Have you ever wanted to truly feel the tradition of Korea as you stroll through the streets of Seoul? How about doing it while wearing a hanbok(한복, han-bok), Korea's beautiful traditional clothing? Recently, wearing a hanbok while exploring Seoul has become a popular trend, offering visitors a chance to experience the coexistence of Korea's past and present. In this post, we'll guide you through everything from hanbok(한복, han-bok) rental to the best places in Seoul to enjoy while dressed in this gorgeous attire.
Step One: Renting a Hanbok(한복, han-bok)
To enjoy Seoul in a hanbok(한복, han-bok), the first thing you need to do is rent one. There are many hanbok(한복, han-bok) rental shops throughout Seoul, offering a wide range of options for visitors. The areas around Gyeongbokgung (경복궁, Gyeong-bok-gung) Palace, Samcheong-dong (삼청동, Sam-cheong-dong), and Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을, Buk-chon Han-ok Village) are particularly convenient, as they are home to many hanbok(한복, han-bok) rental shops.
The hanboks(한복, han-bok) available for rent come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional designs to more modern interpretations. Women’s hanboks usually consist of a vibrant skirt and a blouse called a jeogori (저고리, jeo-go-ri), while men’s hanboks(한복, han-bok) typically include neat pants and a jacket. Many rental shops also provide beautiful accessories to complement the hanbok(한복, han-bok). Prices generally range from 15,000 to 30,000 KRW per hour, with full-day rentals also available.
Popular Hanbok Rental Spots
Gyeongbokgung(경복궁, Gyeong-bok-gung) Area: This area is packed with hanbok(한복, han-bok) rental shops, making it very convenient to rent a hanbok(한복, han-bok) before exploring the palace. The traditional architecture of Gyeongbokgung(경복궁, Gyeong-bok-gung) pairs beautifully with the hanbok(한복, han-bok), making it an ideal location for taking memorable photos.
Samcheong-dong(삼청동, Sam-cheong-dong) and Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을, Buk-chon Han-ok Village): These areas are filled with traditional hanok (한옥, han-ok) houses, making them perfect for taking picturesque strolls while wearing a hanbok(한복, han-bok). Samcheong-dong(삼청동, Sam-cheong-dong), in particular, also has many charming cafes and traditional tea houses, providing a great spot to relax while still in hanbok.
Must-Visit Places While Wearing Hanbok
To fully experience Seoul while wearing a hanbok, here are some recommended places. Wearing a hanbok also allows for free admission to some of these sites, so be sure to take advantage!
Gyeongbokgung(경복궁, Gyeong-bok-gung) Palace: One of the most famous palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung(경복궁, Gyeong-bok-gung) features majestic architecture and beautiful gardens. Visiting in hanbok(한복, han-bok) allows you to feel the harmony of tradition and modernity that defines Seoul.
Changdeokgung(창덕궁, Chang-deok-gung) Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung(창덕궁, Chang-deok-gung) is known for its beautiful Huwon (후원, Hu-won), or Secret Garden. The combination of natural beauty and traditional architecture makes this palace a must-visit while wearing hanbok(한복, han-bok).
Bukchon Hanok Village(북촌한옥마을, Buk-chon Han-ok Village): Strolling through the alleys of this historic neighborhood in a hanbok gives you the feeling of stepping back into the Joseon (Jo-seon) era. The narrow lanes and hanok(한복, han-bok) rooftops create perfect settings for unforgettable photos.
Traditional Tea Houses and Restaurants
After exploring the palaces, take some time to relax at a traditional tea house or restaurant. The areas around Samcheong-dong(삼청동, Sam-cheong-dong) and Insadong (인사동, In-sa-dong) are home to many tea houses that are perfect for visiting in hanbok(한복, han-bok). Sipping on a cup of warm yuja-cha(유자차, yu-ja-cha) or daechu-cha (대추차, dae-chu-cha) while tasting traditional Korean sweets will enhance your hanbok(한복, han-bok) experience.
In addition to tea houses, Seoul also has numerous traditional restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine. For example, hanjeongsik (한정식, han-jeong-sik) restaurants serve a variety of traditional side dishes along with meticulously prepared meals. Enjoying dishes like bibimbap(비빔밥, bi-bim-bap) or bulgogi(불고기, bul-go-gi) in hanbok(한복, han-bok) makes the experience feel even more special.
Tips for Capturing the Perfect Photo in Hanbok(한복, han-bok)
Taking photos while wearing hanbok(한복, han-bok) is one of the highlights for many visitors. Here are some tips to help you capture the perfect shot:
Make Use of Natural Light: The traditional architecture at palaces and Bukchon(북촌, Buk-chon) looks best when visited during daylight. Late morning or early afternoon is the perfect time for optimal lighting.
