Gamers Heading to Motels After PC Bangs Close

'GameTel' Equipped with High-End PCs
Operating Under the Name 'BaegRoom'
Some Raise Room Prices

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Motels are experiencing an unexpected boom as PC bangs have been forced to close due to the government's social distancing Level 2 measures. Gamers, who have lost their usual gaming venues, are turning to rooms equipped with high-spec PCs.

On the 23rd, health authorities expanded the social distancing Level 2 measures from the metropolitan area to the entire country to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Accordingly, high-risk facilities considered vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, such as entertainment bars, karaoke rooms, buffets, PC bangs, and large academies, have been ordered to suspend operations and business until September 6.

In this situation, more gamers are heading to motels, which are exempt from these restrictions. So-called 'gametels' or 'PCtels'?motels equipped with high-spec PCs capable of online gaming?have emerged as alternatives. In fact, many motels in Seoul with high-spec PCs have been fully booked for short stays even during daytime hours.

Accommodation businesses are quickly responding to this unexpected surge. They are attracting gamers by advertising 'Baeg (Battleground) rooms' and similar names on related applications. It has been estimated that about 20% of partner establishments listed on these apps have rooms equipped with high-spec PCs.

Meanwhile, some establishments have drawn criticism for setting exorbitantly high prices for rooms with high-spec PCs. The usual short-stay prices during the day range between 20,000 and 30,000 KRW. However, it was easy to find places charging around 50,000 KRW for rooms equipped with high-spec PCs.

A representative of an accommodation business in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, said, "The number of users has definitely increased to the point where we are considering installing high-spec PCs in other rooms as well," adding, "Guests who come to motels for gaming tend to use the full allotted short-stay time, so we raised the price slightly."

PC bang owners are frustrated by the motels' unexpected boom. They argue that PC bangs are the only victims due to the government's imprudent measures. The Korea Internet PC Culture Association issued a statement saying, "The suspension of operations is like a bolt from the blue," and added, "Without compensation for the business suspension, PC bang owners and employees have been suddenly forced to worry about their livelihoods overnight."