Asia
Hanbok Rental Seoul: booking tips, review, and photo spots
Mar
Renting a Hanbok in Seoul has become a popular thing to do in Seoul. Whether it’s because you want to visit the palaces for free – which you can do while in a hanbok – or just for a fun experience with friends pretending you are in a K-drama. There are many Hanbok rental shops to choose from in Seoul, and having visited the city many times, I have tried 4 different places and took photos and videos all around the popular spots. Here’s what it’s like to rent, wear, and photograph around Seoul in a Hanbok:
- See more tips and recommendations for Seoul and South Korea here
A brief history of Hanbok
Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress that is characterized by the high waistline and simple lines. It bears some similarity to the Chinese Hanfu, originating in the Joseon era, more specifically adopting the present silhouette in the 19th century.
Featuring a shirt called Jeogori and a full skirt called Chima. The Jeogori is long-sleeves and crop-length, often featuring a ribbon closure on the chest with no collar. The Chima is often a colourful affair, with pretty patterns and usually buffed to a semi-bell shape by a crinoline.
Where to rent Hanbok in Seoul
The most popular place to rent hanbok is by the main palace Gyeongbokgung or the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village. The two are actually next to each other and within easy walking distance and there are many shops that advertise hanbok rental around the area.
While it is most convenient to rent near Gyeongbokgung, some of these locations might be smaller and busier, so that’s a factor worth considering. You can figure that out by checking the reviews, or you can follow my recommendation!
Essential information on renting Hanbok in Seoul
While every single place has hanbok available for rent, with this being such a popular thing to do, there are now some nuisances to it:
Hanbok categories
Depending on your budget and the style, you want, most hanbok rentals categories them into these 3 categories:
- Basic – traditional and simple style
- Themed – trendy & k-drama style that often has glitters
- Premium – luxury & wedding style. Usually using more expensive material
Price also depends on rental time. I recommend renting for 4 hours or full days as it will take you a bit of time to get ready and then orientated to explore, so if it’s anything less you will be quite rush
Some studio offer time slots, but it’s usually by first come first serve regardless. I recommend going as early as possible so you get your top pick without feeling rushed afterwards.
Accessories and add ons for Hanbok Rental
One of the key things to look out for is to see what is and what isn’t included, here are some quick things to check for:
- Underskirts – not all studios provide an underskirt, and often the quality can be subpar; it’s best to be aware
- Hairstyle – usually there are 3 basic hairstyles you can choose, but often nicer accessories or more fancy hair-dos will cost extra
- Handbags – some places also include handbag in rental, some don’t
- Shoes – most places do not provide shoes as well. But the skirt length should be long enough for it to cover your feet. If you care about period authenticity, there’s a place I went to that also lends you shoes.
- Winter accessories – for the rental I did int he winter, they also provided a white top under the Jeogori, then the underskirt before the chima. We also wore a scarf and a wrap. Combined with heattech layers under, it was just enough
Wearing Hanbok
While the traditional Hanbok involves 7 layers, there’s only two. As it is winter, we wore thermal ourselves but also a white top from the rental shop. This is to make sure that the Jeogori shows up white and not whatever colour your undershirt is.
A crinoline is also wore under the chima to give the hanbok that bell shape. The chima has two spaghetti strap that can be tightened to shorten the skirt length. Mine was practically hoisted up to my armpit before I wear the Jeogori on top. That said, as someone who is barely 5 foot 2, the skirt was still a little too long and I had to be careful of tripping over myself the whole day.
Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung
One Day Hanbok
One Day Hanbok is located just across the road from the southwest corner of Gyeongbokgung, only a few minutes walk to the main entrance Gwanghwamun.
It’s located in the basement of an office building and well signposted, with more basic and themed hanbok choices – meaning most of them are glittery and embroidered skirt options.
I struggled to find a top that isn’t all lace or glittery, so if this is not your preference, it might be better to go elsewhere. But if it is, then you are in heaven!
The space is a bit cramped, but the staff are nice and helpful. They have enough space for the hair styling with lots of mirrors, so you can do your own touch up as well, which is nice. And the location is genuinely unbeatable.
