Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in a Rental Hanbok

Ever dreamed of stepping into a period K-Drama scene? At Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can — in a Hanbok, no less. For travelers who want to experience Seoul’s most iconic palace and K-culture at the same time, I’ve got you!

As a Seoul travel expert who has been featured on Arirang TV, I’ve visited Gyeongbokgung more times than I can count, and two of those times, I went in rental Hanboks. Now, I’m here to help you do the same.

Learn how to rent a Hanbok, when to go, how to get your tickets (the coveted night visits included), and what to see inside, so there are no questions left unanswered by the time you get to Gwanghwamun!

Is It Worth Wearing a Hanbok to Gyeongbokgung?

The Joseon Dynasty ruled the Korean Peninsula for over 500 years, with 27 generations of kings. It’s had so much influence on Korean culture that it has been featured countless times in popular media.

Naturally, as the Joseon Dynasty’s main palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace remains one of the biggest attractions in Seoul today. What better way to visit it than to step completely into the Joseon days, outfit included!

Wearing a Hanbok to Gyeongbokgung is so worth the experience. I say you have to do it at least once, or you’ll end up wondering what-ifs every time you see other people do it. And a lot of them do!

Your Guide to Renting a Hanbok

There are countless (and I mean COUNTLESS) Hanbok rental shops around Gyeongbokgung Palace. If anything, you’ll have to worry about which one you should choose!

I highly recommend Daehan or Hanboknam as they have countless varieties for you to choose from, including premium Hanboks, which are made with high-quality fabrics.

The fairytale-like, transparent-looking Hanboks in pastel colors are the premium ones. The skirts are bigger and are cut into strips. So, if you’re dreaming of your dress flying like a Disney princess inside the palace, the premium one is the way to go.

To get a premium Hanbok, plan to arrive an hour or so early to make an appointment, then come back at your appointment time. They will dedicate an entire team to get you dolled up!

Hanbok Dress

When renting a Hanbok, you’ll choose the skirt first, as the pattern and color will define which jacket you wear. Once you’ve decided on a skirt, the store staff will usually help you pick out a few jacket options that fit best with your skirt of choice.

Hairstyling

The stores also get your hair done for you. Each store usually provides several styling options, some free and some at an extra cost. If you’re renting a premium Hanbok with Hanboknam, the cost you pay will cover everything, including any hairstyle you choose.

How to Get to Gyeongbokgung

First, you need to know how to get to Gyeongbokgung. I don’t believe you’d need to go straight there from the airport, but just in case, I’m sharing both how to get there from within the city and from Incheon.

From Seoul

Getting to Gyeongbokgung is amazingly easy if you’re already in Seoul. You can either take the metro line 3 (orange) to Gyeongbokgung station or line 5 (purple) to Gwanghwamun station.

From Incheon Airport

Airport Shuttle Buses

There are airport shuttle buses that go directly to different parts of Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung (Line 6011). It costs from 9,000-16,000 KRW, depending on whether you choose the normal or deluxe option.

The only difference between them is that the deluxe version does fewer stops.

Nervous traveler? Learn all about buying tickets and boarding the buses, and save yourself the stress!

The Metro

You can also take the metro straight from the airport to Gongdeok station, transfer to line 5 (purple), then get off at Gwanghwamun Station.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: Visitors’ Information

The palace has a few different opening hours depending on the season, and a few different admission pricing. Pay close attention so you don’t misplan!

Opening Hours

• Wednesday-Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday-Monday (summer hours): 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday: Closed

Admission Fees

• Adult: 3,000 KRW (US$2.24)
• Children (Ages 7-18): 1,500 KRW
• Children (Age 6 and under): Free

NOTE: Entry is FREE if you arrive wearing a rental Hanbok, regardless of age.

Special Section: Gyeongbokgung Night Opening

Did you know that Gyeongbokgung opens for night visits twice a year? Once in the Spring and again in the Fall, for about 50-60 days, the palace becomes accessible at night. And let me tell you… The night view hits different.

