Discover Korea Like Never Before
Wearing hanbok is more than just putting on a beautiful traditional outfit.
Hanbok embodies the roots of Korean life, emotions, and culture.
With its gently swaying skirt and the elegant lines of the neatly tied jeogori (jacket),
Wearing hanbok in Korea offers a timeless, cultural experience. Experiencing hanbok in Korea isn’t just a tourist activity, but a moment to truly understand and deeply connect with Korean culture.
♦️Hanbok History and Cultural Significance in Korea
Hanbok is Korea’s traditional clothing with thousands of years of history.
From the Three Kingdoms period through the Joseon Dynasty to modern times, it has undergone various changes,
but its basic form and aesthetic values have been preserved for a long time.
Hanbok is not just clothing but a cultural heritage containing Korean philosophy and aesthetic consciousness.
During the Joseon Dynasty, the colors and patterns of hanbok varied according to social status and position,
with the royal family wearing particularly elaborate and ornate hanbok.
Today, wearing hanbok as everyday clothing is rare, but it has become very popular for holidays, special ceremonies, and recently as a tourist experience.
Hanbok available for these experiences range from traditional styles to occupation-specific hanbok from historical periods, and newly reinterpreted more elaborate designs. Regardless of the style, hanbok’s distinctive vibrant colors and elegant lines remain alive in all versions.
Components of Women’s Hanbok
- Jeogori: Upper garment consisting of git (collar), sleeves, seop (front overlap), and goreum (ribbon ties)
- Chima: Lower garment, a long skirt-like garment wrapped around the waist
- Sokchima: Underskirt worn under the chima
- Beoseon: Traditional socks that complement hanbok
- Dangui: A slightly longer upper garment worn over the jeogori
- Norigae: Decorative accessories attached to the chima
Components of Men’s Hanbok
- Jeogori: Upper garment, simpler than the women’s version
- Baji: Wide-legged trousers
- Jokki: Vest worn over the jeogori
- Magoja: Outer garment worn over the jeogori
- Dopo/Po: Long outer garment worn on formal occasions
Gat: Traditional hat worn by men
♦️Where to Wear Hanbok in Korea for Free Entry
There’s a special benefit of free entry to Seoul’s major palaces and cultural heritage sites when wearing hanbok.
This is a policy implemented by the Korean government to promote traditional cultural experiences, aimed at revitalizing traditional culture and introducing the cultural beauty of Korea to more people through hanbok.
Among the landmarks offering free entry, the most representative are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul.
These places have historical value and beautiful scenery, and visiting them while wearing hanbok allows you to experience a deeper sense of Korean history.
Especially when walking through a palace in hanbok, you might feel like you’ve stepped into history itself.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, known for its grand scale and beautiful architecture.
- Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 218m from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)
- Operating Hours:
| Period | Viewing Hours | Notes |
| January-February, November-December | 09:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:00) | Hours may be shortened or adjusted according to circumstances. |
| March-May, September-October | 09:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:00) | |
| June-August | 09:00-18:30 (Last entry 17:30) |
- Closed: Every Tuesday
- Guided Tours: Explore the main halls of Gyeongbokgung while listening to storytelling from palace guides.
| Language | Days | Times | Meeting Place |
| English | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 11:00 / 13:30 / 15:30 | In front of the Information Center Duration: 1-1.5 hours |
| Japanese | 10:00 / 14:30 | ||
| Chinese | 10:30 / 15:00 | ||
| Spanish | Fri, Sat | 10:30 / 15:00 | |
| French | Wed, Thu | 11:00 / 15:00 |
Changdeokgung Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage site, especially famous for its Secret Garden (Huwon).
- Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 389m from Exit 3 of Anguk Station (Line 3)
- Operating Hours:
| Period | Viewing Hours | Notes |
| February-May, September-October | 09:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:00) | Hours may be shortened or adjusted according to circumstances. |
| June-August | 09:00-18:30 (Last entry 17:30) | |
| November-January | 09:00-17:30 (Last entry 16:30) |
- Closed: Every Monday
- Guided Tours: Explore the main halls of Changdeokgung while listening to storytelling from palace guides.
| Location | Language | Days | Times | Meeting Place |
| Palace Halls | English | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:15 / 13:15 | Opposite Injeonmun Gate Duration: About 50 minutes |
| Chinese | Tue, Thu, Sat | 10:00 | ||
| Japanese | Wed, Fri, Sun | 11:00 | ||
| Secret Garden | English | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:30 / 11:30 / 14:30 | Secret Garden entrance Duration: About 70 minutes |
| Chinese | Tue, Thu, Sat | 12:30 | ||
| Japanese | Wed, Fri, Sun | 13:30 |
Changgyeonggung Palace
Located east of Gyeongbokgung, featuring a beautiful garden.
