Renting Hanbok Near Gyeongbokgung: My Firsthand Experience, Prices & Tips

Wondering what it’s really like to rent hanbok in Seoul? Here’s what I learned from visiting a rental shop near Gyeongbokgung Palace, from choosing an outfit to prices, accessories, and practical tips.

Walk around Gyeongbokgung Palace on a sunny day, and you’ll see colorful hanbok everywhere.

Couples pose beneath palace gates. Friends compare embroidered skirts. Families stop for photographs against the beautiful backdrop of traditional Korean architecture.

If you’re looking for hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung, here’s what the experience is actually like.

I visited a hanbok rental shop near Gyeongbokgung to find out.

Here’s what I learned about choosing an outfit, rental prices, what’s included, and the practical details worth knowing before your visit.

A little K-drama inspiration: If you enjoyed Love in the Moonlight, you might also like my reflections on the cast’s tenth-anniversary reunion.

Read: Love in the Moonlight Reunion — Ten Years Later →

Where I Rented Hanbok Near Gyeongbokgung

On my visit, I rented hanbok from a shop called Gureumi (구르미), just across the street from Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The palace was about a three-minute walk away, making it easy to get dressed and head straight over for photographs.

There are plenty of other hanbok rental shops in the surrounding streets, too, so Gureumi is not your only option.

I visited without a reservation and was able to choose my hanbok on arrival.

That made the experience feel surprisingly easy. I could simply walk in, browse the available styles, and take my time deciding what I wanted to wear.

My experience: Walk-in rental was available when I visited. If you’re traveling with a large group or have a specific outfit in mind, it’s worth checking with the shop in advance.

Choosing My Hanbok: So Many Colors, So Many Possibilities

The first thing that caught my attention was the sheer variety of colors and styles.

Soft pastels, vivid jewel tones, delicate embroidery, flowing skirts—there was so much to choose from that deciding on an outfit was almost the hardest part of the experience.

One thing I particularly liked was being able to mix and match the skirt and jeogori, the traditional Korean jacket.

Rather than choosing only from complete outfits, I could put together a combination that suited my own taste.

If you’re renting hanbok for the first time, don’t feel pressured to choose the most elaborate design.

Try a few color combinations, see how they look together, and choose something you feel comfortable wearing.

After all, you’ll be walking around the palace in it—not just standing still for one photograph.

Hanbok Rental Prices at Gureumi

These are the rental prices I photographed at Gureumi Hanbok during my visit. They apply specifically to Gureumi, not to other rental shops such as Hanboknam.

Hanbok rental option	Duration	Price
Women’s Hanbok — B-Type	2 hours	₩28,000
Men’s Warrior / Noble Hanbok	2 hours	₩28,000
Men’s King / Prince Hanbok	2 hours	₩30,000

Prices are based on the posted rates during my visit and may change. Please confirm current prices and package inclusions directly with the rental shop.

The shop offered different hanbok styles, including royal and warrior-inspired outfits for men.

If you’ve ever wanted to dress like a king or a prince for your palace photographs, those options are available too.

What’s Included in the Rental?

The changing area was convenient, and being able to leave my belongings in a locker made walking around the palace much easier.

I would recommend bringing only what you actually need for your visit, particularly if you plan to take lots of photographs.

A phone, a small bag, and comfortable shoes will go a long way.

What About Men’s Hanbok?

Hanbok rental isn’t just about flowing skirts and elaborate hairstyles.

There were also plenty of men’s outfits, including warrior, noble, king, and prince-inspired styles.

Some packages included traditional hats and other accessories to complete the look.

For couples, families, or groups of friends, choosing outfits together can become part of the fun.

You don’t necessarily need perfectly matching colors, either. Coordinating a few complementary shades can look lovely in photographs.

Will You Feel Awkward Wearing Hanbok in Public?

Not around Gyeongbokgung!

One of the nicest surprises was how natural it felt.

