How to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul in 9 Easy Steps

Renting a hanbok in Seoul is one of the most unique and memorable ways to experience Korean culture. Just imagine wandering around historic sites, transformed into a Joseon-era princess, and you’ll understand exactly why hanbok rental in Seoul is so incredibly popular.

Enter your Joseon-dynasty dreams by renting a hanbok in Seoul

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• what makes up a traditional Korean hanbok and how to wear one properly
• what to expect when renting a hanbok in Seoul
• the approximate cost of hanbok rental in Seoul
• where to rent a hanbok near Gyeongbokgung Palace and other important tourist sites
• the most captivating spots to have a hanbok photo shoot in Seoul with possible itineraries

What is a Korean hanbok?

If you’re planning on renting a hanbok in Seoul, you should know exactly what a Korean hanbok actually is, right?

Well, simply put, a Korean hanbok is literally just translated as “Korean clothing.” It’s most typically associated with the Joseon Dynasty period from 1392 to 1910.

Your hanbok denoted your professions and social status during the Joseon Dynasty.

Historically, there was a huge collection of hanbok, ranging from informal to formal. The style, colour and accessories worn with the hanbok would denote rank, marital status, and profession. And most Koreans wore them in their daily life, until just 100 years ago.

These days, you’ll likely only see Koreans wearing hanbok for special occasions or holidays like Chuseok, weddings, Lunar New Year, and birthdays. For me, a hanbok sighting is always kind of a special experience, simply because it’s so rare in modern life.

My 2 year old self is not happy about wearing a Korean hanbok.

Renting a Hanbok in Seoul

Korean hanbok have graceful lines, are vibrantly coloured using natural dyes, and made for expressive motion. When you get your hanbok rental in Seoul, try spinning around while wearing it and you’ll see exactly what I mean. The proportions of the hanbok make the wearer look as if they’re floating on air.

Korean hanboks were made for movement.

Women’s hanbok

A woman’s hanbok is made up of a wide bell-like skirt called a chima, and a slim-fitting top or jacket called a jeogori. This is typically what you get when renting a hanbok in Seoul.

Traditionally, there’s also an undershirt and pantaloons to wear beneath the jeogori, but these are usually optional add-ons.

Men’s Hanbok

A man’s hanbok consists of a vest, jeogori and loose fitting pair of pants called baji. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is plain or simple though. Men’s hanbok can be just as dramatic and intricate as women’s.

You can rent a men’s hanbok if you want to! I did.

What to Expect when Renting a Hanbok in Seoul

If you’ve never worn a Korean hanbok, it can definitely be a mildly confusing experience… to say the least. Not to worry though. It’s actually a very simple process. I’ve broken it down into 9 easy steps below.

Renting a hanbok in Seoul is one of the best ways to experience Korean culture.

Where to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul

There are literally dozens of places to rent a hanbok in Seoul. Most are concentrated in the Jongno district, near the city’s most important historic attractions and sites for good reason. However, it IS possible to find hanbok rental at other places, like the N Seoul Tower, in Myeongdong and even at the Coex Aquarium.

Every hanbok rental store in Seoul has different hours, rules, and rates.

Keep in mind though that each store has slightly different opening hours and rules for renting a hanbok in Seoul. Be sure to read the fine print when making your booking.

Should I reserve a hanbok rental in Seoul in advance?

There are a few ways you can go about renting a hanbok in Seoul. Like I said, there are hanbok rental shops littering the streets around major tourist attractions in the city.

Having a wander around, walking into any store that strikes your fancy, and renting your hanbok in Seoul is one way to do it. This works if you have extra time in your itinerary to search around.

Gyeongbokgung is one of the most popular places to visit wearing a hanbok.

If you’re pressed for time, it might be easier and more convenient to just reserve a hanbok online. That’s what I’ve done the last few times. Prices are discounted and the whole process is easy and convenient. I’m not just saying this – I know from personal experience.

I’ve rented hanbok in Seoul for my daughter on 4 separate occasions. What can I say… she loves feeling like a princess! The first time we just walked from store to store, and the whole experience was chaotic, confusing and messy.