Opening times: 9:00 – 19:00
Nearest MTR: Gyeongbokgung (Government Complex-Seoul) exit 3-1
Hanboknam (Buckhon Hanbok Branch)
If you are looking for something with a more whimsical but simplistic style, then my recommendation is to go to Hanboknam.
We went to the Buckhon Hanbok branch which is close to the Buckhon village but an easy 10 minutes walk to Gyeongbokgung.
I personally went for their premium hanbok with the pastel colour palette and the flowy, fairy tale vibe skirt. Even if I do look like a jigglypuff.
It is a very spacious studio that is well lit, and their free hairstyle was very nice already.
Opening times: 9:00 – 18:00
Nearest Metro: Anguk Exit 2
3355 Hanbok Rental
The nearest mtr is Anguk station, which is on the Orange aka line 3. Take exit 1 and turn right. Keep walking until a small lane across from a glassy SAN building.
The 3355 shop has a big sign on top and is right by the path about 2 minutes in so it’s easy to spot.
The rental shop is located at the basement level. Give your name and voucher code/booking platform to the staff and you can get started right away.
There are three different hanbok package from A to C, which has different style of Hanbok. It’s worth browsing a little online before you decide. We had gone with A, and the staffs are friendly and helped us pick out one we’d like.
You can mix and match the Jeogori and Chima, and the lengths are adjustable for the most part. There are more traditional styles to more flamboyant ones with laces and silver motifs, but for the most part most are still more authentic, which is a plus. Once you’ve picked your hanbok of choice, it’s time to wear it.
Once we are dressed, our clothes are stored in a giant black bag along and we moved onto the hair. There are also different hair-styling option. Traditionally, hair are braided into a single plait to the back, although now there are half-do options to choose from.
I opted for a side braid with a cloth tied at the end but ended up taking the forehead accessory off since it felt too much. Floral crowns are also a hair accessory option too, and most will have pearls and small flowers pinned to the hair.
We were then free to choose a reticle or small purse of choice. Since it’s winter, we also got a scarf and a wrap too to brave the cold. We did end up taking off both to take photos but it’s definitely needed when just walking around.
Note: if you want to try on more than one hanbok there’s an extra charge
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Samcheong-dong, 사간동 45 삼삼오오 한복
Opening times: 9:00 – 18:00 (if the hanbok is returned late there’s a 10k won per hour charge)
Close Tuesday but they also have a branch in Bukchon Hanok Village nearby
Hanbok rental near Changdeokgung
Yeinbang (Yein Room)
Although Yeinbang’s location might be a bit off the beaten path – unless you are planning on going to Changdeokgung – they do have the most authentic hanbok costume on the list. The lady who runs the shop is the costume designer for many K-drama, and you can rent costume such as those of the empress or as a court servant.
We opted for traditional hanbok as we were doing an engagement shoot to celebrate our engagement – since my husband is Korean. They have a proper petticoat that isn’t made from wires but from fabric, propping up the skirt naturally. She also insisted on us changing into proper shoes and put my husband’s hat on properly.
My hairstyle was also very authentic and proper – but arguably not stylish at all~
While we had a great rental experience, it’s worth noting that it’s much more expensive. And when we came back to return the costume at around noon, the owner and her assistants have closed the shop for lunch. We had to wait for over half an hour for them to come back.
Note: We booked a photographer through GetYourGuide to take the engagement photos (above right), and it was his recommendation to go here! The photos are also gorgeous, so I highly recommend him.
Opening times: 9:00 – 18:00
What to have with you on Hanbok day out
Here’s a list of what we brought along during our day around:
- water
- gloves (winter)
- money
- camera with extra battery
I also used a tripod on one of my trips to Gyeongbokgung and it was allowed, so it is an option if you do not want to hire a photographer.
Photo spots when wearing Hanbok
The main place for everyone to take photos is Gyeongbokgung, since it is the main palace and free to enter if you are wearing hanbok. You can easily spend the entire day here since there are many nooks and crannies that are super photogenic.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The name translates to a palace “Greatly Blessed by the Heavens”, and covers 101 acres of ground (~ 410,000㎡).