Gyeongbokgung Night Opening: Visitors’ Information

• Opening Period (Spring 2026): Coming in May. Official dates to be confirmed soon!
• Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last admission at 8:30 PM)
• Admission Fee: 3,000 KRW (Still free for Hanbok-wearers. Hah!)
• Ticket Reservation: Global Interpark

On-site Ticketing (Foreigners Only)

I know… The online tickets sell out really quickly. It’s a bit discouraging, but we foreigners have a second shot at getting in, and I’ll tell you exactly how!

• Number of Tickets: 300 available per day
• Ticketing Begins: at 6:40 PM at the ticketing booth (line up an hour before)
• First Admission: 7:00 PM (sometimes earlier, I got in at 6:45!)
• What You’ll Need: Passport, Money, and Patience

This is actually a lot simpler than you’d imagine. Before the palace closes to day visits at 6 PM, the outer courtyard will remain open to visitors. Wait around there until you see the line starting to form in front of the ticketing office, and then join in!

People started lining up at around 5:40 when I was there, so it was about an hour wait. Well worth it!

The most important thing is to bring your passport. They won’t sell you the ticket without it!

Joining Guided Tours in Gyeongbokgung

You have a few different options for guided tours. There’s surely one that will work for your plans!

Free Guided Tours (Day Visits Only)

Gyeongbokgung Palace offers FREE guided tours. Once you’ve bought your ticket (or not if you’re in a Hanbok), head straight into Heungnyemun Gate and look for a guided tour sign.

• English Tours: 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM
• Duration: 60-90 minutes

Only 30 people are allowed on each tour, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. So, arrive a bit early to make sure you get a spot for the tour time you want.

Just a heads up, these tours are packed with so much historical and cultural information, you will be dizzy by the end. And they also have to move fast, so don’t worry about taking photos yet.

I suggest you pay attention to the best of your ability during the tours. You can always retrace your steps to take the photos later without having to leave the palace first.

Paid Tour Options (Day Visits Only)

Below are some paid options that I think are worth your money.

Morning Palace and Temples Walking Tour

Another good one at a very reasonable price. On this 3-hour tour, you get to visit Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Ginseng Museum. Pick the full-day option and you’ll get to enjoy lunch in Insadong, followed by a visit to Namsan Tower as well.

Cultural Walking Tour: Gyeongbokgung and Vicinity

Couldn’t care less for Ginseng? This tour takes you to Gyeongbokgung and the Folk Museum, but swaps out the Ginseng museum for Bukchon Hanok Village.

What to See in Gyeongbokgung Palace

In case it helps relieve you of the information attack on tours when you visit, I’ll briefly list out each of the most important buildings inside and what they are as an intro.

The Changing of the Guards

Don’t miss out on the most important performance of the palace! Unlike other Changing of the Guards that I’ve seen in other places, you’ll actually get narrations in 4 different languages explaining what’s going on.

• Show Times: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration: 15-20 minutes

Gwanghwamun (광화문)

The “South Gate” is Gyeongbokgung’s main gate, which, along with Gyeongbokgung Palace, was left in ruins and abandoned for over 200 years between the 16th and 18th centuries after an Imperial Japanese attack in 1592.

The current gate was last renovated in 2010. With mountains in the background, it looks quite majestic from the outside when you take a walk along Gwanghwamun Square.

Heungnyemun (흥례문)

The palace’s inner gate stands directly inside Gwanghwamun and acts as the last layer of defense before you reach the throne hall.

From 1925 to 1997, Heungnyemun was replaced by the Japanese General Government Building, which was intentionally built inside the palace to destroy the Korean spirit during the annexation.

Geunjeongjeon (근정전)

This is the main throne hall where the Joseon kings used to conduct important state business, receive foreign envoys, and hold royal court meetings.

Notice the painting behind the throne of 5 mountain peaks and the moon and sun… This exact drawing will follow the king anywhere, and it symbolizes the mythical role the royal family played in the Joseon era.