- Location: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 705m from Exit 3 of Anguk Station (Line 3)
- Operating Hours:
| Period | Viewing Hours | Notes |
| January-December | 09:00-21:00 (Last entry 20:00) | Hours may be shortened or adjusted according to circumstances. |
- Closed: Every Monday
- Guided Tours: Explore the main halls of Changgyeonggung while listening to storytelling from palace guides.
| Language | Days | Times | Meeting Place |
| English | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 11:00 / 15:00 | Next to Okcheon Bridge Duration: About 1 hour |
| Chinese | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 14:00 | |
| Japanese | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:00 |
Deoksugung Palace
A palace located in downtown Seoul, featuring Seokjojeon, a Western-style building.
- Location: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 71m from Exit 1 of City Hall Station (Line 1/2)
- Operating Hours:
| Deoksugung | Category | Viewing Hours | Notes |
| General admission | January-December | 09:00-21:00 (Last entry 20:00) | |
| Exhibition Hall | Seokjojeon | January-December | 09:30-17:30 (Last guided tour 16:30) |
| Dondeokjeon | January-December | 09:00-17:30 (Last entry 17:00) | |
| Jungmyeongjeon | January-December | 09:00-17:30 (Last entry 17:00) | |
- Closed: Every Monday
- Guided Tours: Explore the main halls of Deoksugung and Seokjojeon while listening to storytelling from palace guides.
| Location | Language | Days | Times | Meeting Place |
| Deoksugung | English | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:45 / 13:30 | By the comprehensive information board of Deoksugung |
| Chinese | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:00 / 14:30 | ||
| Japanese | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 09:30 / 16:00 | ||
| Seokjojeon | English | Tue-Sun, Public Holidays | 11:50 / 14:50 | Seonjojeon On-site reservation required at the Daehan Empire History Museum information desk |
Jongmyo Shrine
A shrine housing the ancestral tablets of the Joseon Dynasty kings and queens, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Location: 157 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 180m from Exit 11 of Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1/3/5)
- Operating Hours:
| Period | Viewing Hours | Notes |
| February-May, September-October | 09:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:00) | Hours may be shortened or adjusted according to circumstances. |
| June-August | 09:00-18:30 (Last entry 17:30) | |
| November-January | 09:00-17:30 (Last entry 16:30) |
- Closed: Every Tuesday
- Guided Tours: You can explore Jongmyo while listening to storytelling from shrine guides.
| Language | Days | Times | MeetingPlace |
| English | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 | Jongmyo |
| Chinese | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | 11:00 / 15:00 | |
| Japanese | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | 09:40 / 11:40 / 13:40 / 15:40 |
♦️Hanbok Dress Requirements for Free Admission
To receive the benefit of free admission in hanbok, you must meet certain criteria for hanbok wear.
Both traditional hanbok and modernized daily hanbok are included in the free admission.
The basic components are the upper garment (jeogori) and lower garment (chima for women, baji for men). Wearing only part of a hanbok, excessively modernized styles, or hanbok with too much exposure may not qualify for free entry.
When renting hanbok, it’s best to wear a complete hanbok set.
※ Even with free admission benefits, hanbok wearers must carry identification (passport).
♦️Best Hanbok Rental Shops in Seoul for Tourists
Seoul has various hanbok rental shops.
Many rental shops are concentrated especially in Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Samcheong-dong, and near Bukchon Hanok Village.
These shops offer various designs of hanbok for rent at affordable prices, and many also provide services such as hair styling.
※ A security deposit is required when renting hanbok. It’s good to bring some cash!
3355 Hanbok
<Image Source: 3355Hanbok Official>
Enjoy Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Bukchon Village wearing hanbok.
With 600 traditional hanbok sets and various designs available in different sizes, anyone can use their services comfortably.
