Short answer: For a first hanbok day in Seoul, choose the shop by the place you want to explore afterward. Gyeongbokgung is the simplest all-round option; Changdeokgung suits a quieter palace route; and Changgyeonggung works well if you want to pair two nearby palaces. Below are three established rental places with different starting points, plus the few details worth checking before you go.
| Choose this area if you want… | Start here |
|---|---|
| A palace, Bukchon and easy subway access | Oneday Hanbok — Gyeongbokgung |
| A large selection near Seoul’s main palace | Hanboknam — Gyeongbokgung |
| A less rushed eastern-palace walk | Gogungmasil — near Changgyeonggung |
How much does hanbok rental cost?
Plan on about ₩24,000–₩40,000 per person. The published prices below are a clear current example from Oneday Hanbok. Other shops can vary by outfit style, weekday offers and extras.
| Rental time | Example price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | ₩24,000 | One palace + Bukchon |
| All day | ₩32,000 | Palace, cafés and photos |
| 1 night / 2 days | ₩40,000 | A longer photo plan |
Allow extra for: premium outfits, special hats or vests, hair styling, late returns and, at some shops, a refundable deposit. Basic accessories are included in the above published example.
How a hanbok rental day works
Most rental shops help you select an outfit, add simple accessories and store your belongings while you visit nearby sights. Allow extra time for choosing and changing, especially on weekends. The big practical benefit: visitors wearing hanbok can enter Seoul’s four main palaces — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung — without the usual admission charge. Always check the palace’s opening day separately before committing to a rental.
1. Oneday Hanbok — for an easy Gyeongbokgung start
Best for: first-time visitors who want to step off Line 3, get changed, and begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Oneday Hanbok is about 50 metres from Exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, directly on the useful Line 3 route. Its English information clearly explains the rental process, prices, deposit and luggage storage, which makes this a particularly straightforward choice for visitors who do not speak Korean. Gyeongbokgung is across the road; Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwanghwamun Square and Samcheong-dong can follow naturally once you have finished at the palace.
- Address: B1, 137 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Current published hours: daily 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; last rental 6:00 PM
- Useful to know: booking is not mandatory, but the shop recommends it for weekends and holidays. A passport or passport photo and a refundable cash deposit may be required.
Check Oneday Hanbok’s current rental details ↗
2. Hanboknam — for a bigger Gyeongbokgung selection
Best for: groups, varied sizes, or travellers who want traditional and modern-style options in one large shop.
Hanboknam’s Gyeongbokgung branch is another practical starting point near the palace. Korea’s official tourism site describes a collection of more than 1,000 garments across several floors, with options ranging from traditional hanbok to more contemporary designs. It is a sensible pick when choice matters more than following a specific palace route. The location also makes it easy to rent first and decide between Gyeongbokgung, the National Palace Museum area, Bukchon, or nearby cafés afterward.
- Address: 133-5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Current published hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; last admission 6:30 PM
- Useful to know: rental fees vary by outfit and package, so check the current online options before you go.
See the official visitor listing for Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung ↗
3. Gogungmasil — for Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung
Best for: travellers who prefer a palace-focused route away from the busiest Gyeongbokgung entrance area.
Gogungmasil sits close to Changgyeonggung Palace and gives you a useful starting point for visiting both Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung. This makes it the most logical choice here for an eastern Jongno palace day. Changdeokgung’s historic setting and garden are a strong reason to choose this route, but plan around its entry rules and any separate tickets for the Secret Garden rather than assuming the hanbok benefit covers every area.
- Address: 229 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Current published hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; it may stay open later on palace night-opening days
- Useful to know: the official listing says the shop is closed on Mondays; confirm before travelling.
See the official visitor listing for Gogungmasil ↗
What to check before you rent
- Choose the palace first. A rental near the gate saves time and makes returning the outfit simpler.
- Check closures. Seoul’s palaces close on different days, so a rental shop being open does not mean your intended palace is open.
- Ask about the return time. “Full day” does not always mean you can return after the shop closes.
- Bring a small bag. Shops often store luggage, but you will still want water, a portable charger and a layer for cool weather.
- Be considerate in Bukchon. It is a residential neighbourhood, not an open-air theme park. Keep voices low and follow local visitor guidance.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Oneday Hanbok if clear English guidance and a quick Line 3-to-palace start are your priorities. Choose Hanboknam if your group wants the widest on-site choice near Gyeongbokgung. Choose Gogungmasil if Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung are the heart of your day. The outfit is only one part of the experience; keeping the route short is what makes the day relaxed.
FAQ
Do I get free entry to the palace when I wear hanbok?
Visitors in hanbok receive free admission to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. Some special areas or programs can have separate rules or tickets.
Do I need to reserve a hanbok?
Not always, but reservations reduce the chance of waiting or finding fewer choices on weekends, holidays and peak travel periods.
Can I wear hanbok in Bukchon Hanok Village?
Yes, but remember that Bukchon is a residential area. Keep noise down, respect restricted lanes and do not block entrances while taking photos.
Last verified: August 21, 2026. Rental prices, opening hours, deposits and palace access rules can change; use the linked official pages to confirm before your visit.