How to Rent Hanbok in Seoul

If you’re planning on visiting Seoul, then you definitely need to rent hanbok. Renting hanbok in Seoul is a great way to experience Korean culture and immerse yourself in it.

I have rented hanbok on many occasions. They are beautiful and I always feel like a princess every time I wear one. In fact, I love hanbok so much, I bought my first hanbok dress in Korea.

It’s one of my most prized possessions and reminds me of all my good memories. I lived in South Korea almost six years and had the opportunity to try many different kinds of hanbok dress.

I’ve put together this ultimate guide on hanbok rental in Seoul so you too can make incredible memories. Included in this post are my recommendations on renting a hanbok with the best places to visit in Seoul and take photos while wearing hanbok.

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What is a Hanbok?

Hanbok is Korean traditional dress worn by men, women and children. Hanboks come in every color of the rainbow and have made a huge comeback in recent years.

There are many different styles to choose from. Back in the day, traditional Korean wear was common but now only worn for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and cultural traditions such as Seollal and Chuseok. 

How To Wear Hanbok

In Korean, hanbok means Korean traditional clothes. It is a term used for both men and women.

However, the different parts of hanbok have different words. Traditional South Korean clothing always includes a jacket and white socks worn by everyone regardless of status.

Hanbok in Korea are actually very comfortable. If you don’t know how to wear a hanbok, don’t worry. The staff in the store will help you.

Korean Traditional Clothes Male (Mens Hanbok)

• 저고리/jeogori– Men’s jacket
• 버선/beosan– white socks worn by everyone
• 바지/baji- Men’s pants

Korean Traditional Clothes Female (Womens Hanbok)

• 저고리/jeogori– Women’s jacket
• 버선/beosan– white socks worn by everyone
• 치마/chima – Women’s skirt
• 꽃신/kkotshin– flower embroidered hanbok shoes

Fun fact. The color yellow for women symbolized her maidenhood so if you wanna tell the guys you’re ready to mingle…you’re welcome. Traditional clothing in South Korea is fascinating!

The Best Hanbok Rental in Seoul

For a first time hanbok rental in Korea, I recommend going with Hanboknam. There are many hanbok rental shops in Seoul, but Hanboknam specifically caters toward the foreign community.

Renting Hanbok in Seoul

Renting a Hanbok is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul. The city streets are bustling with Koreans and tourists dressed in hanboks. Wearing a hanbok is a unique way to experience Korea tradition and culture while visiting Seoul.

Hanbok Rental Korea Time Frame

Hanbok rentals are paid for in four hour increments or a full day (24 hours). You are also required to bring a deposit.

This is so the shop can make sure you return your hanbok and don’t keep it. A deposit will typically be 50,000 won or your passport. Hanbok prices vary depending on what style and accessories you choose.

What To Expect At a Hanbok Seoul Rental

The bigger shops have several racks with skirts in every color. Some will have sparkles, lace, and fake pearls.

What’s popular these days are tiered skirts. Whatever you choose will be incredibly beautiful.

And wearing a hanbok is incredibly easy. Hanbok traditional Korean dress has really evolved and become a fashion statement.

There are several attendants usually manning the fitting room. They will help you get dressed so you don’t damage the hanbok. If you go during the weekend, the shop will definitely be packed.

Depending on how late you go, the pickings will also be slim as well. Try to go early to get your hanbok Korean dress.

What To Wear Under Traditional Korean Costumes

During the summer, I will usually wear biker shorts and a tank under my princess hanbok. I’m obsessed with CRZ Yoga and they make really buttery soft shorts and leggings.

They’re also sweat wicking and if you’re a thick thighed lady like me, then you don’t want to be sweating and having your legs rub together. Korean cultural clothing can be very hot in the dead of summer.

If you’re visiting during winter, again I do recommend wearing CRZ Yoga leggings and a long sleeved top underneath. I’m someone who is always hot so with a furry vest over my winter hanbok, I’ll be fine. If you’re someone who is always cold, I recommend heat tech clothing under.

Trying on Hanbok

If you don’t know how to match up your hanbok, an attendant can help give recommendations and match you will the perfect one. I personally prefer more modern hanbok with lace sleeves and pearls.

I also love the tiered hanbok with the sheer skirt over. Most shops will allow you to try on two different hanbok. If you require additional fittings, you will be charged per extra fitting.

Hanbok Hairstyle

In my experience, most traditional Korean outfit shops have a mini book on the hanbok hairstyles available. It’s your hair, but if you want to go the traditional route, have your hair braided. I also think a half up and half down style looks stunning.

Hanbok Makeup

Traditional Korean dresses are meant to be shown off. Your makeup should be kept minimal.

Full glam with a hanbok honestly makes you look like a clown. The Korean makeup style emphasizes less is more. You’re there to bring out your natural beauty.

Hanbok Shoes

South Korea dresses look best with the hanbok shoes… However, if you’re above a US size 8, good luck.