Sajeongjeon (사정전)

One level deeper into the palace is the King’s Executive Office. Here, the Sojeon kings would study Chinese classic literature and hold routine cabinet meetings.

Gangnyeongjeon (강녕전)

Another level past the Executive Office, Gangnyeongjeon was the king’s private quarters where he spent his nights and resting periods. Sometimes, he would summon cabinet members over for private meetings here as well.

Gyotaejeon (교태전)

Behind the king’s quarters are the queen consort’s quarters. Whenever candidates for the crown princess consort position are in the final round, the queen will summon them here to be tested intellectually.

There is also a nice little garden behind this building. Because the women of the palace usually weren’t allowed outside, they would usually take relaxing walks there.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (경회루)

This is probably the most famous sight inside the palace. Gyeonghoeru was a banquet hall where the kings hosted foreign envoys. The pavilion is surrounded by a beautiful pond and is a very popular photo spot.

Other Sights Around Gyeongbokgung

• The National Folk Museum of Korea
• Statue of King Sejong: The 4th king of the Joseon dynasty, who invented the Korean alphabet
• Deoksugung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Gyeonghuigung Palace
• Jongmyo Shrine
• Cheongwadae (Presidential Blue House)

Recommended Restaurants Nearby

• Economical Option: Ramyeon Ttaenggineun Nal
  • This place is literally 4 little tables squeezed in facing the wall. If you want privacy, this is where you get it. If you want amazing Ramyeon (Korean ramen), this is where you will get it as well!
  • Address: 82, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Mid-Range Option: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu
  • If you’re a foodie with enough patience to wait in line a little bit, this place’s knife-cut noodles have a Michelin Bib Gourmand badge to show for it. Absolutely delicious!
  • Address: 78 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno District, Seoul,
• Upper Mid-Range Option: Man Jung
  • Even though I’m calling it the upper mid-range option, I managed to have a very filling meal at only $20, which is considered reasonable for someone from LA… And the service here is amazing!
  • Address: 124-2, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Premium Option: Maple Tree House
  • Imagine the sleekest, cleanest Korean BBQ place you can think of, and it’s probably Maple Tree House. The cost may cut you deep, though… Best to come with friends and split the bill.
  • Address: 130, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Recommended Cafés Nearby

This place is the best option to chill. It’s in a Korean traditional building, so you’ll get the whole Gyeongbokgung vibe. The milk soft serve is to die for. There is coffee as well.

• Baekmidang – Samcheong Branch
  • Address: 48, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Do Koreans Actually Wear Hanboks to the Palace?

They do! Unlike us foreigners who do it for the gram in palaces, they wear Hanboks to all sorts of other places, too. It seems to be a popular dating activity.

So, wearing a rental Hanbok is not a hyper-touristy activity at all. Sure, a lot of tourists do it, but it’s not something only tourists do while the locals think we’re crazy, if you know what I mean!

Final Thoughts

The area around Gyeongbokgung Palace, called Samcheongdong, is easily the richest part of Seoul, culturally and historically speaking. I would dedicate a day or more to exploring everything.

But thankfully, because it’s so easy to get to via the metro, you can always return another day.

I would make time on the itinerary to visit at night as well. It’s not something you want to miss!

Especially curated for history nerds:

• Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden
• Changgyeonggung: The Hidden Gem
• Deoksugung: Seoul’s Imperial Palace
• Gyeonghuigung: Seoul’s Quietest Palace
• Which Hanok Village Should You Visit?

Browse the rest of my guides on the main South Korea Travel Page.

Plan the Rest of Your Trip

To help with the rest of your planning, check out my list of things to do in the city and how to enjoy Seoul at night. Don’t forget to learn some basic Korean phrases just in case, as well as some important dos and don’ts while in South Korea, before you arrive!

Finding a Place to Stay in Seoul

Use the map below to look for the right hotel, hostel, or guest house for you. If you’re not sure which neighborhood you should stay in, check out my guide on the neighborhoods before searching.

Common Questions

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