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Wearing a Hanbok in Seoul Korea

Renting & Wearing a Hanbok in Seoul, South Korea

Wearing a hanbok while walking the historic streets of Seoul seems to be the quintessential thing to do when visiting South Korea. And as I have personally done that myself, I must say that it’s a fun way to embrace Korean culture and get stunning pictures to make your trip more memorable.

There are various places where you can rent and wear a hanbok in Seoul, including places where you can wear it for free!

Literally meaning “Korean clothing”, a “hanbok” is a traditional Korean costume worn by men, women, and children. Hanboks are typically colorful and consist of a wraparound jacket (jeogori), a long high-waisted skirt (chima) for women, and loose pants (baji) for men.
 
Renting a hanbok in Seoul Korea
Female hanbok. Credit: Nesnad / Wikimedia Commons

The design of the hanbok was influenced by the geography and climate of Korea, and has been handed down through the generations to present times.

For example, the roomy design of both the chima skirt and the baji pants is meant to make the clothing ideal for sitting on the floor, as most traditional Korean homes are completely devoid of chairs.

In the past, the hanbok used to be worn as a daily outfit, but nowadays, it is reserved for formal or semi-formal occasions such as festivals, weddings, and special ceremonies.

In 1996, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism established “Hanbok Day” as a way to encourage its citizens and visitors to wear the beautiful costume with pride.

Best Time to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul, Korea

Renting a hanbok in Seoul is available all year long, but in my opinion, the colder months would be ideal. I’ve never visited South Korea in summer, but I assume the hot weather would make it rather uncomfortable to wear the hanbok when walking on the streets.

Wearing Hanbok in Seoul
Wearing hanbok in Seoul in winter.

I visited Seoul in the middle of winter and while the temperatures went as low as -18 degrees Celsius during the day, it was nice and warm inside the hanbok. Besides, the dress will be layered on top of whatever you’re wearing underneath.

If you’re planning to take hanbok photos at one of the palaces, do check the opening time. Four of the five grand palaces in Seoul are closed on Mondays, while the other one (Gyeongbokgung Palace) is closed on Tuesdays.

How to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul, Korea?

There are many hanbok rental shops scattered around the city, mostly near the palaces and other touristy areas. It’s important to know that the quality and choices of hanboks, accessories, and services may vary from one store to another.

For example, some shops may offer free hairdressing service with each hanbok rental, whereas some may charge it separately.

Wearing Hanbok in Seoul
Credit: Korea.net / Wikimedia Commons

For women, the accessories you can rent include sun umbrellas, hand fans, small purses to match your dress, and hair ornaments. And as for men, the typical accessories that are available for rent are hats. Men’s jackets have various lengths — from the normal waist-length to long ones that go down all the way to the ankles.

You’re free to enter a few shops and browse until you find a hanbok that you like. Mine was an off-white jacket and a pink skirt with gold embroidery (it was actually more like a tube dress than a skirt). The jacket was either made for children or I was just too big for it, as it barely covered my chest.

I opted to have no accessory or hairdressing, because I like my hair down. And because as usual, I was penny-pinching.

Wearing Hanbok in Seoul
On second thought, I probably would have looked better with some hair accessories.

If you really can’t decide on which hanbok to choose (they’re all so beautiful, it’s hard to make a decision), you can ask the sales assistant to help pick the right one for you. The staff are mostly very friendly and eager to help.

Once you have chosen your hanbok, they will help you put it on. Next, all you have to do is leave your passport with them as a deposit and you’re free to go and explore for the duration of your rental.

Bear in mind that you will be asked to pay extra if you damage the hanbok or return it late.

Renting a Hanbok in Seoul Korea

Booking Your Hanbok Online

For a hassle-free hanbok rental process, you also have the option to book online. Klook has several affordable packages to offer. The great thing about booking online is that you get to skip the queue, ensure the best prices, and read previous customers’ feedback.

Some of these packages even include photography service by professional photographers, which is perfect if you’re a solo traveler and want to take lots of photos without having to ask random strangers for help.

If you have never heard of Klook before, click here to read my review and get a discount code for your first booking.

