Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Experience: Complete Guide to Rental, Free Entry & Photo Tips

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Summary

This guide covers Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung Palace for foreign visitors. Wearing Hanbok grants free palace admission, with rentals starting from ₩6,000. Book online via Klook or KKday to save time and money. Plan 4 hours for the full experience and avoid Tuesdays when the palace is closed.

Why Wear Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Wearing a Hanbok (traditional Korean costume) at Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most memorable experiences for foreign visitors. Not only do you get free admission to the palace, but your photos will look absolutely stunning against the traditional architecture. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Korean culture.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Experience: Complete Guide to Rental, Free Entry & Photo Tips - image
Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Experience: Complete Guide to Rental, Free Entry & Photo Tips - image

Free Admission Policy for Hanbok Wearers

According to the official guidelines from the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, anyone wearing Hanbok gets free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace and other major palaces in Seoul. The requirements are simple: wear both an upper garment (jeogori) and a lower garment (chima for women, baji for men). Both traditional Hanbok and modernized Hanbok are eligible for free admission.

How Much Does Hanbok Rental Cost?

Rental DurationBasic HanbokPremium/Fusion Hanbok
1.5 Hours₩6,000 ~ ₩8,000₩15,000 ~ ₩20,000
2 Hours₩8,000 ~ ₩15,000₩20,000 ~ ₩30,000
4 Hours₩12,000 ~ ₩20,000₩25,000 ~ ₩35,000
All Day₩18,000 ~ ₩25,000₩35,000 ~ ₩40,000

Prices vary depending on the shop and Hanbok style. Hair styling is often included or available for an additional fee.

Shop NameLocationFeatures
Hanboknam (한복남)Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2Largest store near palace, 500+ Hanbok options, hairstyling included
Gyeongbokgung Fox (궁가는 여우)Near Gyeongbokgung StationPopular among tourists, online booking available
Seohwa Hanbok (서화한복)Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 41-minute walk to palace, convenient location
Byulgungter (별궁터한복)Anguk Station areaWide variety of traditional and fusion styles

How to Book & What to Expect

Step 1: Book Online in Advance Reserve your Hanbok through platforms like Klook, KKday, or Myrealtrip. Online booking offers discounted prices and guarantees availability without waiting in line.

Step 2: Arrive at the Shop Visit the rental shop at your reserved time. Show your booking voucher to the staff.

Step 3: Choose Your Hanbok Browse through hundreds of Hanbok options. Staff will help you find the perfect fit and style.

Step 4: Get Dressed & Styled The staff will help you put on the Hanbok properly. Most shops offer basic hairstyling (traditional braids, hair accessories) included or for a small fee.

Step 5: Enjoy the Palace Walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace (most shops are within 1-5 minutes walking distance), show your Hanbok at the entrance for free admission, and enjoy your photo session!

Step 6: Return the Hanbok Return to the shop before your rental time expires. Change back into your clothes and collect your belongings from the locker.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Information

ItemDetails
Regular AdmissionAdults ₩3,000 / Free with Hanbok
Opening Hours09:00 ~ 17:00 (February)
ClosedEvery Tuesday
Recommended Visit Duration2-3 hours
Nearest SubwayGyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5

Pro Tips for the Best Hanbok Experience

  • Book 4 hours for a relaxed experience – 2 hours feels rushed when you include dressing time and walking to the palace.
  • Avoid Tuesdays – Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday, but most Hanbok shops remain open.
  • Arrive early – The palace and shops get crowded after 11 AM, especially on weekends.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – Some shops provide traditional shoes, but the palace grounds are large, so comfort matters.
  • Check the weather – Hanbok can be hot in summer and cold in winter. Some shops offer seasonal options.

FAQ

Q

Do I get free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace if I wear Hanbok?

A

Yes, anyone wearing Hanbok gets free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace and other major palaces in Seoul. You need to wear both an upper garment (jeogori) and lower garment (chima or baji). Both traditional and modernized Hanbok styles qualify for free admission.

Q

How much does Hanbok rental cost near Gyeongbokgung?

A

Prices vary by duration and style. Basic Hanbok costs ₩6,000–₩15,000 for 1.5–2 hours, while premium or fusion styles range from ₩15,000–₩30,000. All-day rentals run ₩18,000–₩40,000. Hair styling is often included or available for a small additional fee.

Q

How long should I rent a Hanbok for Gyeongbokgung Palace?

A

Book at least 4 hours for a relaxed experience. Two hours feels rushed when you factor in dressing time, walking to the palace, exploring, and taking photos. The palace grounds are large, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it.

Q

Should I book Hanbok rental in advance?

A

Yes, booking online through platforms like Klook, KKday, or Myrealtrip is recommended. You’ll get discounted prices, guaranteed availability, and skip the wait. Just show your booking voucher at the shop—staff will help you choose, dress, and style your hair.

