Complete Guide to Renting a Hanbok in Seoul, South Korea

One of the very best things I did during our time in Seoul, South Korea was renting a hanbok. Thinking of enjoying this experience on your own trip? Here’s our complete guide to renting a hanbok in Seoul.

I’ll cover a full breakdown of my hanbok rental experience. This includes where I hired my hanbok from, how much it cost, and what we did whilst I was all dressed up. I’ll also answer key questions like what a hanbok actually is, and why it isn’t considered cultural appropriation to rent and wear a hanbok of your own.

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What Is A Hanbok?

If you’re not familiar, a hanbok is the traditional Korean dress. It comes in a whole rainbow of colours. It has a full skirt with flowing lines that flare from the bust. It’s a two-piece outfit comprising of a high-waisted skirt/dress (known as a chima) with a cropped blouse or short jacket (known as a jeogori) placed over the top. The skirt is heavy with an underskirt underneath, while the blouse is a lighter, semi-sheer fabric.

The hanbok has a rich history, evolving from the Three Kingdoms period in the country all the way through to modern times. And it is still worn during formal occasions, celebrations, and festivals. It has been worn for centuries and you will still see people in Korea wearing this (although it is more popular with tourists than with locals nowadays!)

Hiring A Hanbok in Seoul, South Korea

Before I hired my Hanbok I did a TONNE of research. Why? Because I was so worried it would be hard to find one to fit.

Why was I concerned? Because I wear a UK size 16 (US size 12) which, whilst not plus-sized here in the UK, is certainly plus sized in Korea, where people tend to be more petite. I spent hours researching and hunting for a Hanbok company that would stock my size and one name kept coming up: Daehan Hanbok. And they make renting a hanbok so easy, no matter what your size.

👉Find out why I think this is the Best Hanbok Rental in Seoul, South Korea

They had a big presence on social media, and more importantly, they advertised that their service was fully inclusive. They stocked sizes up to a 6L for both men and women, and also had tall and petite hanboks in stock, so there was something for everyone.

Visiting Daehan Hanbok

When I arrived, I was directed to the rail that stocked my size and there were DOZENs of different colours and patterns available. I didn’t feel like an after-thought, I had just as many choices as everyone else.

The service included full day hire of the hanbok, free petitcoat and handbag, free lockers to store your stuff, and free access to a cute photo studio so you could take your own photos all as part of the standard package. You could then pay extra for hair and make-up services: I did my own make-up, but did pay for the hairdressing.

TIP: I recommend booking your package via Klook instead of via their website directly, because the price was a little cheaper and because they have a limited-time deal that gives you a full-day rental for the price of a 2-hour rental. My 2 hour rental cost just £9.39.

👉 Check availability for your chosen dates and book your hanbok hire package here!
🎁 Use my reader exclusive discount code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra discount too

Note: This experience isn’t just for women, although that is the focus of this piece! Renting a hanbok is for everyone and they also provide traditional dress for men and for children (both boys and girls too). But my boys took one look and gave the idea a resounding ‘nope’ and we’re not in the business of forcing them to do things they don’t want to do, so I went it alone!

Is This Cultural Appropriation?

One of the questions I am most asked when I talk about renting a hanbok in Seoul is whether it would be considered cultural appropriation. The short and simple answer to this question is no!

I’ll be honest, this wasn’t something I had even thought about!

In my experience with both hanbok in Korea AND kimono in Japan, the local people are very happy to share their culture and their traditional dress with you. I have had local people in both places compliment me on my dress, and people are happy that tourists want to try wearing it.

But to make sure, I decided to do some research and I was pleased to find that wearing hanbok is seen as a way to engage with and appreciate Korean culture. According to Visit Seoul, many Koreans see it as a compliment to their culture when they see foreigners wearing hanbok: and that was certainly my experience too. So if you have this concern, then I hope this reassures you that you really don’t have anything to worry about!

What To Do Wearing Hanbok in Seoul, South Korea

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

Daehan Hanbok (and dozens of other hanbok rental companies) are located just to the left of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is a largest and the most significant palace in Seoul, having served as the main residence of the Joseon dynasty.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by King Taejo and the complex is so large that it would take a full day to walk around if you wanted to see absolutely everything.