Klook.com

How Much is It to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul, Korea?

The price for hanbok rental will vary depending on which area you go, the type of dress you choose, and what services or accessories are included.

Rental shops in touristy areas will typically be more expensive than those in less touristy ones. By the same token, an intricate lace dress will definitely be more expensive than a plain traditional one.

If you go to the many rental shops near the palaces, expect to pay around KRW 17,000 (USD 15) for 3 to 4 hours or around KRW 25,000 (USD 22) for a one-day hanbok rental inclusive of accessories, locker service for your backpack and jacket, a tote bag to put your valuables in, hair-styling service, and staff to help you get dressed.

If all you want is a hanbok without all the extras, try looking for a shop that charge these separately so that you get to pay cheaper for just the hanbok.

Compare the prices on Klook to get a better idea:

Klook.com

Best Places for Hanbok Photos in Seoul, Korea

The Grand Palaces

There are five Grand Palaces in Seoul, namely the Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung). They’re all located close to each other, so you can visit them all in one day if you like. But since they’re pretty much similar in architecture, visiting one or two would suffice. The good news is they’re free to enter if you’re wearing a hanbok!

Renting a hanbok in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace. Credit: IGEL / Wikimedia Commons

At each palace, there are many hidden nooks and crannies where you can take photos without people in the background. Hanbok rental shops are available on the streets surrounding the palaces.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Situated right between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces is the Bukchon Hanok Village, another popular spot for hanbok photos. Similar to the palaces, the village also has a lot of hanbok rental shops.

Renting a hanbok in Seoul

Renting a hanbok in Seoul

Pretend you’re a princess in a bygone era as you walk through the historic streets with traditional wooden houses and shops. As the village is quite a huge area, you’ll never run out of spots to use as your backdrops. Just remember that there are people living in those houses, so please be respectful.

Other than Bukchon, there are two more traditional villages in Seoul: Namsangol and Jeonju.

N Seoul (Namsan) Tower

This 236-metre tall building is also a good place for hanbok photo shoots with the spectacular aerial views of the city in the background. Additionally, there are also love locks decorating the viewing deck, making it a great backdrop for a romantic photo shoot with your partner.

Wearing a hanbok for free in Seoul
Love locks and the views from Seoul Tower. Credit: Jimmy McIntyre / Wikimedia Commons

Photo Studios

If for some reason, you only want to have a hanbok photo shoot indoors, there are a few hanbok studios around Seoul that offer this service. You get everything that you could get from the normal rental shops, plus a photographer.

The only downside is that you can’t take the dress outside, but it’s perfect if you don’t want the hassle of walking around in a hanbok, especially if the weather is unfavorable.  

Where to Try a Hanbok for Free in Seoul, Korea

Renting a hanbok comes with several advantages, such as the extra accessories and services, being able to wear it outside, and the longer rental period. However, if you’re short of time or budget, there are a few places where you can try a hanbok for free in Seoul.

M Plaza, Myeongdong

Wear a hanbok for free at Seoul Global Cultural Center on the fifth floor of M Plaza. The hanbok experience is available on a first-come-first-serve basis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission at 3:30 p.m.) from Monday to Thursday. The rental time is limited to only 10 minutes and there are photo backdrops of the palace and throne chairs as your props. You can also get a similar experience at the nearby Myeongdong Tourist Information Center.

Deoksugung Palace

A traditional changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place every day at Deoksugung Palace except Mondays. Visitors can wear a hanbok or the traditional guard uniforms for free for 10 minutes at the rental booth in front of the palace main gate. The experience is available from Tuesday to Sunday, at 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.-4 p.m. except when there is heavy rain or snow.

Wearing a hanbok in Seoul
Changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace. Credit: G41rn8 / Wikimedia Commons

K Style Hub

Located on the 5th floor of KTO Seoul Office, this new tourist hub opens at 10 a.m. and offers many activities for tourists, such as learning to cook Korean food and experiencing tourist attractions in Korea virtually through VR technology. At K Style Hub, you get to wear a hanbok for an hour, which is the longest of the free experiences. It’s also possible to wear it out of the store with a deposit and a passport.

