Pierrot Bowling in Seoul

 

I have heard a lot of great things about the bowling alley in Apgujeong called "Pierrot Strike."  Matt has raved about it and has gone twice.  There seemed to be good reviews on the internet.  So Jennifer and I went.  Matt warned us that there is often a wait so we should get there early and put our names on the list.  Our plan, as per his suggestion, was to go at 6pm, then grab some dinner nearby and then come back and bowl.  But as it turns out you are not allowed to put your name on the list and then leave (or else you forfeit your place in line.)  So we ordered pizza at the alley (which was really good!) and then we bowled.  

Looking around the bowling alley Jenn remarked "This isn't special.  This is just like all the bowling alleys in Vegas."  Although I argued that Las Vegas is probably an exception to most things when it comes to entertainment, I had also seen bowing alleys like this in every city have I lived in from Broomfield, Colorado to Portland, Oregon.  Every bowling alley has a "Rock N' Bowl" where they dim the lights, add some black-lights, play fancy videos and jack up the prices.   Enter Pierrot Strike.   To be fair, we did have a fun time. 

But unlike the bowling alleys in the United States... On the 8th frame of our first game an attendent came up to us and impatiently asked if we would be playing another round.  Yes, we replied.   He went away.  On the 6th frame of our second game the attended came back and asked again.  No, we replied.  At the 9th frame the next group of bowlers were instructed to wait behind us for their turn just as we had been urged to do for the group before us.  The feeling that we were rushed and taking too long to bowl was not very welcoming.  

All in all, I would say that we had a good time, but frankly I wouldn't go back again.  I much preferred the less pretentious no hassles bowling alley in Yeongtong.  Cheaper too.  

 

Bowling in Suwon

Yesterday my buddy Matt and I went bowling in Yeongtong, Suwon.  There's a small bowling alley on the third floor of a building right in the downtown area.  We paid about w11,000 each for 3 games and shoes.  

One thing that's interesting about bowling in Korea is that you can't drink or smoke in the alley.  For a country that drinks almost constantly and allows smoking indoors, I found this rather remarkable.  Instead, bowling patrons drink canned coffee and Vitamin Water.  

Further surprising, for a country that is technology-obsessed (hello LG & Samsung!) their score monitors were rather simplistic.  There were no fancy colors or flashing pictures.  No tips on how to throw the ball and no big animation when you get a strike or a spare.   Heck, there weren't even individual monitors where you could input your name and correct mistakes. 

Still, it was a fun night.  Does anyone not have fun while bowling?  It's one of those sports that you love to hate but secretly love.  

 

rockin' it at the alley

the whole alley had only about 10 or so lanes.