REVIEW · SEOUL
Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Hanboknam · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Renting a hanbok here feels oddly efficient.
I love that Hanboknam keeps it simple: you get free hairstyling plus a 1 full hanbok set to wear right away. The selection is huge, with 1,000+ options in sizes from baby to adult XXL, so you’re not stuck choosing from a tiny rack. And the staff help you pick something that fits the look you want and show you how to wear it so it actually looks right.
Two other things I’d put on your must-do list: the rental process is fast and clear, and the storage setup is genuinely practical. You’ll get free lockers and free large suitcase storage, which means you can travel light while you explore. Add the free inner skirt, and you’re not scrambling to hunt for comfort basics before heading out.
One consideration: the shop gets busy from 9am to 12pm, and the time you spend choosing your hanbok and doing hairstyles is separate from your rental time. Also, if you miss the return time, there’s an additional rental fee—so keep an eye on the clock.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Where Hanboknam Is and How to Find It Fast
- What the $14 Hanbok Rental Covers (and why it’s good value)
- Choosing from 1,000+ Hanbok Styles without second-guessing
- Getting Styled: Hairstyling + Inner Skirt + Real Wearability
- Peak Hour Timing: 9am to 12pm is the busy window
- Using Your Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace for Free
- Beyond the Palace: Walking the Traditional Streets in Full Costume
- Sizes, Kids, and What You Should Expect
- What I’d Watch For: Clothing quality and return timing
- Who This Hanbok Experience Fits Best
- Should You Book Hanboknam Hanbok Experience?
- FAQ
- Where is Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Palace Shop?
- How much does the hanbok experience cost?
- What’s included in the rental?
- Are lockers provided?
- Is hairstyling included?
- Do you get free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
- Are there different hanbok styles to choose from?
- What happens if you return the hanbok late?
Key highlights you’ll feel right away

- 1,000+ hanboks in sizes XS to XXL (plus kids options from 1 year old) so you can find a real fit
- Free hairstyling included, with accessories available for an extra cost
- Free inner skirt so your hanbok sits correctly and feels more comfortable
- Free lockers and large suitcase storage, easy for day-trip sightseeing
- Staff tips on choosing and wearing your hanbok (so you don’t end up adjusting the whole day)
Where Hanboknam Is and How to Find It Fast

The meeting point is Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Palace Shop at 133-5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The big practical win: it’s about 1 minute walk from Gyeongbokgung station (Line 3), exit 4. There’s a yellow building you can look for, which makes last-minute navigation a lot less stressful.
If you’re the type who likes to arrive early and breathe, this location helps. You’re close enough to swing by, get set up, and still have plenty of daylight for photos and palace walks. Just don’t rely on asking random nearby shops for directions. Use the station exit and the yellow building reference.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seoul.
What the $14 Hanbok Rental Covers (and why it’s good value)

At $14 per person, the price makes sense because the core experience is covered: you rent a full hanbok set, and you also get hairstyling plus an inner skirt. You also get a locker for your clothes, with large suitcase storage available for free.
Here’s why I think that matters: hanbok rentals can turn into a hidden-cost situation when you need extra underlayers, hair help, or somewhere to put your bag. This package covers the stuff that usually slows you down or adds fees. You’re ready faster, and you can spend more time actually wearing the hanbok outside.
Then there’s the bonus that makes this feel like more than just a costume rental: if you wear a hanbok to Gyeongbokgung Palace, your admission tickets are free of charge. That single benefit can easily offset a lot of the rental cost, especially if you were planning to visit the palace anyway.
Choosing from 1,000+ Hanbok Styles without second-guessing

The selection is what makes this place work for a lot of people. You’re looking at over 1,000 hanboks, with sizes ranging from XS to XXL. That means you’re not forced into one “default” outfit just because it’s the only thing that fits.
You’ll also see options in different style directions:
- Basic Hanbok: closer to traditional shapes with simple, colorful designs
- Themed Hanbok: options like queen, king, and scholar styles, plus a chance to act the part like a character
- Premium Hanbok: richer, more luxurious materials and a layered skirt, including a silk wedding hanbok option
What I like about this structure is that it helps you choose faster. If you know you want a classic look, you can start with Basic. If you want the “drama scene” photo vibe, you can go themed. If you want extra visual impact and you don’t mind going premium, that’s an option too.
The staff tips also matter here. They’ll guide you on which hanbok to choose and how to wear it, which can be the difference between a hanbok that looks great in photos and one that looks like it’s fighting you all day.
Getting Styled: Hairstyling + Inner Skirt + Real Wearability

A lot of hanbok experiences sell the outfit, but the fit and comfort come from details. Here, you get an inner skirt for free. That’s a huge practical piece because it helps the hanbok sit properly and usually makes walking feel easier.
On top of that, you’ll get free hairstyling. You can also choose to use accessories, but those are an extra cost. If you want a cleaner budget, skip accessories and enjoy the free styling. If you want that fully finished look, add them.
One detail to plan around: the time needed for choosing your hanbok and making your hairstyle does not include your rental time. In plain terms, your “do it at the shop” process has its own timeline. So if you have a strict schedule, start earlier rather than assuming everything will be perfectly timed.
Peak Hour Timing: 9am to 12pm is the busy window