Incheon International Airport

Even if you don’t have a chance to leave the airport, you can still get the hanbok experience at Incheon International Airport — near Gate 121 on 3F, Concourse. Other activities you can do here include enjoying a Gugak (Korean traditional music) performance and learning to make traditional crafts like Hanjil, Dancheong, Najeon, and folk paintings. All these programs are available for free for foreign passengers only.

Additional Tips for Renting a Hanbok in Seoul, Korea

  • Can men and children rent hanboks too? Yes, most rental shops provide hanboks for men and children. The rental rate for children’s hanboks are usually similar to the ones for adults.
  • What to wear underneath a hanbok? Wear something lightweight such as a tank top and shorts in the warmer months. In winter, you can put on a layer or two of thermal wear, bearing in mind that if it’s too thick, it will appear bulky under your hanbok jacket.
  • What shoes should you wear? If you’re of average height like me, the dress will likely cover your shoes, but if you’re taller, make sure you wear something presentable to complement your dress. If you’re planning to walk a lot, comfortable shoes are a must.
Wearing a hanbok in Seoul Korea
The hanbok skirt was long enough to cover my hiking boots.
  • Remember to bring your passport when renting a hanbok as most rental stores require that in addition to or in place of a cash deposit.
  • Can you leave your stuff at the rental shops? Yes, most rental shops provide lockers for customers to leave their jackets and backpacks. To be safe, do not leave any valuables. You can rent a small purse to carry your cash and phone in. Some shops include this in the hanbok rental fee.
  • Can you get a partial refund if you return the hanbok earlier? No, you can’t. But you will be asked to pay extra if you return in later.
  • Can you rent a hanbok if it’s raining or snowing? Yes, you can. Just be careful not to trip or let your hanbok get too dirty, or you may have to forfeit your deposit.
  • If you book online, try to arrive several minutes earlier than your appointed time slot to give you some extra time to browse and choose your hanbok.

Final Thoughts on Wearing a Hanbok in Seoul, Korea

Wearing a hanbok in Seoul was definitely one of the most memorable things I did in South Korea, apart from a visit to the DMZ, sledding at a ski resort, and spending the night in a Korean bathhouse.

I think this would be an even greater experience for those who are big fans of Korean drama series or old Korean movies. A stroll in the traditional village while wearing a traditional dress and occasionally bumping into people with similar attire would surely invoke those scenes from the movies.

Even though I don’t really watch Korean dramas or movies, it was still an enjoyable experience for me because I love the pretty designs and fabrics, and also how well they go with the traditional building architecture.

Is wearing a hanbok considered cultural appropriation?

Not at all. In South Korea, it’s actually considered cultural appreciation, which was why the government introduced “Hanbok Day” — to encourage more locals and visitors to wear it, as well as to make it better known internationally.

You might get a few curious looks, but that’s only because they think it’s cute to see foreigners in their traditional costume. So, don’t be surprised if locals ask to take photos with you in a hanbok.

Wearing Hanbok in Seoul

Have you ever worn a hanbok in Korea or any traditional dress in a country you’re visiting? Share your experience in the comment section below.

Posted in South Korea

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35 Comments

  1. Yaya Azura

    Dah pergi sana, mesti nak try sarung Hanbok. Harga sewa kalau convert duit kita boleh tahan juga. Kena masuk bajet siap-siap. Kalau tak cari yang free je lah kan..hihi

    • ummi

      Ya, kalau setakat nak try je, boleh ambik yg free. Tapi kalau nak posing banyak2, ambik gambar kat spot2 cantik, kena la sewa lama sikit. Tak mahal sangat pun kat Klook tu, kalau convert duit kita ada la dalam rm20-30. 🙂

  2. Sis Lin

    Kalau ingat-ingat terkilan gak, dua kali pi Korea tapi takde pengalaman pakai Hanbok ni, sebab takde budget huhuhu.. nak kena gak leee nanti one day ada rezeki pakai Hanbok jalan dalam Bukchon ni..

