Ultimate Guide On How To Rent Hanbok in Seoul

If you plan on visiting Seoul, you need to rent hanbok. Renting hanbok in Seoul is a great way to experience and immerse yourself in Korean culture.

I have rented hanbok many times, and I always feel like a princess whenever I wear one. In fact, while renting a wedding-themed hanbok, I loved it so much I bought it.

So why should you listen to me over all the other bloggers out there? I have lived in South Korea for almost six years; I speak Korean, understand their society, and can traverse the country like a local.

I’m not some random tourist who traveled there on holiday once and thinks they’re an expert. Over the years, I had many opportunities to try different traditional Korean clothing styles and rental facilities.

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

What is a Hanbok?

Hanbok is a Korean traditional dress worn by men, women, and children. Hanboks come in vibrant colors 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.

Beautiful hanboks are only worn for special occasions such as weddings and funerals. They are also worn during cultural performances or holidays like Seollal and Chuseok.  

How To Wear Hanbok

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

However, the different parts of hanbok have different words. The main components of traditional South Korean clothing include 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 (Men’s Hanbok)

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

Korean Traditional Clothes Female (Women’s 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: If you wanna show your marital status, the color yellow for women symbolizes maidenhood. So if you’re trying to catch yourself a papito chulo… You’re welcome! 😉

Traditional clothing in South Korea is fascinating!

The Best Hanbok Rental in Seoul

For your first time hanbok experience, I recommend a rental experience from Hanboknam. There are many hanbok rental shops in Seoul, but Hanboknam specifically caters to the foreign community. 

P.S. If you book the Discover Seoul Pass, a rental at Hanboknam is included. Not only does it give you great deals, you also get free entry into historic sites like Gyeonghuigung Palace and Deoksugung Palace.

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 Korean tradition and culture while visiting Seoul.

Hanbok Rental Korea Time Frame

The rental time for hanbok is paid for in four-hour increments or a full-day rental (24 hours). You are also required to bring a deposit.

This is so the shop can ensure you return your hanbok. A deposit will typically be 50,000 won or your passport. Rental costs vary depending on what style and accessories you choose.

What To Expect At a Hanbok Seoul Rental

The bigger shops have a wide selection of traditional styles and modern hanbok. Premium hanboks will have sparkles, lace, and fake pearls. These hanbok prices are usually more expensive, but totally worth it!

Once you choose your rental package, you will be given your personal locker with a key to place your belongings. The whole process is really seamless and with modern amenities, you can’t go wrong!

Several attendants will help you with your rental experience. The rental service includes helping you get dressed so you don’t damage the hanbok.

Weekends are the most busy, and rental places are usually packed. It’s a good idea to book an early time slot ahead of time to enjoy your unique experience. 

What To Wear Under Traditional Korean Costumes

In my personal experience, I usually wear biker shorts and a tank under my princess hanbok during warmer days.

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

If you’re visiting during winter, again, I recommend yoga leggings and a long-sleeved top underneath. I’m someone who is always hot so I only wear a furry vest over my winter hanbok.

Trying on Hanbok

If you can’t find the perfect fit, an attendant can help you see different options and match you with the perfect one. I personally prefer modern hanbok with lace sleeves and pearls.

I also love the tiered hanbok with the sheer skirt over. Most shops allow you to try on two different hanbok, but it will be an extra cost if you want to try on more. 

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. And they will also help you choose hair accessories to go with your outfit. 

Hanbok Makeup

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

At some rental shops, for an additional fee, you can also book a makeup artist to help you. The Korean makeup style emphasizes less is more.

Hanbok Shoes

South Korea dresses look best with the hanbok shoes… I wish my feet were small enough to fit in traditional Korean shoes; however, if you’re above a US size 8, good luck…

Many of these shops will not have your size. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes or a cute pair of flats.

Where To Rent Hanbok in Seoul

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

Hanboknam

Hanboknam is best for plus-size hanbok rentals in Seoul. They carry a large selection of jackets and skirts.

If you’re looking for a Gyeongbokgung hanbok rental, this shop is the closest to the Grand Palace. Hanboknam has several different locations, including one by Changdeokgung. 

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.

One Day Hanbok

OneDay Hanbok was the first shop where I rented beautiful South Korean hanbok from. And this was back when they had a tiny shop in Gyeongbokgung Station.

They’ve grown and have an entire rental shop full of gorgeous traditional Korean dresses in every style. They have everything from simple Korean hanboks to bougie ones.

Where to Take Hanbok Photos in Seoul

Looking for the best spots to take pictures during your full day of adventure? A traditional Korean dress should be worn at traditional Korean landmarks like royal palaces and historical sites.

The Korean Tourism Organization has been promoting this cultural activity in particular. Tag them on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

Changdeokgung Palace

Just walk right in to get your free admission into the Grand Palaces of Seoul. You don’t have to wait in line for a ticket.

One of the best photo spots is The Secret Garden. You need to book a tour to enter, and it is so worth it! 

It’s a unique opportunity to lean Korean history and how the royalty lived during the Joseon period. 

Gyeongbokgung

This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular places and my next favorite spot to take pictures. It’s one of Seoul’s most Instagrammable Places and perfect every season.

It’s also a fun experience to see Korean historical clothing at the free museum. I have a lot of fun learning about the Joseon Dynasty. 

Bukchon Hanok Village

Hanok are traditional Korean houses. Bukchon Hanok Village is where the traditional meets the modern.

People still live in these homes today, so I keep your voice down. The last thing you need is to get yelled at for being an absolute dickhead. 

Sadly, this Seoul photo spot has now become overrun with tourists. 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.

If you want to take undisturbed photos, one of the best things you can do is visit GreenMile Coffee and enjoy a matcha coffee while taking photos. 

Is Wearing Hanbok Cultural appropriation?

You may be wondering… Can foreigners wear hanbok?

Many Koreans love it when foreigners wear the traditional dress of South Korea. In fact, the Korean Tourism Organization encourages it. 

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. The obvious choice is to be respectful and not act like a fool. 

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, it’s the right place to book last minute.

I’ve even walked in without a reservation and without much time left before the palaces closed and they still took me. But don’t do this as you won’t have many hanbok choices. 

2. Can I leave my belongings in the store?

Most Hanbok rental shops in Seoul will have lockers where you can store your belongings. You can carry your locker key or ask the staff to store it behind the counter. 

3. Can I wear hanbok year-round? 

Yes! You can definitely wear a 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 fittings 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 unsure which accessories to try, 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 the skirt a little higher so you don’t drag mud all over it.

8. Can I rent hanbok in winter?

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

Winter hanbok usually has cute outer vests and scarves to 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.

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 are 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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