I'm a person who loves traditional Korean dramas aside from their usual chaebol-ordinary girl romcoms and one of my plans in this South Korea trip is to really be able to wear a hanbok and enter a palace. I've been to different countries like Thailand and Vietnam and I haven't tried wearing their traditional clothing. I wanted to try wearing a hanfu in Taiwan but there's just not much people doing that. But Korea is really well known to have tourists wear a hanbok when visiting palaces for a full experience.
Walking through the palace grounds in hanbok makes the whole place feel even more special, and of course, the photos are pretty hard to resist.
The best part? Visitors wearing a complete hanbok can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free, so your hanbok rental can essentially cover the palace admission fee too.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is the largest and arguably most famous of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, the palace complex is known for its impressive gates, courtyards, traditional architecture and beautifully painted buildings. It's also one of the most recognizable places in Seoul for wearing hanbok.
The palace is located in Jongno-gu and is particularly easy to reach by subway. Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, Exit 5 is only a short walk from the palace entrance.
And if you're already planning to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong or the Blue House area, Gyeongbokgung fits very naturally into the same day.
Read also: K-drama Filming Locations in Seoul
How Much Does Hanbok Rental Cost in Seoul?
Prices vary depending on the shop, rental duration and type of hanbok. For 2026, a reasonable budget is around:
- Basic / standard - ₩15,000–₩25,000
- Premium / themed - ₩25,000–₩40,000
- Full-day rental - ₩35,000–₩50,000+
- Hair styling - additional fee
These are general price ranges rather than fixed prices, since each rental shop has different packages. Current 2026 guides show standard rentals commonly starting around ₩15,000–₩30,000, with premium styles costing more.
A 3–4 hour rental gives you enough time to get dressed, explore the palace, take plenty of photos and possibly walk toward Bukchon afterward.
Read Also: 7D6N Seoul, South Korea Itinerary (2026)
What time should you visit Gyeongbokgung?
I'd recommend going in the morning if your main goal is photos.
The palace opens at 9:00 AM, with seasonal closing times. For example, from June through August, it is open until 6:30 PM, while March through May and September through October it closes at 6:00 PM. The last admission is one hour before closing. Tuesdays are the regular closed day.
My ideal schedule
- 8:30–9:00 AM - Arrive near the rental shop.
- 9:00 AM - Rent your hanbok and get your hair styled.
- 9:30–10:00 AM - Walk to Gyeongbokgung.
- 10:00 AM onward - Explore the palace and take photos.
Going earlier also gives you a better chance of getting photos without huge crowds. When we visited, there was a Changing of the Royal Guards ceremony in front of the palace. Don't miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony! If your schedule lines up, try to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun. It's one of the more recognizable cultural experiences around Gyeongbokgung and makes a nice addition to the hanbok experience. Just remember that schedules can change, so check the current palace information before your visit.
Best photo spots inside Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Gwanghwamun Gate - the huge main gate of Gyeongbokgung and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seoul.
- Geunjeongjeon Hall - This is the main throne hall.
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion - The pavilion sits beside a large pond, making it especially pretty when the water is calm.
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion - a small hexagonal pavilion surrounded by water and greenery.
- Palace Corridors and Side Buildings - Some of my favorite hanbok photos can actually come from the quieter corridors, walls and smaller buildings around the palace.
What should you wear under a hanbok?
This is something I wish more first-time visitors thought about. Wear comfortable, simple clothing underneath. We went there post-winter season so I still wore my heat tech because it's super cold. I wish I rented a winter coat!
You'll be walking a LOT, and while the hanbok skirt hides most of your shoes, I'd still prioritize comfort over fashion when choosing footwear. Your feet will thank you later. Traditional hanbok shoes are cute, but you don't necessarily need them. If you're planning to spend several hours walking around Seoul afterward, comfortable sneakers are honestly the better choice. The palace grounds are large, and you'll probably walk more than you expect.
Is renting a Hanbok worth it?
For me, yes.
If you're already planning to visit Gyeongbokgung, the experience doesn't feel like you're paying solely for a costume rental because hanbok wearers can enter the palace for free. It's one of those tourist activities where the experience itself becomes part of the trip.
- Location - 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Nearest subway - Gyeongbokgung Station, Line 3, Exit 5
- Regular admission - ₩3,000 for foreign adults
- Hanbok admission - Free with qualifying complete hanbok
- Opening - 9:00 AM
- Closed - Tuesdays
- Rental budget - Around ₩15,000–₩40,000+
- Recommended rental - 3–4 hours; We rented ours for the whole day since Daehan Hanbok have huge discount if rented for the whole day vs 1 hour.
- Nearby Attracttions: Bukchon, Insadong, Ikseon-dong
Gyeongbokgung's current official visitor information lists the address, admission fee, seasonal hours and Tuesday closure, while the Cultural Heritage Administration provides the current hanbok free-admission requirements.
Final Thoughts
If you're visiting Seoul for the first time, I'd definitely put Gyeongbokgung Palace + hanbok rental on the itinerary. Yes, it's touristy. But sometimes the touristy things are popular because they're actually fun.
There's something really memorable about walking through one of Seoul's most important historical sites wearing a traditional Korean outfit, stopping every few minutes because "wait, this would make such a cute photo."
If you're planning your own Seoul trip, I'd set aside at least half a day for the experience. Don't rush through the palace just to check it off your list — take your time, explore the quieter corners, enjoy the architecture, take way too many photos, and then continue toward Bukchon or Insadong.
After all, you're already dressed for the occasion.
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