For many, a trip to South Korea is incomplete without attending a room salon in one of the country’s most iconic locations – the 강남야구장. Dating back to its first iteration in the late 19th century, room salons have become an integral part of South Korean culture. To explore this history and evolution, let’s take a look at how these venues have grown over time.
What Are Room Salons?
Room salons are unique venues that provide guests with a combination of entertainment and dining experiences. These spaces feature private rooms that can accommodate up to thirty people depending on their size and amenities such as karaoke systems, projectors for movie screenings, or even full bars. Guests can rent out these rooms by the hour for special occasions or simply enjoy some bonding time with friends as they indulge in food and drinks ordered from the restaurant menu.
Origins of Room Salons
The origins of room salons can be traced back to Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). In Tokyo, entrepreneurs opened “beer houses,” which allowed customers to purchase beer directly from the brewery rather than needing to go through middlemen distributors who marked up prices significantly. As these places became more popular, other businesses began opening up near them offering additional services such as food and lodging. It wasn’t until 1912 when an entrepreneur named Takeo Shirobei opened his establishment called “Shirobei Hall” which included a bar, restaurant, dance hall, theater box seats, and private rooms for rent by the hour – thus giving birth to what we know today as room salons.
Growth During The 20th Century
Throughout the Second World War and into the modern era, Asia has seen a wide variety of room salons – each adapted to local tastes and trends in different countries at different times in history. In South Korea, in particular, they grew exponentially during the 20th century, largely because they provided a safe haven for citizens seeking refuge from oppressive regimes, while also catering to soldiers who could relax from military life within their confines. By 1976, there were over 1 million registered restaurants nationwide, including those listed under the “room salon” category, according to records kept by Statistics Korea (KOSTAT).
Modern room salons
Today, these establishments remain popular, especially among the younger generation, who visit them after hours for everything from date nights to drinking sessions with friends, all while enjoying high-quality meals prepared by skilled chefs in well-appointed interiors with comfortable seating and luxurious decorative elements such as chandeliers or ornate wallpaper designs. What’s more, post-pandemic regulations have only added extra safety measures, such as contactless ordering systems via apps, which further enhance customer satisfaction, making it easier than ever for anyone looking to experience something truly unique when visiting Gangnam Baseball Stadium or any other location where room salons are available in Seoul!
The Bottom Line
Room Salons have come a long way since their inception in late 19th century Japan, evolving into a cornerstone business model now found in many parts of Asia, but none more vibrant than those found at Gangnam Baseball Stadium – giving visitors, both locals and tourists alike, access to unparalleled dining experiences that will surely not be forgotten any time soon!