Q

When is the best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Hanbok?

A

Arrive early before 11 AM to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Avoid Tuesdays—the palace is closed (though most Hanbok shops stay open). Also check the weather: Hanbok can be hot in summer and cold in winter, but some shops offer seasonal options.

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Useful Korean Phrases

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여기 어떻게 가나요? Yeo-gi eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo? How do I get here?
입구가 어디예요? Ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the entrance?
출구가 어디예요? Chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the exit?
입장료 얼마예요? Ip-jang-ryo eol-ma-ye-yo? How much is admission?
무료예요? Mu-ryo-ye-yo? Is it free?
학생 할인 있어요? Hak-saeng hal-in i-sseo-yo? Is there a student discount?
외국인 할인 있어요? Oe-guk-in hal-in i-sseo-yo? Is there a discount for foreigners?
단체 할인 되나요? Dan-che hal-in doe-na-yo? Is there a group discount?
표 어디서 사요? Pyo eo-di-seo sa-yo? Where do I buy tickets?
온라인 예매 가능해요? On-la-in ye-mae ga-neung-hae-yo? Can I book online?
몇 시에 문 열어요? Myeot si-e mun yeo-reo-yo? What time do you open?
몇 시에 문 닫아요? Myeot si-e mun da-da-yo? What time do you close?
쉬는 날이 언제예요? Swi-neun na-ri eon-je-ye-yo? What day are you closed?
점심시간 있어요? Jeom-sim-si-gan i-sseo-yo? Do you close for lunch?
마지막 입장이 몇 시예요? Ma-ji-mak ip-jang-i myeot si-ye-yo? What time is the last entry?
영어 안내 있어요? Yeong-eo an-nae i-sseo-yo? Do you have an English guide?
오디오 가이드 있어요? O-di-o ga-i-deu i-sseo-yo? Do you have an audio guide?
지도 있어요? Ji-do i-sseo-yo? Do you have a map?
영어 팸플릿 있어요? Yeong-eo paem-peul-rit i-sseo-yo? Do you have an English brochure?
가이드 투어 있어요? Ga-i-deu tu-eo i-sseo-yo? Do you have guided tours?
해설 프로그램 있어요? Hae-seol peu-ro-geu-raem i-sseo-yo? Are there any commentary programs?
사진 찍어주세요 Sa-jin jji-geo-ju-se-yo Please take a photo for me
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요? Yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo? Can I take photos here?
플래시 사용해도 돼요? Peul-lae-si sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo? Can I use flash?
동영상 촬영 가능해요? Dong-yeong-sang chwal-yeong ga-neung-hae-yo? Can I record video?
사진 명소가 어디예요? Sa-jin myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the best photo spot?
화장실 어디예요? Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the restroom?
짐 보관소 있어요? Jim bo-gwan-so i-sseo-yo? Is there a luggage storage?
물 마실 데 있어요? Mul ma-sil de i-sseo-yo? Is there a water fountain?
유모차 대여 가능해요? Yu-mo-cha dae-yeo ga-neung-hae-yo? Can I rent a stroller?
휠체어 이용 가능해요? Hwil-che-eo i-yong ga-neung-hae-yo? Is it wheelchair accessible?
엘리베이터 있어요? El-li-be-i-teo i-sseo-yo? Is there an elevator?
와이파이 되나요? Wa-i-pa-i doe-na-yo? Is there WiFi?
충전할 곳 있어요? Chung-jeon-hal got i-sseo-yo? Is there a place to charge my phone?
카페나 식당 있어요? Ka-pe-na sik-dang i-sseo-yo? Is there a cafe or restaurant?
기념품 가게 어디예요? Gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the souvenir shop?
다 둘러보려면 얼마나 걸려요? Da dul-leo-bo-ryeo-myeon eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo? How long does it take to see everything?
꼭 봐야 할 것 뭐예요? Kkok bwa-ya hal geot mwo-ye-yo? What is a must-see here?
근처에 뭐 있어요? Geun-cheo-e mwo i-sseo-yo? What is nearby?
여기서 가장 유명한 게 뭐예요? Yeo-gi-seo ga-jang yu-myeong-han ge mwo-ye-yo? What is the most famous thing here?
일몰 명소가 어디예요? Il-mol myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the best sunset spot?
야경이 예뻐요? Ya-gyeong-i ye-ppeo-yo? Is the night view pretty?
밤에도 열어요? Bam-e-do yeo-reo-yo? Is it open at night?
비 와도 볼 수 있어요? Bi wa-do bol su i-sseo-yo? Can I visit even if it rains?
반려동물 데려갈 수 있어요? Bal-lyeo-dong-mul de-ryeo-gal su i-sseo-yo? Can I bring my pet?
안녕하세요 An-nyeong-ha-se-yo Hello
감사합니다 Gam-sa-ham-ni-da Thank you
고맙습니다 Go-map-seum-ni-da Thank you (casual)
죄송합니다 Joe-song-ham-ni-da I'm sorry
실례합니다 Sil-lye-ham-ni-da Excuse me
Ne Yes
아니요 A-ni-yo No
괜찮아요 Gwaen-cha-na-yo It's okay / I'm fine
안녕히 계세요 An-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo Goodbye (to someone staying)