From 9am to 12pm, the shop hits peak hours. This matters because hanbok selection + fitting + hair styling can take longer when the line grows.
My practical advice: if you want a calmer experience, aim to arrive slightly before the rush or later in the day. If you arrive during peak time, be ready for a bit of waiting—even if the process is generally smooth.
Also keep your eyes on the return time. There’s an additional rental fee if you don’t return your hanbok at the designated time. That’s normal for rentals, but it’s easy to forget when you get caught up walking around in a palace outfit.
Using Your Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace for Free

This is the part that turns the rental into a full experience: when you wear the hanbok to Gyeongbokgung Palace, your palace admission tickets are free of charge. That’s a big deal for value.
Practically, this means you should plan your day around getting ready first, then using the outfit outside. Once you’re dressed, the palace visit becomes more than sightseeing. It’s a different way of seeing the space—especially when your clothing matches the setting.
Quick tip: check the palace opening hours before you go. Hanbok on a schedule is great, but a closed gate is a bummer. Aim your rental start time so you still have plenty of time at the palace.
Beyond the Palace: Walking the Traditional Streets in Full Costume

After you’re dressed, you’re set up for photos and slow walks—classic Seoul views, palace grounds, and traditional-style streets. The whole point is to get the look and then actually use it outside, not just wear it for a quick minute inside the shop.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Wear comfortable shoes underneath and move slowly at first while you adjust
- Take your time early for photos before crowds build
- Plan a light day if possible, because hanbok day is all about style + movement
If you’re hoping for the full “royal court” feeling, themed hanboks are especially fun. The queen/king/scholar options give you a character role, and the staff help you get the fit right so it reads well in photos.
Sizes, Kids, and What You Should Expect
You can choose sizes from XS to XXL, and there are children’s hanbok options from 1 year old. That flexibility is a real advantage if you’re traveling as a family or if you want the best match rather than an approximation.
The shop is set up for day-long wear, with storage so you don’t have to lug everything around. Once you’re fitted and styled, you can focus on walking and sightseeing rather than packing and repacking constantly.
What I’d Watch For: Clothing quality and return timing

Most of what I’d call out is practical rather than dramatic. One note from feedback is that the quality of the clothing could be improved for some people. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but it does suggest that you should expect variation depending on which hanbok you choose.
If you care a lot about fabric feel or the exact condition of details, take a quick look before you leave the shop. Choose confidently with the help of staff tips, and don’t be shy about asking what style they recommend for your goal.
The other item is the return rule: there’s an additional rental fee if you don’t return on time. When your day is built around the palace, it’s easy to lose track of time. Set a reminder so you finish sightseeing with enough buffer.
Who This Hanbok Experience Fits Best
I think Hanboknam is a smart pick if you want:
- A straightforward Gyeongbokgung Hanbok rental near the station
- Hairstyling included without paying extra
- A practical storage setup so you can walk around easily
- A plan that connects directly to the free palace admission perk
It’s also a strong choice for families. Kids’ options start from age 1, and the storage helps parents keep the day manageable.
If you’re on a super tight schedule, show up with time to spare for selecting and styling. The process steps and your rental time don’t fully overlap, so early planning helps.
Should You Book Hanboknam Hanbok Experience?
Yes, if you plan to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and want a hanbok that’s ready to wear fast, this is a good value play. The free hairstyling, free inner skirt, and free storage take away a lot of the usual headaches. Add the free palace entry when you wear your hanbok, and the math is usually in your favor.
Book it especially if you care about getting the look right. The staff guidance on how to choose and wear your hanbok is the kind of help that makes the difference between a costume that looks awkward and one that looks like it belongs in the palace.
Only hesitate if you’re aiming for maximum quiet and minimal waiting during your day. 9am to 12pm is busy, and the shop process time is separate from rental time—so a rushed arrival can make the day feel tighter than you expect.
FAQ
Where is Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Palace Shop?
It’s at 133-5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and it’s about a 1-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung station (Line 3) exit 4. The shop is in a yellow building.
How much does the hanbok experience cost?
The price is $14 per person.
What’s included in the rental?
You get 1 full set of hanbok to rent, free hairstyling, a free inner skirt, and locker storage.
Are lockers provided?
Yes. You get free lockers, and there is also free large suitcase storage.
Is hairstyling included?
Yes, hairstyling is included. Accessories are available for an extra fee.
Do you get free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Yes. If you wear the hanbok to the palace, the admission tickets are free of charge. Be sure to check the palace opening hours before you go.
Are there different hanbok styles to choose from?
Yes. You can choose among Basic, Themed (queen/king/scholar), and Premium options, including a silk wedding hanbok.
What happens if you return the hanbok late?
An additional rental fee is charged if you do not return your hanbok at the designated time.