The other times, I reserved my hanbok rental in advance, and the whole process was streamlined and peaceful. It’s definitely my preferred method for renting a hanbok in Seoul, because I didn’t waste a moment of time.

Hanbok Rental in Seoul | Stores

The following shops are well-known and popular places for renting a hanbok in Seoul. Most are conveniently located close to the major tourist sites, so you can simply walk out of the store and directly to traditional places like Changdeokgung or Bukchon Hanok Village for photos.

Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the best places to rent a hanbok in Seoul.

Renting a Hanbok in Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you’re planning to take photos mainly around Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Jogyesa, I recommend renting your hanbok at the following locations. All are within reasonable walking distance of these historical sites.

We rented this hanbok from Hanboknam near Gyeongbokgung for my daughter.

Hanboknam near Gyeongbokgung

Address: 133-5 Sajik-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Hanboknam has over 500 different hanbok to choose from, in both traditional and themed styles. There’s also a ton of accessories to borrow, like hairpieces, shoes and purses. Free basic traditional hairstyling is included with every hanbok rental at Hanboknam. Prices start as low as 8,000 won when you book online.

Hanboknam is just a block away from Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Hanboknam is one of the most convenient places to rent a hanbok in Seoul. It’s steps from the subway station and walking distance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Check details here.

Hanbok 3355

Address: 45 Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

At Hanbok 3355, you don’t have to worry about finding the perfectly sized hanbok rental in Seoul. This shop offers hanboks in several different styles, from Standard to Premium, with the Standard and Modern hanbok styles coming in sizes ranging from small to 3XL.

There are also hanbok available for children aged 1 to 12. Check full details here.

Hanbok 3355 has hanbok in a huge range of sizes.

Hanbok That Day

Address: 36, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu | 서울시 종로구 율곡로1길 36

Located in Anguk-dong near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, Hanbok That Day offers both traditional and fusion hanbok to rent.

Choose between a 3 or 4 hour hanbok rental, and commemorate your experience with photos taken by a professional photographer. You can use their indoor studio, or opt for outdoor photos at Seoul’s nearby traditional sites. Check info here.

Renting a Hanbok in Seoul near Changdeokgung

It’s best to reserve your hanbok rental in Seoul at a nearby store, if you’ve got your heart set on a Changdeokgung photo shoot. Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden or Huwon are a fair distance from Gyeongbokgung, and you probably won’t want to waste time walking between locations.

Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is full of stunning photo spots.

Dorothy Hanbok near Changdeokgung

Address: 23 Yunposun-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dorothy Hanbok has traditional and themed hanbok for children, men, and women, for 2 to 4 hours. Dorothy Hanbok has been renting hanbok in Seoul for over 30 years and they have a ton of gorgeous and intricate hanbok designs to choose from. Check details here.

Hanboknam near Changdeokgung

Address: Seoul, Jongno-gu, Donhwamun-ro, 85 2층

Hanboknam also has a hanbok rental location in Seoul near Changdeokgung Palace. I found it didn’t have as much selection as the Gyeongbokgung location, but there’s still plenty to choose from. Check info here.

You can opt for more than basic hairstyling for a little bit more money.

Best Places for a Korean Hanbok Photo Shoot

After renting a hanbok in Seoul, you need to know where the best locations are for a photo shoot. To really work the whole Joseon-era princess thing, these are the locations I recommend.

There are many wonderful places in Seoul to take pics in a hanbok

Seoul’s Joseon Dynasty Palaces

Seoul has 5 royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty, each with a different character and unique features. The most popular palaces for a hanbok photo shoot are undoubtedly Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

Best of all – if you’ve rented a hanbok in Seoul, entrance into ALL of the city’s palaces is absolutely FREE!

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-see in Seoul © Lee Seong-u, Korea Tourism Organization

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

Gyeongbokgung is the most popular palace to visit after renting a hanbok in Seoul, because of its grandeur and scale. There’s tons of amazing spots to do a photo shoot and you’ll end up with a truly memorable souvenir of your trip to Korea.

Gwanghwamun Gate is stunning at night!

Don’t miss Gwanghwamun Gate either! It’s Gyeongbokgung’s main gate, and it’s a huge, intricate and amazing place to get the first photos of your hanbok rental in Seoul. If you time your visit for 10AM or 2PM on any day, except Tuesday, you can catch the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony in front of the Gate as well.