안녕히 가세요 An-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo Goodbye (to someone leaving)
영어 할 줄 아세요? Yeong-eo hal jul a-se-yo? Do you speak English?
한국어 못해요 Han-guk-eo mot-hae-yo I don't speak Korean
한국어 조금 할 수 있어요 Han-guk-eo jo-geum hal su i-sseo-yo I can speak a little Korean
천천히 말해주세요 Cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae-ju-se-yo Please speak slowly
다시 한 번 말해주세요 Da-si han beon mal-hae-ju-se-yo Please say that again
적어 주세요 Jeo-geo ju-se-yo Please write it down
이거 한국어로 뭐예요? I-geo han-guk-eo-ro mwo-ye-yo? What is this in Korean?
무슨 뜻이에요? Mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo? What does it mean?
번역기 사용해도 돼요? Beon-yeok-gi sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo? Can I use a translator app?
도와주세요 Do-wa-ju-se-yo Help me please
잠깐만요 Jam-kkan-man-yo Wait a moment
모르겠어요 Mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo I don't know / I don't understand
이해 못했어요 I-hae mot-hae-sseo-yo I didn't understand
여기 좀 봐주세요 Yeo-gi jom bwa-ju-se-yo Please look at this
하나 Ha-na One
Dul Two
Set Three
Net Four
다섯 Da-seot Five
위험해요! Wi-heom-hae-yo! It's dangerous!
경찰 불러주세요 Gyeong-chal bul-leo-ju-se-yo Please call the police
구급차 불러주세요 Gu-geup-cha bul-leo-ju-se-yo Please call an ambulance
병원 어디예요? Byeong-won eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the hospital?
약국 어디예요? Yak-guk eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the pharmacy?
아파요 A-pa-yo I'm sick / It hurts
머리가 아파요 Meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo I have a headache
배가 아파요 Bae-ga a-pa-yo I have a stomachache
알레르기가 있어요 Al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo I have an allergy
지갑을 잃어버렸어요 Ji-ga-beul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo I lost my wallet
핸드폰을 잃어버렸어요 Haen-deu-po-neul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo I lost my phone
여권을 잃어버렸어요 Yeo-gwo-neul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo I lost my passport
대사관 전화번호 좀 알려주세요 Dae-sa-gwan jeon-hwa-beon-ho jom al-lyeo-ju-se-yo Please tell me the embassy phone number
1330 관광 안내 전화 Il-sam-sam-gong gwan-gwang an-nae jeon-hwa 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
112 경찰 Il-il-i gyeong-chal 112 Police
119 소방/구급 Il-il-gu so-bang/gu-geup 119 Fire/Ambulance
편의점 어디예요? Pyeon-ui-jeom eo-di-ye-yo? Where is a convenience store?
ATM 어디예요? ATM eo-di-ye-yo? Where is an ATM?
환전소 어디예요? Hwan-jeon-so eo-di-ye-yo? Where is a currency exchange?
우체국 어디예요? U-che-guk eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the post office?
충전기 빌릴 수 있어요? Chung-jeon-gi bil-lil su i-sseo-yo? Can I borrow a charger?
관광안내소 어디예요? Gwan-gwang-an-nae-so eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the tourist information center?
와이파이 어디서 쓸 수 있어요? Wa-i-pa-i eo-di-seo sseul su i-sseo-yo? Where can I use WiFi?
유심 어디서 사요? Yu-sim eo-di-seo sa-yo? Where can I buy a SIM card?

Summary of Key Points

Wearing Hanbok grants free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace and other major palaces in Seoul – both traditional and modern styles qualify.
Hanbok rental prices start from ₩6,000 for 1.5 hours, with premium options available up to ₩40,000 for all-day rental.
Many rental shops are located within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, especially near Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and Anguk Station.
Booking online in advance through platforms like Klook or KKday saves time and often offers discounted prices.
Plan for at least 4 hours to fully enjoy the Hanbok experience, including dressing, palace exploration, and photo sessions.

Actionable Next Steps

Book your Hanbok rental online through Klook, KKday, or Myrealtrip for discounted prices and guaranteed availability.
Check Gyeongbokgung Palace hours and avoid Tuesdays when the palace is closed.
Arrive at the rental shop early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds and have the best selection of Hanbok.
Download a translation app like Papago to communicate with shop staff if needed.
Charge your phone fully – you'll want plenty of battery for photos!

References

Related Resource Links


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