Stand outside Gwanghwamun Gate on a weekend afternoon and you'll spot them immediately — groups of people in colorful hanbok, cameras out, many of them foreign students and residents just like you. Hanbok rental goes beyond a simple costume experience: wear one and you get free entry to Korea's four major palaces, plus photos you simply can't recreate anywhere else.

This guide covers everything you need — rental prices, the best spots by area, free entry requirements, and practical tips for your first time.

Two Things Worth Knowing Before Your Hanbok Rental

Wear Hanbok and Get Free Entry to the Four Major Palaces

Dress in a proper hanbok and you'll get free admission to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung Palaces — as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon Royal Tombs. The policy has been in place since 2013, run by the Korea Heritage Service, and applies equally to both Korean nationals and foreigners. Free entry is also valid during special evening sessions. 

That said, not every outfit qualifies. The key requirement is wearing a proper jeogori (jacket) with either a chima (skirt) or hanbok trousers — both top and bottom must be traditional hanbok. Wearing a jeogori over jeans, or a hanbok skirt with a regular T-shirt, won't be accepted. One-piece hanbok-style dresses are also not eligible.

💡 TIP: Hanbok rented from any reputable rental shop will almost always meet the free entry requirements. 
For the full official guidelines, check the Korea Heritage Service website.

A Photo You Can Only Take in Korea

Another reason hanbok experiences remain so popular year after year is simple: the photos are uniquely Korean. Standing in hanbok in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung, or walking through the tiled alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village, creates scenes that are difficult to recreate anywhere else in the world.

According to Korea Heritage Service data, more than 2 million visitors received free admission to the four major palaces in 2025 by wearing hanbok. That means hanbok rental is no longer considered a niche tourist activity—it has become a standard experience for many visitors to Seoul.

Best Areas for Korean Hanbok Rental

Gyeongbokgung & Samcheong-dong: The Classic First Choice

If it’s your first hanbok rental, the easiest option is the Gyeongbokgung Station area. Dozens of rental shops are located near Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), and after changing clothes, you can reach Gwanghwamun within a 5-minute walk.

The biggest advantage here is convenience. You can comfortably walk through this route while wearing hanbok: Gyeongbokgung → National Folk Museum of Korea → Samcheong-dong Hanok Streets The surrounding cafes and photo spots naturally complement the hanbok atmosphere.

📍 Transport: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 3
⏰ Best Time: Weekdays, 10 AM–2 PM
💡 TIP: Weekend afternoons often mean 1+ hour wait times.

Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday. If visiting on Tuesday, choose Changdeokgung instead (closed Mondays).

Ikseon-dong & Insadong: Trendier Hanok Cafe Experience

If you prefer a more trendy atmosphere, Ikseon-dong is an excellent choice.The area is filled with renovated 1920’s hanok cafes and dessert shops, making cafe-hopping in hanbok an experience in itself.

Since Insadong is within walking distance, you can also browse traditional crafts and souvenirs like folding fans or norigae ornaments. Compared to Gyeongbokgung, there are fewer rental shops, but also fewer crowds—making photo sessions easier.

📍 Transport: Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5), Exit 4
⏰ Best Time: 2 PM–5 PM

Jeonju Hanok Village - Best Day Trip Outside Seoul

If you want to wear hanbok somewhere beyond Seoul, Jeonju Hanok Village is the most practical option. With over 800 traditional hanok buildings lining its streets, the entire village becomes your backdrop — a completely different atmosphere from central Seoul.

Rental shops are plentiful from the moment you enter the village. Jeonju is about 1.5 hours from Seoul by KTX, making it very manageable as a day trip. A natural itinerary would be: bibimbap for lunch, a hanbok stroll through the village in the afternoon, and the hanok evening scenery before heading back.

📍 Transport: Seoul Station → KTX → Jeonju Station (approx. 1.5–2 hours)
💡 TIP: For KTX tickets, the Korail Pass for foreigners is worth looking into.

Curious about the Korail Pass? Check out Train Pass in Korea!

Hanbok Rental Prices and Options at a Glance

Choosing the Right Rental Duration

Pricing is fairly consistent across rental shops near Gyeongbokgung. Standard hanbok runs about 10,000 KRW for 2 hours, 15,000 KRW for 4 hours, and around 30,000 KRW for a full day (up to about 9 hours). The right option depends on your plan for the day.

2 hours - If you just want to get a few photos quickly (covers Gwanghwamun and Geunjeongjeon Hall) 4 hours - The most popular choice. Enough time for Gyeongbokgung plus a café stop in Samcheong-dong Full day - For a complete circuit: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, and Insadong 

💡 TIP: Booking through platforms like Klook or Creatrip can save you 20–30% compared to walk-in prices. Most shops include hair styling and free lockers — worth checking when you compare options.

Traditional Hanbok vs. Theme Hanbok — Which Should You Choose?

Most rental shops carry two main lines: traditional hanbok with understated, elegant colors, and theme (fusion) hanbok with elaborate embroidery, lace, and bolder designs.

Traditional hanbok blends naturally with the palace and hanok backgrounds in photos — great if you want a classic, refined look. Theme hanbok stands out more on camera, but be aware that heavily modified designs may not qualify for free palace entry. 

💡 TIP: Just ask the staff — "Does this hanbok qualify for free entry to the palaces?"

Additional Options 

Hair styling: free–5,000 KRW Special accessories (gat, crown, ornaments): 4,000–5,000 KRW Petticoat (sokchima): usually free — adds volume to the skirt and makes a big difference in photos Bag, daenggi (hair ribbon), headband: mostly included free

Korean Hanbok Rental Checklist

① Bring Your ID (Passport or ARC) 
Most shops hold your ID instead of taking a deposit. Without a passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC), you won't be able to rent. If you're living in Korea, make sure to bring your ARC.

Haven't applied for your ARC yet? Check out the ARC Korea Guide.

② Dress for the Season Underneath 
Hanbok doesn't provide much insulation. In spring and fall, a thin short-sleeve top underneath works fine. In winter, a thermal base layer (like Heattech) is a good idea. In summer, go for breathable cotton to manage the heat.

③ Use the Shop's Locker 
Most rental shops offer free lockers. Leave your bag, luggage, or any bulky items behind — the hanbok bag is small, with just enough room for your phone and wallet.

④ Plan Your Photo Route in Advance 
Four hours goes by faster than you'd expect. Having a rough plan keeps things smooth. Gwanghwamun Square — the most iconic backdrop for hanbok photos Geunjeongjeon Hall — the most dramatic setting inside Gyeongbokgung Hyangwonjeong Pavilion & Jagyeongjeon Flower Wall — where hanbok colors really come alive Bukchon Hanok Village (8 Scenic Spots) — all walkable

⑤ Book in Advance 
On weekends — especially cherry blossom season (late March–early April) and autumn foliage season (late October–early November) — popular shops regularly have walk-in waits of two hours or more. Book ahead through Klook, Creatrip, or Naver Reservations.

Hanbok rental is one of those experiences worth making time for while you're in Korea. At around 10,000 KRW for two hours, and with free entry to the four major palaces included, it's genuinely low-effort with high returns. Whether you go near Gyeongbokgung, wander through Ikseon-dong, or make a day trip to Jeonju, the feel of each place is completely different.

You don't need much to get started — just your ID and something light to wear underneath. If it's your first time, try the 4-hour rental around Gyeongbokgung and walk from Gwanghwamun through to Samcheong-dong. It'll likely be one of your most memorable days in Korea.