Sophie YongWhen it comes to Seoul today, the first thing that comes to mind might be cosmetics, K-pop, or even kimchi and Korean BBQ. But have you ever wondered how Korea’s past was like? The Korean Palaces in Seoul are great places to learn more about Korean traditions, history and heritage.
Fun Fact: The beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning “the greatly blessed palace”, is the oldest Grand Palace built during the Joseon Dynasty. This implies that it is more than 700 years old!
Image credit: SeoHwa Hanbok
Why not experience wearing the lovely Hanbok while touring around and immersing in the charms of historic Korean palaces? Hanbok is the traditional Korean attire created from more than 1,600 years ago, characterized by its vivid colours, iconic patterns and simple lines. The colours of the Hanbok symbolize the social position and marital status back in the older days, for example, brighter colours were commonly worn by children and girls, while married women wore muted hues.
The patterns embroidered on Hanbok represent the blessings. Lotus flowers symbolize a wish for nobility, whereas dragons, phoenixes and tigers were generally worn by the royalty. Nowadays, besides the traditional Hanbok designs, there are also modern designs like hanbok with short skirts or special themes. You can choose the design according to your preferences!
Image credit: SeoHwa Hanbok
Let us share with you our pocket list of some of the top Hanbok rentals in Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace. Dress from head to toe in traditional Korean Hanbok and experience the exquisite cultural heritage present here, while admiring the elegance of Korean aesthetics!
Tip: Entrance to the Seoul’s Palaces are free if you are wearing a Hanbok!
1. Seo Hwa Hanbok – Prettiest Hanbok Rental in Town
Image credit: SeoHwa Hanbok
Address: B1,11 Jeokseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (4-minute walk from Gyeongbukgung Station Exit No. 4)
Opening hours: 9:00 – 19:00
Telephone: 02-725-8560
Price: Four hours: 20,000 won (~S$24.30)
Full day (till 7pm): 28,000 won (~S$34)
Two days (till 7pm next day): 38,000 won (~S$46.20)
Note: Deposit of 10,000 won and passport OR 50,000 won with photocopied passport, is required for rental. You need to reserve at least one day in advance. Price is inclusive of hair bands, purse and underskirt.
2. Hanbok Plus – Most Popular Classic Hanbok Rental
Image credit: Hanbok Plus
Address: 2F, 7, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (3-minute walk from Gyeongbukgung Station Exit No.2)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Price: Normal/Children Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
Premium Hanbok: 20,000 won (~S$24.30)
* Price stated is for a four-hour rental period
Full Day Normal Hanbok Rental: 30,000 won (~S$36.50)
Full Day Premium Hanbok Rental: 40,000 won (~S$48.70)
Note: Price is inclusive of underskirt, handbag, hair styling and accessories.
3. Hanbok Girls – Traditional and Elegant Hanbok
Image credit: Hanbuk girl
Address: 8, Jahamun-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (5-minute walk from Gyeongbukgung Station Exit No.3-1, located at 3rd floor of the blue building)
Opening hours: 9:00 – 19:00
Telephone: 02-734-9170
Price:
For two hours:-
Normal Hanbok: 10,000 won (~S$12.20)
Special Hanbok: 20,000 won (~S$24.30)
For four hours:-
Normal Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
Special Hanbok: 25,000 won (~S$30.40)
Note: Price is inclusive of underskirt, handbag and hair accessories.
4. Princess Hanbok – Hanbok Made and Designed by Store Owner!
Image credit: Princess Hanbok
Address: 52-6, Anguk-Dong, Jongno-Gu, Seoul (5-minute walk from Anguk Station Exit No.1)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Telephone: 02-723-8882
Price:
For two hours:-
Normal Hanbok: 10,000 won (~S$12.20)
Premium Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
For four hours:-
Normal Hanbok: 15,000 won (~$18.20)
Premium Hanbok: 20,000 won (~$24.30)
Note: Each extra hour is charged at 5,000 won (up to 30,000 won in total).
5. HaeWaDal Hanbok – Newly-opened Hanbok Rental
Image credit: Haewadal Hanbok
Address: 20 Jahamun-ro, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (8 min walk from Gyeongbukgung Station Exit No.2)
Opening hours: 8:30 – 19:00
Telephone: 02-733-7188
Price:
For two hours:-
Traditional Hanbok: 9,900 won (~S$12.20)
Themed Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
Princess Hanbok: 20,000 won (~S$18.20)
Concubine Hanbok: 30,000 won (~S$36.50)
Couple Hanbok: 40,000 won(~S$48.70)
For four hours:-
Traditional Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$12.20)
Themed Hanbok: 20,000 won (~S$18.20)
Princess Hanbok: 25,000 won (~S$30.40)
Concubine Hanbok: 35,000 won (~S$42.60)
Couple Hanbok: 45,000 won (~S$54.70)
For full day:-
Traditional Hanbok: 25,000 won (~S$30.40)
Themed Hanbok: 30,000 won (~S$36.50)
Princess Hanbok: 40,000 won (~S$48.70)
Concubine Hanbok: 50,000 won (~S$60.80)
Couple Hanbok: 60,000 won (~S$73)
6. One Day Hanbok – All Hanbok Designed by Store Owner!
Image credit: OneDay Hanbok
Address: 16 Jahamun-ro 2-gil, Sajik-dong, Seoul (4 min walk from Gyeongbukgung Station Exit No.4)
Opening hours: 9:00 – 20:00
Telephone: 02-730-8222 or 010-2508-7836
Price:
For two hours:-
Traditional Hanbok: 10,000 won (~S$12.20)
Themed Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
Princess Hanbok: 20,000 won (~S$24.30)
Concubine Hanbok: 30,000 won (~S$36.50)
For four hours:-
Traditional Hanbok: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
Themed Hanbok: 20,000 won (~S$24.30)
Princess Hanbok: 25,000 won (~S$30.40)
Concubine Hanbok: 35,000 won (~S$42.60)
For full day:-
Traditional Hanbok: 30,000 won (~S$36.50)
Themed Hanbok: 35,000 won (~S$42.60)
Princess Hanbok: 40,000 won (~S$48.70)
Concubine Hanbok: 50,000 won (~S$60.80)
Note: Price is inclusive of underskirt, handbag and hair accessories.
7. Flowery Hanbok – Best for Outdoor Photoshoots
Image credit: FloweryHanbok
Address: B2 Flowery Hanbok 43, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Walk from Anguk Station Exit No.1)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Price:
Two hours: 10,000 won (~S$12.20)
Four hours: 15,000 won (~S$18.20)
Whole day (till 6pm): 20,000 won (~S$24.30)
24 hours: 25,000 won (~S$30.40)
Ready to dress like as if you’re still living in the Joseon Dynasty? Just choose from any of these conveniently-situated hanbok rentals and get ready for your once-in-a-lifetime transformation.