There were hanbok-clad visitors everywhere, taking photographs, walking through the palace grounds, and exploring the nearby streets.

Honestly, it felt a little like Halloween in reverse: you might feel more out of place being the only person not dressed up.

Of course, you don’t have to wear hanbok to enjoy Gyeongbokgung.

But if you’ve been curious about trying it, the palace area is a wonderfully welcoming place to do so.

You won’t be the only person adjusting a flowing skirt, comparing colors with a friend, or stopping for one more photograph.

When Is the Best Time to Rent Hanbok?

I would choose a day with mild, comfortable weather.

Hanbok can feel warm and less comfortable during Seoul’s hot, humid summer, especially if you plan to walk around the palace for a couple of hours.

In winter, you may need a heavy coat that covers the very outfit you were so excited to wear.

Spring and autumn are particularly appealing for a leisurely palace visit and outdoor photographs, although checking the day’s forecast is still a good idea.

And don’t forget about your shoes.

You may be tempted to focus entirely on how the outfit looks, but Gyeongbokgung is a large palace complex. Comfortable footwear can make a real difference.

A Few Practical Tips Before You Go

Good to know: Wearing hanbok may qualify you for free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Check the official hanbok admission guidelines and current palace hours before your visit.

Want to Book a Hanbok Experience in Advance?

I rented my hanbok at Gureumi without a reservation, but if you prefer to plan ahead, you can also explore bookable hanbok experiences near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Here are two options available through Klook:

1. Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung — Hanbok Rental

Hanboknam offers traditional, themed, and premium hanbok rental packages near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The shop also offers children’s hanbok for ages 24 months and older, although children’s rentals are charged at the same rate as adults.

Basic hairstyling, an inner skirt, and storage are included in the listed rental packages. Additional accessories may cost extra.

Check Hanbok Rental Options & Prices on Klook

2. Hanboknam — Premium Hanbok & Photoshoot Packages

Want professional photographs to remember your hanbok experience?

Hanboknam also lists packages combining premium hanbok rental with indoor or outdoor photography, as well as rental-only options.

Be sure to select a package that specifically includes photography, as not all options include a photoshoot.

Explore Hanbok & Photoshoot Packages on Klook

Note: My firsthand experience in this article is with Gureumi. The Hanboknam options above are additional booking alternatives that I have not personally tried. Please check current prices, package inclusions, and booking conditions before reserving.

Affiliate disclosure: These links are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

My Hanbok Rental Checklist

Before heading to Gyeongbokgung in hanbok, here are a few things I’d keep in mind:

• Check the weather — You’ll spend most of your time outdoors.
• Wear comfortable shoes — Gyeongbokgung is much larger than it looks.
• Bring only the essentials — A phone and a small bag are usually enough.
• Allow time to choose your outfit — With so many colors and styles, this can take longer than expected.
• Ask what’s included — Hair accessories, bags, lockers, and styling may vary by rental package.
• Confirm the return time — Rental prices are usually based on a set number of hours.
• Check current prices before visiting — Rates and package inclusions can change.
• Leave time for photos — Once you’re dressed, you’ll probably want more photo stops than you expected.

My tip: Don’t rush the outfit choice. Trying different color combinations was one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.

Is Renting Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Worth Trying?

If you enjoy traditional Korean culture, photography, or simply trying something different while traveling, renting hanbok can be a lovely addition to a day at Gyeongbokgung.

For me, the experience was enjoyable partly because it was so easy to arrange.

I didn’t need to plan every detail in advance. I could choose an outfit, get ready, leave my belongings behind, and walk over to the palace.

And once I arrived, wearing hanbok felt far less unusual than I had imagined.

You don’t need to be a K-drama fan or know much about Korean history to enjoy the experience.

Sometimes, it’s simply fun to see a familiar place from a different perspective.

Whether you’re visiting Seoul for the first time or returning to explore it a little differently, a hanbok experience at Gyeongbokgung is one of those memories you can make entirely your own.