Use Props: Many hanbok(한복, han-bok) rental shops offer pretty props like fans or hand mirrors, which add an extra traditional touch to your photos.
Practice Poses: When taking photos in a hanbok(한복, han-bok), standing upright with a slight arch in your back looks most flattering. Adding a gentle smile helps create the most beautiful and timeless images.
Exploring Seoul’s Hidden Gems in Hanbok(한복, han-bok)
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Now that we’ve covered the main attractions, let’s explore some lesser-known but equally charming locations in Seoul. These hidden gems offer a unique atmosphere, and wearing a hanbok(한복, han-bok) can make your visit even more special.
Ihwa Mural Village (이화벽화마을, I-hwa-dong Byeok-hwa Maeul): Where Tradition Meets Art
Ihwa Mural Village (이화벽화마을, I-hwa-dong Byeok-hwa Mae-ul) is a hidden gem in Seoul. It’s one of the city's older neighborhoods, where vibrant murals adorn the streets. The whimsical art perfectly complements the elegance of a hanbok(한복, han-bok), making it a wonderful place for unique photos. Since the area is less crowded than popular tourist spots, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as you take pictures.
Time Travel in Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을, Nam-san-gol Han-ok Village)
Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을, Nam-san-gol Han-ok Village), located in the heart of Seoul, is a fantastic place to experience Korean traditional culture. Walking through this village in a hanbok(한복, han-bok) feels like stepping back in time to the Joseon (조선, Jo-seon) era. The village also offers traditional activities like darye (다례, da-rye, traditional tea ceremony) and traditional games, giving you a deeper understanding of Korean culture. The village also provides beautiful photo opportunities, especially with Namsan Tower (남산타워, Nam-san Tower) in the background.
Hanbok(한복, han-bok) at Night: Han River Night Tour
One of the more unconventional activities you can do in hanbok is taking in the night views of the Hangang(한강, Han-gang) River. As night falls, Seoul’s skyline lights up, creating a breathtaking sight. Popular spots like Yeouido Hangang Park(여의도한강공원, Yeo-ui-do Han-gang Park) or Banpo Hangang Park (반포한강공원, Ban-po Han-gang Park) offer the best views of the illuminated cityscape along the river. Strolling along the Hangang(한강, Han-gang) River in hanbok(한복, han-bok) allows you to experience the city’s unique blend of traditional and modern elements. You can also enjoy a picnic or a bike ride by the river while dressed in hanbok(한복, han-bok) for an unforgettable experience.
Traditional Craft Experiences: Hanji(한지, Han-ji) and Pottery Making
Besides exploring the streets of Seoul, why not take part in traditional craft workshops? There are several places in Seoul where you can experience making hanji(한지, han-ji, traditional Korean paper) crafts or ceramic pottery. Engaging in these activities while wearing a hanbok(한복, han-bok) not only allows you to appreciate the elegance of the attire but also helps you understand the essence of traditional Korean culture. In the Insadong (인사동, In-sa-dong) area, you can visit a hanji(한지, han-ji, traditional Korean paper) workshop and create your own traditional items. Pottery workshops also offer the chance to make your own tea cups or bowls, which can serve as special souvenirs from your trip.
Watching Traditional Performances at the National Theater
Lastly, we recommend attending a traditional Korean performance while wearing a hanbok. Places like the National Theater of Korea (국립극장, Guk-rip Geuk-jang) or Jeongdong Theater (정동극장, Jeong-dong Geuk-jang) hold regular performances featuring traditional Korean music, dance, and pansori (판소리, pan-so-ri), a type of musical storytelling). Watching these performances in hanbok(한복, han-bok) offers an immersive experience that makes the performances even more impactful. The combination of traditional music, instruments, and the beautiful hanbok(한복, han-bok) makes for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Enjoy the Blend of Tradition and Modernity in Seoul
Exploring Seoul in hanbok(한복, han-bok) is far more than just sightseeing—it’s a unique opportunity to connect with Korean heritage. From grand palaces to hidden gems, traditional markets, craft workshops, and stunning night views along the Han River(한강, Han-gang), the hanbok(한복, han-bok) elevates each experience to something special. Enjoy the blend of tradition and modernity as you walk through Seoul in hanbok(한복, han-bok), and truly immerse yourself in the magic of Korean culture.
We hope your journey through Seoul becomes filled with unforgettable memories. Embrace the charm of Seoul while wearing hanbok(한복, han-bok) and make the most of your visit!
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