#Japan #Osaka #esports #PC Bang #K-GAMING BASE

K-GAMING BASE: An Immersive Look into Korea's PC Bang Culture

The K-GAMING BASE event, organized by the Osaka Korean Cultural Center under the direction of Kim Hae-seok, will run from May 22 to 30, 2026. This unique event, located in the Mirin Gallery, offers an immersive experience to the attendees to explore the world of Korea's renowned gaming culture, specifically the PC bang (PC 방). This exhibition is co-hosted with the Korea Creative Content Agency's Osaka Business Center and supported by the Agricultural and Fishery Food Distribution Corporation (aT) Osaka branch.

The concept of a PC bang, which translates to 'PC room', has significantly evolved in South Korea. It is now a multifaceted entertainment space equipped with high-performance PCs, where friends can enjoy online gaming while also ordering food and drinks. These venues have become crucial in promoting and cultivating the growth of eSports in South Korea, representing modern youth culture.

At K-GAMING BASE, visitors will find 20 high-performance gaming PCs designed to replicate the authentic atmosphere of a Korean PC bang. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience popular Korean games such as PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, MapleStory, and Dungeon & Fighter (Arad Senki), in addition to around ten new titles that will be featured at the upcoming BitSummit 2026, one of Japan’s largest indie gaming events scheduled in Kyoto. Each individual can expect to enjoy approximately one hour of gaming experience during their visit.

Throughout the event, developers from the games featured at BitSummit will be present to conduct playtest sessions and offer talks about the development stories behind these games. This will provide attendees with rare insights into the gaming industry and the creative processes involved in making these games.

Moreover, the culinary aspect of the PC bang culture will also be highlighted. Visitors can use an order system from their gaming PCs to select from a menu of popular Korean snacks such as ramyeon (noodle soup), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hot dogs, and dumplings. Additionally, attendees can try the favorite drink of PC bang patrons, Oulbaksa, a refreshing combination of energy drink and soda.

The aT Osaka branch will run a K-food exhibition emphasizing PC bang’s food culture and the phenomenon known as mukbang (eating broadcast culture), illustrating how these spaces have become beloved by not just gamers but a wide array of people seeking a unique cultural experience.

On May 30, coinciding with the exhibition, there will be a Korea-Japan eSports Exchange Match held at the Namba Parks e-Stadium. Korean pro players and current coaches from VALORANT will participate alongside students from the Osaka Animation, Voice Acting & eSports Vocational School who aim to make their professional debut. This special 5-on-5 match will feature mixed teams and promises exciting competitive gameplay.

The event will be cast and analyzed by popular commentators Yukishiro and Yue, with plans for a live streaming broadcast on YouTube.

The Osaka Korean Cultural Center expresses hope that this event will deepen understanding and appreciation for Korean gaming culture and PC bang. They aim to continue fostering Korea-Japan exchanges through eSports.

Event Overview

• - Date: May 22-30, 2026 (closed on May 25)
• - Venue: Osaka Korean Cultural Center, Mirin Gallery (1-1-15 Higashi-Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0044)
• - Admission & Experience: Free
• - Participation:

- No reservation required for exhibition viewing.
- On-the-day registration is allowed for gaming and food experiences (reservations preferred).
- Prior registration is required for eSports exchange match viewing on May 30.

• - Details: More information is available on the official Osaka Korean Cultural Center website and their social media platforms.