READ NEXT: Complete Guide for Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace at Night

Bukchon Hanok Village

Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동)

Bukchon Hanok Village is walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is probably my favourite place to take photos in a hanbok rental in Seoul. Try to time your visit for just before sunset for epically gorgeous skies.

This is the most popular street in Bukchon Hanok Village to take a picture in your hanbok.

Keep in mind that this is a real neighbourhood where people actually live. Stay as quiet as you can while you’re in the area to respect the residents.

Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon

Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동)

Changdeokgung is considered by many to be the most harmonious and lovely of all of Seoul’s palaces. Its Huwon or Secret Garden is incredibly lush and picturesque.

Rent a hanbok and take pics at Changdeokgung for gorgeous colours and serene scenes

Choose Changdeokgung for your hanbok photo shoot location if you want to avoid crowds. You’ll adore finding secluded spots in the Huwon to snap pics.

Deoksugung Stone-wall Road

Address: Jiha 101, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 지하 101

This 1100 metre stone-wall next to Deoksugung Palace is incredibly stunning during autumn in Seoul, when its 130 trees sheds thousands of golden coloured leaves.

You’ll have to travel a bit to get this Korean hanbok pic at Deoksugung.

Deoksugung is a bit far from both Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, and requires a subway, bus, or taxi to get to. Worth it? Probably.

Jogyesa Temple

Address: 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55

Jogyesa Temple is the centre of Buddhism in Korea. There are special events throughout the year, like the always incredible Lotus Lantern Festival in spring.

Jogyesa Temple has lovely lanterns to take pictures with.

Jogyesa is south of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, but still within walking distance.

Other Potential Photo Spots

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Changdeokgung Palace are definitely the most popular places to take photos when renting a hanbok in Seoul.

If you want to get off the beaten path a little, you could also consider the following locations.

• Gwanghwamun Square
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Samcheongdong-gil
• Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Insadong-gil

Renting a hanbok in Seoul is a memorable way to experience Korea’s culture.

How much time do I need?

If you’ve rented your hanbok in Seoul for a full day, you could visit every location mentioned here and have a truly epic photo shoot. However, if you’ve only got a few hours, it’s probably wise to concentrate on just a few places.

Your rental starts when you leave the store, so take your time choosing your hanbok.

I’ve created some possible itineraries, based on the length of time you’ve rented your hanbok in Seoul for. Check them out below.

Hanbok Rental in Seoul | 2 Hour Itinerary

While it is possible to rent your hanbok in Seoul for less than 2 hours, I wouldn’t really recommend it. It takes time to walk around locations, and the last thing you want is to feel rushed while trying to get the perfect shot!

If you’re really limited for time, it’s best to visit 1 or 2 locations maximum, provided they’re close to each other. It’s a good idea to rent your hanbok from the store that’s closest to where you want to take pictures, so you don’t waste time in transit.

Pick your favourite locations if you’re only renting your hanbok in Seoul for a few hours ⓒ IR Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

You could very easily spend an entire 2 hours, exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, but if you’d like a bit more variety, here’s a few potential itineraries to choose from:

• Rent from Hanboknam’s Gyeongbokgung location, then visit Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun Gate and Gwanghwamun Square.
• Reserve your hanbok at Hanbok That Day, then head to Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village.
• Visit Hanboknam’s Changdeokgung store, then continue onto nearby Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden.

Renting a hanbok in Seoul is a ton of fun. Enjoy!!

Hanbok Rental in Seoul | 4 hour Itinerary

If you’ve rented a hanbok in Seoul for 4 hours, you can definitely range a bit further afield. Here are a few possible itineraries:

• Rent at Dorothy Hanbok near Changdeokgung, then visit Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwanghwamun Gate and Square, and end it all at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Visit Hanboknam’s location near Gyeongbokgung, then go to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Gate, Bukchon Hanok Village, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and finish off at the Deoksugung Stone-wall Road.

Be sure to include Bukchon Hanok Village on your itinerary!

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Renting a hanbok in Seoul is the perfect way to get awesome souvenirs of your trip to Korea. Share your experiences in the comments below.