Many of these shops will not have your size. I recommend wearing a cute pair of flats with your outfit.

If you’d rather be comfortable, you can always wear your sneakers under. I wish my feet were small enough to fit in Korean traditional shoes…

Where To Rent Hanbok in Seoul

These are my top three shops to rent hanbok Korea. I’ve gone to each of these shops several times and have had great experiences at each. Each hanbok rental store has a huge assortment of traditional Korean attire.

Hanboknam

Hanboknam is best for plus size hanbok rental Seoul. They do carry quite a big selection of larger jackets and skirts.

They have traditional Korean outfits as well as more modern hanbok. If you’re looking for a Gyeongbokgung hanbok rental, this shop is the closest to the grand palace.

Hanboknam also has several other locations throughout Seoul. Click here to make your reservation for a hanbok rental in Seoul at Hanboknam.

MOA Hanbok

This is a brand new hanbok shop that just opened up. They have simple hanbok and the new trendy tiered style.

MOA Hanbok is a small shop full of Korean traditional hanbok. This purple spring themed hanbok was my favorite Korean hanbok dress. Click here to rent from MOA Hanbok.

One Day Hanbok

This was the first shop I went to rent South Korean traditional clothing. They used to be located at Anguk Station but they’ve grown and have an entire rental shop full of gorgeous traditional Korean dress in every style. They have everything from simple Korean hanboks to bougie ones. Click here to rent from One Day Hanbok.

Where to Take Hanbok Photos in Seoul

Traditional Korean clothes should be worn at traditional Korean landmarks. Popular places for photos always include the grand palaces of Seoul.

The Korea Tourism Organization has been taking great lengths to promote Korean national clothes. Tag them on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

Changdeokgung

One of my favorite places to take photos of traditional dress in Korea is The Secret Garden. Changdeokgung is one of the largest castles in Seoul due to the Secret Garden. You need to go on a tour, which is available in English. Book your Changdeokgung tour here.

Gyeongbokgung

I personally love taking photos at Gyeongbokgung. It’s one of the most Instagrammable Places in Seoul and perfect in every season. You can also see Korean historical clothing at the free museum.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is where the traditional meets modern. People still live in these homes today so I suggest you keep your voice down.

This particular spot is overrun with tourists so if you want to get a good photo, I suggest waking up at the butt crack of dawn and making an early arrangement with a hanbok shop.

Is Wearing Hanbok Cultural appropriation?

You may be wondering… Can foreigners wear hanbok? Many Koreans love when foreigners wear the traditional dress South Korea. In fact, the Korean Tourism organization encourages Koreans and foreigners alike to wear the traditional dress of South Korea.

In my experience, I’ve been told that I look beautiful in hanbok. When people find out I speak Korean, then they’re even nicer. Many Koreans like it when you appreciate their culture. As long as you’re respectful and not acting a fool, there is no problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanbok Rental in Seoul

1. Can I make a hanbok reservation for the same day?

Some hanbok places will allow you to make a same day reservation. Since Hanboknam is a pretty big studio, use think link here to book at the Gyeongbokgung Hanboknam store.

2. Can I leave my belongings in the store?

The majority of Hanbok rental shops in Seoul will have lockers where you can store your belongings. You get a key. You can carry the key with you or ask the staff nicely to store it behind the counter.

3. Can I wear hanbok year round?

Yes! You can definitely wear hanbok all year long and in all kinds of weather.

4. How long does it take to put on a hanbok and have my hair styled?

It can take up to an hour. You have to choose your hanbok and then you get two to three tryons depending on the shop. During this time you can have your hair styled as well.

5. Can I choose my own accessories and hanbok?

Absolutely! If you’re not sure which accessories to try on, you can always ask the staff to help you.

6. How should I do my hanbok makeup?

Definitely keep your makeup simple and elegant. Hanbok is all about showing off your natural beauty.

7. Can I rent a hanbok on a rainy day?

Yes, you can rent hanbok even on a rainy day. They will lift up the skirt a little higher so that you don’t drag mud all over it.

8. Can I rent hanbok in winter?

Just like the seasons change, hanbok change as well. There are different colors for every season.

Winter hanbok usually comes with cute outer vests and scarves you can place over your jacket. That way you can stay warm while you walk around Seoul.

9. Can I hire a professional photographer to take hanbok photos?

Yes, there is! If you would like beautiful photos for a souvenir during your time in Korea, this is an excellent choice. Book your session with a professional photographer here.

10. Can I rent a hanbok in Gyeongbokgung Palace?

You can get into all the palaces for free wearing hanbok, but you cannot rent hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace. There’s many shops with hanbok for rent located outside the palace.

11. How to rent hanbok in Seoul?

There are tons of Korean hanbok rental shops all around the grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung. You’ll also find a lot of shops by the Bukchon Hanok village and Insadong.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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