All you need to know about renting a hanbok in Seoul
There’s no better way to immerse in the culture of South Korea than to don a traditional hanbok – the Korean traditional dress. Even our favorite K-pop stars wear modern-style hanboks! This also presents a unique opportunity to take hanbok photos in traditional setting locations around Seoul, capturing the essence of Korean heritage.
Renting a hanbok is often a highlight of a trip to Seoul. Choose from dozens of hanbok styles and colors, then get dolled up in Korean hairstyles with daenggi (traditional Korean ribbon) decorations.
A bonus? Wearing hanbok not only allows you to delve into the cultural significance of this traditional Korean attire but also offers practical benefits like free admission to many of Seoul's palaces
Whether you're a couple trying wedding-themed hanbok and taking cute photos or on a friend's trip that finally made it out of the group chat, this guide covers everything you need to know about renting a hanbok in Seoul:
All you need to know about the hanbok
Live out your K-drama fantasies like a true local! Credits: Klook
The word hanbok translates to "Korean clothing". In Korean history, commoners started dressing in traditional clothes, specifically the hanbok, every day, and it reached its peak during the Joseon era. During this period, social classes could be identified using different hanbok styles – commoners mainly used cotton and white, while royals used vibrant colors and silks.
To this day, hanboks are still a big part of Korean culture. These traditional clothes are typically worn by everyday Koreans for special occasions, such as weddings and family celebrations.
Free entry to popular attractions when you wear a hanbok
Credits: Sam Dan Truong (Unsplash)
One of the best things to do in Seoul is rent a hanbok. The city is packed with locals and tourists alike, hanging out at historic sites and palaces – all dressed in beautiful hanboks. It's a fantastic way to immerse in traditional Korean culture!
There are other perks besides looking pretty. Wearing a hanbok grants you free entry to the five grand palaces of Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Klook Tip: Don't rent hanboks on a Monday or Tuesday, as several of the grand palaces are closed on Mondays. Seoul's most popular photo spot, Gyeongbokgung Palace, is shut on Tuesdays. To be safe, rent your hanbok from Wednesday to Sunday.
Where to rent a hanbok in Seoul
In South Korea, many hanbok rental shops offer various options, ensuring visitors can find the perfect hanbok to suit their style and preferences.
The best areas to rent a hanbok in Seoul are Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Station. They're both centrally located and within walking distance of most popular tourist attractions and photo locations, like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Here are a couple of hanbok rental shops in Seoul we recommend:
Hanbok rental shops near Bukchon Hanok Village
1) Hanbok That Day
Credits: Hanbok That Day
A popular hanbok rental shop near Bukchon Hanok Village is Hanbok That Day. Choose from a wide selection of traditional, fusion, and premium hanboks for 3 hours, 4 hours, or a full day. Each rental package includes a basic Korean hair styling service, hair accessories, and a fur vest or shawl.
You can also opt for a photo shoot with a professional photographer, either indoors or at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM (Closed on Tuesday, Last entry at 6PM)
Address: 36, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2) Princess Hanbok
Ever wanted to star in your own K-drama series? A trip to Princess Hanbok might just turn that dream into a reality. This hanbok rental store specializes in intricate luxury and premium hanboks that are fit for royalty!
It's located within walking distance of major attractions in Seoul, such as Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Ikseon-dong so the photoshoot options are plenty. There's the option to add a photo shoot in a garden nearby, and the original digital copies of the images will be sent afterward.
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 7:30PM
Address: 4F, 40 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3) Studio KJD
Credits: Studio KJD
Want more time to snap photos in your hanbok? Studio KJD offers overnight hanbok rental services in Seoul. Their hanbok rental packages include hairstyling accessories, traditional flower shoes, and a small bag to complete the look.
For a unique hanbok experience, try their Night Palace Walk! It comes with a traditional hanji paper lantern.
