PC bang
A PC bang is a type of internet cafe or LAN gaming center in South Korea. Patrons can use computers, often to play video games in person with friends, for an hourly fee.
Although the per capita penetration of personal computers and broadband internet access in South Korea is one of the highest in the world, PC bangs remain popular as they provide a social meeting place for gamers to play together with their peers. Aside from the social aspect, PC bangs' ability to offer access to expensive and powerful high-end personal computers, designed specifically for video gaming, at a comparatively low price has also bolstered their popularity.
History
The origin of PC bang starts with '전자카페' in South Korea opened in March 1988, which was then closed in 1991. The original creators of the '전자카페', Ahn Sang-soo and Gum Nu-ri, launched this electronic cafe next to Hongik University.At the time, people were able to use two 16-bit computers, which were connected by a telephone line. However, it was only known to locals and not widely known, yet.
Industry
The most played games in PC bangs are known as massively multiplayer online role-playing games, in which more than 100,000 people around the globe can play at the same time. PC bangs rose to popularity following the release of the PC game StarCraft in 1998. At the time South Korea had a thriving computer industry with Internet use reaching over 50% of the population., 25 million citizens were using the Internet, and 14.4 million Korean homes were equipped with Internet access. Accompanying this high rate of home Internet access it is estimated the number of PC bangs grew from 100 to 25,000 between 1997 and 2011. Many popular South Korean multiplayer games provide players with incentives which encourage them to play from a PC bang. For example, the Nexon games Kart Rider and BnB reward players with bonus "Lucci" — the games' virtual currencies — when they log on from a PC bang.Demographics
Although PC bangs are used by all ages and genders, they are most popular with male gamers in their teens and twenties. Throughout the day, the demographics of the PC room change. Most PC rooms are open 24 hours. In the mornings, the primary type of user is an adult male, between 30 and 50. During the afternoons, young males come in groups between 1-3 pm. During this time is when PC bangs are the noisiest. Around dinner time, teenagers and young adults come in. They usually play online card games, arcade games, or MMORPGs. Competitive game players start coming in at 8pm and usually stay for several hours or all night. League of Legends, Lineage II, Sudden Attack and StarCraft are the most popular games for late-night players.Social aspect
PC bang industry has created a culture that is participated in by most youth in South Korea. Gamers have turned the PC bang into a socialization facility, becoming a huge part in the lives of South Korean youths today. Many students have suggested that the PC-Bang provides a stress free, fun and youth dominated environment where groups of friends can meet and engage in a cooperative game. They have suggested that the games themselves may promote a social environment by promoting the development of squads or groups of players to play the game more effectively.The social aspect also can tie into the local's country support for esports. For example, like in America you would sit around a TV to watch a major sport like football. As for South Korea due to their booming success in the E-SPORTS scene they provide the same type of experience by going to a local PC BANG to watch their favorite League of Legends team or Dota team participate in the world or national level events or competitions.