Gaming in Seoul

In Seoul, gaming is not a subculture but mainstream entertainment. PC bangs (PC rooms) are ubiquitous on every block, open 24 hours, and culturally equivalent to going out for coffee. Korean teenagers and adults routinely spend evenings in PC bangs playing League of Legends, PUBG, and StarCraft. The LCK is broadcast on national television and watched with the fervor of football. Korean players dominate international esports across nearly every genre — MOBA, FPS, RTS, and fighting games. The government has formally recognized esports as a legitimate sport since 2000, and professional gamers command celebrity status. Seoul's PC bang culture also means the country consistently produces the highest density of elite-level players in the world.