- Location: Buksu Building, 41 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 649m from Exit 1 of Anguk Station
- Business hours: 09:00-19:00 (Regular holiday every Tuesday)
- Cost:
| Time | C Type | B Type | A Type | Premium | Hair Styling | Shoe Rental |
| 2 hours | 15,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | 7,000 | 5,000 |
| 3 hours | 20,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 | ||
| 4 hours | 25,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | 50,000 | ||
| All Day | 30,000 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 60,000 | ||
| Includes: Inner Top + Inner Skirt + Hand bag + Hair Band | ||||||
| Overtime fee: 1,000 won per 5 minutes | ||||||
Byulgungteo Hanbok Gyeongbokgung Branch
<Image Source: Byulgungteo Hanbok Official>
A place where you can find various traditional hanbok, fancy fusion hanbok, and character hanbok (king/guard, etc.).
If you make a reservation in advance through Naver, you can receive free braiding, daenggi (hair ribbon), hair accessories, bag, and locker services, plus an extra 30 minutes of rental time.
- Location: 2nd floor, 7 Jahamun-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 83m from Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)
- Business hours: 09:00-18:30 (Regular holiday every Tuesday)
- Cost: 2 hours (20,000-35,000 won) / 4 hours (25,000-40,000 won) ※ Cost varies depending on the hanbok theme chosen
- Naver reservation → Byulgungteo Hanbok Reservation
Oneday Hanbok
<Image Source: Oneday Hanbok Official>
This place offers all types of hanbok including traditional, daily, and fusion styles at the same price, and also provides accessories such as hair decorations, daenggi, and bags for free.
Feel free to visit and choose the hanbok you like for your experience!
- Location: Basement, 137 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- How to get there: 75m from Exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)
- Business hours: Daily 09:00-19:00
- Cost:
| Time | Price | Deposit |
| Basic 4 hours | 24,000 | 10,000 won per outfit if storing belongings 50,000 won if not storing belongings |
| 1 day (24 hours) | 32,000 | |
| Overnight rental (Return before 6:50 the next day) | 40,000 |
♦️Hanbok Rental Tips in Korea – What to Know Before You Go
- Hanbok Rental: Costs are usually calculated by the hour, and some places may offer more economical all-day rentals.
- Style: Various hanbok are available. Take your time to browse and choose. Getting recommendations from staff is also a good option.
- Hair Styling: Many rental shops offer hair styling services for free or for a fee.
- Accessory Selection: Make the most of the various accessories like norigae, flower decorations, and bags provided by each shop.
- Shoes: Most rentals don’t include shoes, so it’s good to bring comfortable footwear.
♦️Cultural Etiquette When Wearing Hanbok in Korea
- When wearing hanbok, walking slowly with small steps rather than large strides enhances the charm of the clothing.
- The hem of the hanbok can be easily stepped on, so please walk slowly and be careful.
- When eating, be careful not to get food on the sleeves or skirt.
- In palaces or traditional spaces, it is etiquette to behave quietly and not cause disturbances.
- Please be sure to respect the return time for rented hanbok.
- Knowing the best photo spots in advance will make your hanbok journey even more memorable.
♦️Top Photo Spots for Wearing Hanbok in Seoul
Here are places that offer a special experience when visited in hanbok:
- Gyeongbokgung’s Geunjeongjeon Hall — As the central building of Gyeongbokgung, it allows you to feel the splendor and grandeur of the royal court, making it the most popular background for photos in hanbok.
- Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden — Admire different scenery each season with the beautiful nature and traditional architecture harmoniously blended.
- Bukchon Hanok Village — An area with a high concentration of traditional hanok houses, offering scenic alleys. Walking through the alleys can make your hanbok even more beautiful.
- Ikseon-dong — A hip place where modern sensibility meets tradition, allowing you to capture your hanbok look in a trendy atmosphere.
- Insadong — The center of traditional culture; try visiting traditional tea houses or craft shops while wearing hanbok.
By taking photos in these places wearing hanbok, you can create beautiful memories that will last a long time!
※ Want to pair your hanbok with a rainy-day walk through the palace?
👉Read <Rainy Days in Korea: Why the City Slows Down When It Rains>
♦️Editor’s Note — Hanbok, A Special Encounter with Culture
Hanbok is more than just clothing; it’s a precious cultural heritage infused with Korea’s history, culture, and aesthetic sense.
Wearing hanbok and strolling through palaces or hanok villages during your visit to Korea is a great way to understand Korean culture more deeply and create special memories.
How about taking a journey through time by wearing hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, and walking through ancient palaces?
Experience firsthand the beauty of hanbok created by the harmony of vibrant colors and elegant lines!
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