This is by far the most popular place to go once you’re wearing your hanbok. In fact, renting a hanbok and exploring the Palac is like a Seoul right of passage. A HUGE benefit of choosing to rent a hanbok is that you don’t need to buy a ticket to enter any of Seoul’s royal palaces when you’re wearing one.

This saves you a very small about of money (entry is 3,000 won which is around £1.50/$2) but more importantly it saves you loads of time as you don’t have to join the long queue for a ticket. (That tourists in hanbok are given free entry is another sign that this is encouraged by the local government rather than considered appropriation, by the way!)

The palace has a separate admission line specifically for people wearing Hanbok, and you can just walk straight in. If you want to see all of Seoul’s palaces then you can also visit the Deoksugung Palace and the Changgyeonggung Palace free of charge when you’re dressed up in your hanbok.

You’ll see loads of people in the palaces wearing Hanbok, but because they’re such large spaces you’ll also find plenty of spots to take photos and pose without a crowd. I felt so amazing all day that hundreds of photos were taken!

Visit Bukchon Hanok Village

We spent around three hours in the Gyeongbokgung Palace and then we walked to the Bukchon Hanok Village, which is around a 10 minute walk away from the palace and is another popular spot where you’ll see alot of people wearing hanboks. A hanok is a traditional Korean house, typically with a wooden frame and a tiled roof. It’s a distinct architectural style that reflects Korea’s history and culture, and this one is unique because it sits right in the heart of a bustling, modern city.

It’s important to note that people still actually live in these houses, so you’re asked to be as quiet as possible as you explore and to respect the residents. It is also requested that tourists don’t visit the village on Sundays to give the residents a day of rest. You’ll find local residents acting as volunteers here to ensure that the village is respected, and that visitors are quiet.

What To Know Before Your Appointment

Wondering what to know or what you need to do before you arrive to collect your hanbok? Here are my top tips:

• The shop is incredibly busy, especially in the mornings and during the peak cherry blossom period. So if you’re planning on doing your own hair and make up, do this before you arrive! There’s only one small mirrored area for anyone who isn’t paying to have their hair and make up done, and you’ll be fighting for your life to get near it.
  
• Wear leggings and a vest. You wear your regular trousers underneath the hanbok because the fabric of the petitcoat can be itchy. I saw a lot of girls wearing jeans! But this would be hot and heavy. A lightweight legging and vest (I wore a crop top for modesty) would be the best choice.
  
• Don’t bring too much stuff! There are free lockers available but these are quite small: enough for a small handbag and the clothes that you’re not wearing. So don’t bring your whole suitcase with you: there’ll be nowhere to put it!
  
• Enjoy every minute! I loved my hanbok experience: I may be a women in my 40s but I felt like a real princess. I kept swirling in my skirt with my hype team (Mike and the boys) taking photos and telling me how pretty I looked. It was such a core memory for me, and one I really hope everyone visiting Seoul decides to try for themselves.
  
• Returning the hanbok is so easy. No fuss, no forms. Just go to the top floor of the shop, take off your hanbok and hang it back on a hanger. You’re good to go – it really is as easy as that!
  
• Book your hanbok in advance! It’s an incredibly popular experience and dates can be booked up fast.
  👉 Click here to check availability and book with our recommended Daehan Hanbok
  🎁 Use exclusive reader code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra discount

Final Thoughts on Renting a Hanbok and Further Reading

Hiring a hanbok was one of my favourite and most special memories of our time in Korea. It was an experience i’ll never forget, and one that I recommend every traveller try for themselves. Renting a hanbok is an affordable and easy way to immerse yourself in Korean culture and tradition.

Ready to plan your perfect trip to Korea? Visit our Korea Family Travel Hub for all of our tried-and-tested Korea itineraries and content including:

🏰 The Ultimate Guide To Visit Lotte World Seoul

🛂 Visiting the DMZ in South Korea With Kids: Essential Guide

🌸The Best Things To Do in Seoul in Spring

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