices and quick and simple food services that go along with it. Users are able to stay for extended periods of time without being interrupted, as well as being able to game or use the PCs for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users can order everything from ramyeon to full meals directly to their seat. This ability to combine dining and high-quality computing in one, which make them an affordable destination within themselves.
Have you ever been to a PC Bang in Seoul or in Korea? What did you like most? Comment below and let the Dojeon team know!
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