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
Address: 33 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Other hanbok rental shops near Bukchon Hanok Village
Private premium Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot experience in Bukcheon |
Seoul Hanbok Rental near Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village |
Hanbok rental shops near Gyeongbokgung Station
1) Hanboknam
A minute's walk from Gyeongbokgung Station, Hanboknam is an affordable hanbok rental option in Seoul. You can rent traditional, themed, or premium hanboks for 1, 1.5, 2.5, 3, or 4 hours or a full day, and opt to have your hair styled in a traditional Korean braid or bun for free. For couples or K-drama fans, wedding hanboks and Korean drama-themed hanboks are also available.
Accessories such as bags and hats aren't included in the basic hanbok rental package but can be rented at an additional fee.
Opening hours: 9AM – 7:30PM (Last entry at 5PM)
Address: 133-5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
2) Hae and Dal Hanbok
Credits: Hae and Dal Hanbok
Another popular hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung Palace is Hae and Dal Hanbok, which offers traditional, premium, and royalty hanbok designs. You can choose to rent a hanbok for 2 hours, 4 hours, or the entire day. Want to go all out? There's the option to add makeup and hair styling services to complete the traditional Korean outfit.
For families, hanbok rental for children is available here so the entire family can enjoy a Korean photoshoot together.
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 6:30PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Address: 3rd floor, Dajayeon Building, 127-14 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3) Daehanhanbok
Credits: Daehanhanbok
Daehanhanbok has over 1,500 hanbok styles to choose from. Don't worry about being overwhelmed as the friendly hanbok specialists will help to recommend hanbok styles and colors that suit you. Traditional headbands are provided for women, and gats (traditional hats) are provided for men.
This hanbok rental shop shares reference photos around Gyeongbokgung Palace, so you don't have to waste too much time searching for the best spots!
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Address: 2nd floor, 133-2, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Other hanbok rental shops near Gyeongbokgung Station
Tips for renting a hanbok
Unless you're visiting Seoul in winter, we recommend wearing light clothes. Hanboks consist of thick layers which can get pretty warm.
Next, wear comfortable shoes like sneakers. Not all hanbok rental shops include traditional shoes and trust us, you'll be walking a lot.
To ensure the availability of the style of hanbok you want, reserve your spot online in advance by booking on Klook! This way, you can also avoid waiting in line at the shop.
You can rent the traditional clothing either by the hour, half-day (4 hours), or full-day. If you're the type of traveler who loves to take pictures, then renting a hanbok for a full day is the way to go. That way, you can explore all the palaces without worrying about the time.
Best places to visit in Seoul in your hanbok
Visit Seoul for this hanbok experience in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Credits to Ammar Zainal on Unsplash
Now that you're all dressed up in your hanbok, it's time to explore different locations around Seoul and take photos. To experience the beauty of old Korea, here are 6 places to visit while wearing your hanbok.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
This is an obvious choice, but you can't say you've been to Seoul without visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace. As the first and largest of Korea's five grand palaces, this palace is a massive complex consisting of over 500 buildings.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace is famous for its architecture. But even more so for its secret garden, otherwise known as the East Palace. When you visit this site, you'll see incredibly well-preserved examples of the Joseon dynasty.
Bukchon Hanok Village
‘Bukchon’ is Korean for North Village, while ‘Hanok’ means traditional Korean house. That should give you a good idea of what this place has in store. Home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses, Bukchon Hanok Village is a cultural and historical gem nestled in the hills between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces.
Its calm, tranquil atmosphere offers a glimpse into the traditional Korean way of life and it's one of the best places in Seoul to wear a hanbok.
Ikseondong Hanok Village
Another trendy spot to visit when you wear a hanbok is Ikseondong Hanok Village. This neighborhood blends traditional Korean architecture with modern amenities, featuring well-preserved hanok houses transformed into trendy cafes and boutiques. Visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies, rent hanbok for a cultural experience, and explore Korean crafts. It's a must-visit for a glimpse into Seoul's rich history and culture.
Dress in traditional hanbok when you tour Jeonju Hanok Village. Credits to @indrieprimanto on Instagram
Hanbok rentals provide an immersive and respectful way to experience Korean culture, especially for foreigners visiting Seoul. They allow you to explore historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in traditional attire, enhancing your connection to the heritage and beauty of Korea.
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