Hanboks in Seoul, South Korea

Renting or Buying Hanboks in Seoul, South Korea

Amber in a Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea

Renting a Hanbok

There are many places to go and rent a Hanbok in Seoul.  Most are near the palaces and touristy areas.  They are very popular for tourists to come and rent a Hanbok to wear and visit the palaces (I will go into more detail another time as to why) or to visit the many teahouses located nearby.  Going to a traditional style teahouse will allow you to have a similar experience as if you were living in the time and relaxing in a traditional style. Another place Hanbok-wearing people go is to visit the Hanok Villages or Korean Folk Village.  

Example of what a traditional teahouse might look like

Anyway, enough on all the places that you'll likely see people go wearing a Hanbok, now onto one that I know Amber and her friends used when they wanted to rent Hanboks.  They made an appointment and rented hanboks from 3355 Hanbok Rental (http://www.go3355.net/default/main/).  This place had many options for most sizes, however, it is possible to run out of certain sizes if they are busy or popular to wear that day.  They had Hanboks of many different styles.  They had simple designs, stylish designs, ones based on popular Korean Dramas, as well as Hanboks for kids. The prices range from what design you choose and how long you plan to rent it for.  You can also get your hair done in a style that would be typically seen or worn with that Hanbok.  If you aren't feeling done yet I know that you can get some accessories there as well.  They also offer the ability to buy time with a photographer if you are traveling alone or want someone to take photos for you and your group.

3355 Hanbok Rental Location

Amber's hair done at 3355 Hanbok Rental

Amber at 3355 Hanbok Rental

When Amber and her friends went they rented Hanboks, all except Amber (the reason is coming), had their hair done, and off they went to see the Palace and take photos themselves.  It was a great experience for her and her friends and one where it gave a little more of a feel of actually being at the Palace during the time when Hanboks were worn more.

Buying a Hanbok

If you have more time or want to own a Hanbok of your own you can go buy one at different Hanbok stores.  It all depends on what style you're looking for.  If you want a more traditional and want it to fit better, your best option would be going to Gwangjang Market and going upstairs to the Hanbok market.  But if you want one that's already done or looking for a more modern style you could try Insa-dong.  

If you're getting one tailor-made for you it could take time and you might not be able to get it done or have it ready before you depart.  If you get it already made or a modern style you will be able to take it when you buy it.  However, it may be harder to find your size if you're built bigger than the average person.

Now onto my story about Amber's experience.  She got a traditional Hanbok tailor-maid at Gwangjang Market from a very kind woman.  It is this one that she wore when her friends rented Hanboks and visited the Palace.  Amber also got one made by her that was a cross between the traditional style and a modern style, her mom also got one done like this by this amazing woman.

Gwangjang Market Locaiton

What the Hanbok stalls look like

Amber trying her Hanbok on after it was made

While her family was visiting, her sister and mom got some traditional and modern style skirts that could be worn as part of the day-to-day wear in Insa-dong from a really nice woman.

Insa-Dong Location

Now as for me,  I don't have a Hanbok.  I am smaller than the average size child and as such if I got one it'd be too big.  So at this time I don't have one and don't plan to get one.  Yes, I could wear a girl's Hanbok and it might fit but I am not a girl.  I would much rather wear a boy's Hanbok.  So for now, no Hanbok for me.

Thank you for reading and learning about renting or buying Hanboks from me.

-Travel