    • ummi

      Oh, sayangnya, sis. Kalau book melalui Klook ni tak mahal sangat pun sebenarnya, boleh pilih nak pakej yang mana. Siap boleh collect points lagi. Takpe next time sis pergi ke Korea, boleh la cuba pakai hanbok, jalan2 kat Bukchon. 🙂

    • ummi

      Memang betul tu Ayu, cantik betul pakaian tradisi diorang. Macam baju kurung kita la, masih lagi dipakai sampai ke hari ni. Nanti kalau Ayu ke Korea, boleh la try pakai hanbok ni. 🙂

    • ummi

      Thanks, Kitkat! Yes, that’s one of my favorite things to do too — but only if I like how the outfit looks or if the culture has a special meaning to me. So far, I’ve tried Korean, Thai, and Balinese. You should try a hanbok too the next time you go to Korea 🙂

  3. Saidila Abdul Rahman

    Rindunya dengan Korea terutamanya Seoul . Saya pernah pakai pernah pakai pakaian Maharjaya Joseon sahaja. Hanbok memang tak pernah cuba langsung. Tapi suka tengok orang pakai. Kalau hanbok yang cantik memang sewanya agak mahal sedikit. Tempat biasa saya bawak orang sewa hanbok dekat Hanok Cultural Village , lepas pakai terus pergi bergambar dekat situ puas-puas.

    • ummi

      Maharaja Joseon? Wah, tu lagi unik! Kat cultural village memang tempat terbaik untuk bergambar pakai hanbok kan? Sebab banyak bangunan2 lama, baru la ngam dengan pakaian.

  4. Rawlins GLAM

    This service was selling like hot-cakes when I went to Seoul with my buddies. With the old palaces as background, the girls went crazy with having their pictures taken throughout the day. Hehe

  5. Laura

    You look beautiful! I tried a kimono in Japan and was surprised at how positive the reception was. Definitely planning on trying a hanbok when I visit Seoul (whenever that might be!).

    • ummi

      Oh, I haven’t had a chance to try a kimono in Japan yet, and I’d love to (whenever that might be!). It’s good to know that they also react positively to visitors wearing their traditional costumes. I think as long as we don’t deliberately do anything disrespectful while wearing it, it shouldn’t be a problem. Anyway, I hope you’ll get to try a hanbok when you go to Seoul, Laura. 😀

  6. Ashlee Fechino

    This was a fascinating read. Thanks for sharing. I have not heard of the hanbok before. Your pictures and perspective were lovely, especially the piece on whether it was OK to try wearing one.

    • ummi

      Thanks, Ashlee! I may be wrong, but I think most Asian cultures do not have a problem with foreigners trying on their traditional costumes, as long as they don’t do anything disrespectful, such as altering the dress to suit their personal taste or blatantly not minding their manners. 🙂

  7. Lekha Chellani

    Oh so beautiful! I would love to rent one and have a photo shoot done.. what a wonderful memory it would make. I would prefer renting online as it’s hassle free, definitely a unique experience not to be missed.

    • ummi

      You’re absolutely right, Lekha. Trying on a hanbok is something that’s not to be missed when you go to Korea, especially if you love playing dress up! It’s suitable for everyone — men, women, and even children. And booking online is the most convenient way to get it done. I hope you’ll get to wear a hanbok in Korea someday 🙂

  8. MagicandBliss

    Ah! The hanbok looks so beautiful and I love how you’ve mentioned all the details about renting the dress in your post. I would love to go to Korea and try this out myself 😀

  9. Pingback:Traditional Balinese Costume Photo Shoot with a Professional Photographer – Ummi Goes Where?

  10. Mahamahu

    Bestny kalau dapat bercuti kat negara orang dan dapat pula cuba pakaian tradisi mereka kat sana untuk bergambar memang kenagan paling indah hehehe nak ke Korea lah lepas habis PKP ni hurmmmm…

    • ummi

      Memang souvenir dan kenangan yang paling indah, Maha. Cantik pulak tu hanbok ni. Sesuai je dengan background tradisional di Bukchon Hanok Village. Kalau pergi Korea, cuba la. 🙂

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