Ultimate Seoul Hanbok Rental Guide

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One of my favorite things that we did in Seoul was renting a hanbok! It’s such a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Korean culture. If you aren’t familiar, hanboks are the traditional attire of Korea. They are not just garments; they embody centuries of history and cultural heritage.

Renting a hanbok in Seoul allows you to step back in time while exploring the city’s historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. This hanbok rental guide will take you through everything you need to know about renting and wearing a hanbok in Seoul, ensuring a respectful and enriching cultural experience.

For more tips on making the most of your trip, including what to pack and travel advice, check out my South Korea travel tips post and my detailed packing list.

Seoul hanbok rental guide

What is a hanbok?

A hanbok is the traditional attire of Korea. It’s known for its vibrant colors, graceful lines, and elegant silhouettes. It consists of several components:

• Jeogori: The upper garment worn by both men and women, usually short and fitted with long sleeves.
• Baji: The pants worn by men.
• Chima: The full skirt worn by women.
• Otgoreum: The ribbon sash tied around the waist to secure the jeogori.
• Hair Accessories: Including binyeo (hairpins) for women and gat (hat) for men.

Hanboks are meticulously crafted to reflect the wearer’s social status, occasion, and season. They are cherished for their cultural significance and are worn on special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and celebrations of Korean heritage.

Is renting a hanbok respectful?

Renting and wearing a hanbok in Seoul is generally considered respectful when approached with cultural awareness and appreciation. Hanboks are not costumes but cultural attire with deep historical roots. Here’s why renting a hanbok can be a respectful cultural experience:

• Cultural appreciation: By renting a hanbok, you’re participating in and celebrating Korean culture, rather than appropriating it.
• Educational experience: Wearing a hanbok allows you to learn about Korean traditions, customs, and history firsthand.
• Supporting local businesses: Many hanbok rental shops are local businesses that preserve and promote Korean culture.

To ensure respectfulness, follow local customs and etiquette while wearing a hanbok, such as avoiding inappropriate behavior and understanding the significance of the attire in various settings.

Choosing a hanbok rental location

Seoul has plenty of hanbok rental locations, each with its own charm and convenience:

• Popular areas: Think about renting near iconic spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Insadong—there are plenty of rental shops around those areas.
• Variety of styles: Different rental shops offer various hanbok styles, ranging from traditional designs to modern interpretations. Some shops specialize in historical replicas, while others offer themed or customized hanboks.
• Price and quality: Compare rental prices and read reviews to ensure quality and service. Prices can vary based on location, the intricacy of the hanbok, and included accessories.

Making a reservation

While reservations are recommended during peak seasons or weekends, the process may vary:

• Online booking: Many hanbok rental shops offer online booking. This allows you to reserve your hanbok in advance, ensuring availability and saving time on-site.
• Walk-ins: In some cases, especially during weekdays or off-peak hours, walk-ins may be accommodated without a reservation. However, it’s advisable to check availability and wait times beforehand.

We also went in 5 minutes before they opened and there were already a couple of people ahead of us, so some shops do open a little before opening time if you want to try and squeeze in early.

What to expect during the rental process

Renting a hanbok usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on a few things. If you’ve reserved in advance, you might breeze through quicker; if not, you might have to wait a bit. Choosing your style and color, plus any extras like a hairstyle, can also add time. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Choosing your hanbok: For the shop we chose we had different styles to choose from: A, B, C, and premium. Each had different price points. Browse through racks of hanboks and select one that suits your style and occasion. Staff members are usually available to assist with fitting and styling tips.
• Accessories and add-ons: Enhance your hanbok with accessories like hairpins, gat (hat), and norigae (decorative tassel). These additions complement the overall look and can be rented along with the hanbok. For women, your hanbok will come with a purse.
• Fitting and adjustments: Experienced staff will ensure the hanbok fits comfortably and is tailored to your measurements. Adjustments may include altering the length of the skirt or sleeves to achieve a perfect fit. Mine was a little long and I ended up tripping a couple of times, so be cautious of that!
• Hair: If you want to get your hair done for an additional fee (when I went it was around $5 USD) you can get that done once you are all dressed. They have several hairstyles you can choose from and it takes like an extra 5 minutes! I thought it was so worth it.
• Duration and return: You get to choose how long you would like your Hanbok rental. You can do anywhere from 1 hour up until the end of the day for most places. Prices will vary. Clarify the rental duration and return policy, including any late fees or charges for damages.

Exploring Seoul in a hanbok

Once you’re all dressed up in your hanbok, make sure to hit these awesome spots in Seoul:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: Dive into Korea’s royal vibes at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where your hanbok will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The palace’s grand buildings and lovely gardens are the perfect backdrop for some seriously stunning photos.
• Changdeokgung Palace: Get lost in the beauty of Changdeokgung Palace, known for its lush Secret Garden. Your hanbok will look absolutely magical against the palace’s elegant architecture and tranquil nature spots.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, where the mix of traditional Korean houses and narrow alleys makes for picture-perfect moments in your hanbok. It’s like walking through a living postcard!
• Insadong: Wander down Insadong’s charming streets, filled with galleries, antique shops, and cozy tea houses. Wearing your hanbok here adds a fun cultural twist and you might even get a few smiles and nods from the locals.

Obviously, where you go depends on how long you have your hanbok rental, but if you can only hit one spot, make it Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s the most popular palace in Seoul for a reason!

Other things to note for your Seoul hanbok rental

• Plan accordingly: Before you rent your hanbok, remember that Changdeokgung is closed on Mondays and Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so if you’re hoping to snap some photos there, it’s best to plan for another day.
• Beat the heat: I rented my hanbok in the summer, and while it was warm, it wasn’t unbearable. Coming from Florida, I’m used to a whole different level of humidity! The hanbok skirt barely touches your body, so it keeps you cooler than you might expect. The jeogori (upper jacket) can get a bit warm, but honestly, it wasn’t too bad.
• Start early: To make the most of your hanbok rental, start as early as possible. Not only will you enjoy cooler weather, but you’ll also dodge some of the crowds, making your experience more enjoyable and your photos even better.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Trust me on this one! I wore my Dr. Scholl’s sneakers for comfort, and you couldn’t see them at all under the hanbok. Your feet will thank you after hours of exploring.
• Free palace entry: One of the best perks of renting a hanbok in Seoul is that you get free entry to the palaces! This little hack practically pays for the rental itself—girl math!

Are you ready to have the ultimate Seoul hanbok rental experience?

Renting a hanbok in Seoul offers more than just a chance to wear traditional Korean attire— it’s a gateway to experiencing Korean culture firsthand. By exploring Seoul’s historical sites and vibrant neighborhoods in a hanbok, you immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions and create lasting memories.

I highly recommend embracing the opportunity, respecting the tradition, and enjoying your hanbok experience to the fullest in this dynamic city! If you have any other questions about renting a hanbok in Seoul feel free to drop a comment!