It was destroyed by the Japanese in 1592 during the Imjin War, and remained in ruins until it was rebuilt in the late 19th century by King Gojong. It was destroyed again under Japanese colonization in the early 90s, and restored by the government in the 80s.
Opening Hours: March–October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Last entry: 1 hour before closing
(Hours vary slightly by season; it is typically closed on Tuesdays.)
Hanbok photo spots
Gyeongbokgung is arguably the most iconic hanbok photospot in Seoul because:
- Massive throne halls (Geunjeongjeon)
- Wide stone courtyards
- Symmetrical gates like Gwanghwamun
- Pavilion reflections at Hyangwonjeong
The scale works beautifully with flowing hanbok skirts, especially in spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (fall foliage).
If you want “royal Joseon dynasty” energy in your photos, this is the place.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon is a residential neighborhood between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Around 900 traditional hanok houses remain today and it really feels like you have stepped back in time (minus the cars you’ll see)!
“Bukchon” means “North Village.” During the Joseon Dynasty, this area housed nobles and high-ranking officials because it sits between Gyeongbokgung (west) and Changdeokgung (east). Unlike palace grounds, Bukchon is a living village — real residents still live inside many hanok houses.
It is not a single enclosed site but a preserved village district in Jongno-gu.
Visiting Hours (Important – 2026 Rules)
Since 2025, parts of Bukchon have restricted visiting hours of 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, especially in designated “Red Zones”.
It is also a residential area with increasing enforcement of quiet rules. Some sections restrict large groups and excessive noise.
There is no entrance fee~
Why It’s Ideal for Hanbok Photos
Bukchon offers:
- Sloped alleyways with tiled rooftops
- Framed palace views in the background
- Intimate, close-up architectural textures
Photos here feel more cinematic and nostalgic compared to the grand scale of Gyeongbokgung. The narrow lanes create depth and layering — perfect for traditional silhouettes.
However, because it is residential, quiet and respectful behavior is essential.
Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung is east of Gyeongbokgung and was built in harmony with nature. In fact, its garden are so big that it covers 57.9 hectares (579,000㎡), making it bigger than the grand palace in size.
It was built in 1405 as the secondary palace and the secret garden is considered the most beautiful in Korea – once only reserved for royalty!
The palace was also destroyed during the Imjin Wars but was rebuilt and became the de-facto palace for the Joseun dynasty, as rebuilding Gyeongbukgung was too costly.
It is less visited than Gyeongbukgung, but it’s open on a Tuesday when Gyeongbukgung is not, and if you are there during the autumn it’s worth visiting with the beautiful fall foliage.
Opening Hours (2026)
Opening hours are generally seasonal, similar to other royal palaces (typically starting at 9:00 AM). Some areas — particularly the Secret Garden — require timed guided tours.
Why It’s Ideal for Hanbok Photos
Changdeokgung feels:
- Softer
- More natural
- More secluded
The Secret Garden especially offers:
- Lotus ponds
- Pavilions hidden among trees
- Gentle forest paths
If Gyeongbokgung gives you “royal ceremony” photos, Changdeokgung gives you “poetic Joseon scholar” energy.
Cheonggyecheon stream
If you want to go somewhere different, the Cheonggyecheon is a stream that runs for 10.9km through central Seoul, and a stretch of it is just south of the two palaces.
It was originally a drainage stream during the Joseon period, and then turned into a highway post-war. But in the early 2000s, the city decided to remove the highway and restore in as an urban renewal project, and it’s now a beautiful waterway with greenery either side.
Opening Hours
The stream itself is open 24 hours, though certain water features operate between specific daytime hours (e.g., fountains 12:00–21:00) (sisul.or.kr).
Why It’s Ideal for Hanbok Photos
Cheonggyecheon offers a completely different vibe:
- Water reflections at sunset
- Lantern festivals (seasonal)
- Modern skyline contrast
Unlike palace settings, this creates a traditional-meets-modern Seoul aesthetic. Flowing hanbok against moving water or illuminated bridges at night feels contemporary and cinematic.
It’s especially good for:
- Golden hour
- Evening city shots
- Casual, walking-style photos
