Top 5 Hanbok Photo Spots in Seoul｜Where to Rent & How to Get There

byLucky Honor • • 2 min read
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Looking for the best places to wear Hanbok and take dreamy photos in Seoul? From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Ikseon-dong, here’s your complete guide to photo spots, rental tips, and cultural etiquette for foreigners.
Two young Caucasian women wearing beautiful pastel Hanbok stand under blooming cherry blossom trees, smiling warmly as pink petals fall around them. Their elegant dresses, one in soft pink and the other in lavender with gold embroidery, blend perfectly with the spring scenery in a traditional Korean setting.

Wearing Hanbok isn't just for holidays anymore. It’s your passport to Korea’s past — and an instant upgrade for your travel photos.

In this guide, you’ll find the top 5 must-visit places in Seoul to wear Hanbok, how to rent it like a local, etiquette tips, seasonal styling advice, and even subway directions to each spot.



🧵 What Is Hanbok?

Hanbok is Korea’s traditional attire, known for its elegant lines and vibrant colors.
Originally worn for weddings and holidays, today it’s a popular cultural experience for tourists. The best part?
➡️ You can enter many palaces for free if you’re wearing Hanbok!



👘 Types of Hanbok

  • Traditional Hanbok: Full-length skirts, formal collars, and rich colors. Ideal for palaces.

  • Modern/Fusion Hanbok: Shorter length, pastel tones, or lace details. Perfect for cafes and Instagram spots like Ikseon-dong.



📍 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – The Royal Favorite

  • Vibe: Grand, royal, and iconic

  • Best photo spots: Gwanghwamun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, Hyangwonjeong Pavilion

  • Photo tips: Stand in the center of the gate for a queenly pose, or walk beside the pond with your skirt flowing

  • Rental info: Many shops near Exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station. Most staff speak English.

  • How to get there:
    🚇 Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 → Walk 2 min straight
    🎯 For rentals: Exit 4 alley

✅ Free entry to the palace when wearing Hanbok



🌸 2. Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley – Vintage Meets Trendy

  • Vibe: Old-meets-new with Hanok cafes and narrow alleys

  • Best photo spots: Red brick walls, tea houses, wooden doors

  • Photo tips: Hold a teacup, smile softly, or pose with a hanbok bag

  • Recommended Hanbok: Fusion Hanbok works best here

  • Rental info: Shops offer styling, accessories, and photoshoot packages

  • How to get there:
    🚇 Line 3, Anguk Station Exit 4 → 2-min walk to alley entrance



🏯 3. Bukchon Hanok Village – Most “Korean” Streetscape

  • Vibe: Peaceful neighborhood with traditional tiled roofs

  • Best photo spots: Bukchon 11 Views, Gahoe-dong uphill path

  • Photo tips: Walk up for back shots, or sit near windows

  • Etiquette tip: Be quiet — this is a real residential area

  • Rental info: Hanbok shops near Anguk Station or village entrance

  • How to get there:
    🚇 Line 3, Anguk Station Exit 2 → 5–10 min walk toward Bukchon Cultural Center



🌆 4. Naksan Park & Seoul Fortress Wall – Sunset + Hanbok = ❤️

  • Vibe: Less crowded hilltop views + Seoul Fortress Wall

  • Best photo spots: Sunset deck, fortress walls

  • Photo tips: Couple shots at golden hour, or looking over the skyline

  • Rental info: Rent at Hyehwa Station area before climbing the hill

  • How to get there:
    🚇 Line 4, Hyehwa Station Exit 2 → 15-min walk uphill to park entrance



🧧 5. Insadong & Ssamziegil – Artsy with a Traditional Touch

  • Vibe: Souvenir shops, calligraphy stores, craft booths

  • Best photo spots: Spiral walkway of Ssamziegil, hanging lantern walls

  • Photo tips: Pose with a fan or traditional purse

  • Rental info: Multiple shops around Anguk Station, some include indoor studios

  • How to get there:
    🚇 Line 3, Anguk Station Exit 6 → 3-min walk into main Insadong Street



🛍️ How to Rent Hanbok (Beginner Friendly!)

A young Caucasian woman smiles while browsing a row of colorful Hanbok dresses inside a traditional Korean rental shop. She gently holds a light pink Hanbok, surrounded by soft lighting and wooden interior details.

What’s included:
✔️ Hanbok (top + skirt)
✔️ Underskirt
✔️ Accessories (bag, hairpin)
✔️ Light hairstyling

Where to rent (English-friendly):

Price range:

  • 2 hours: ₩15,000–20,000

  • 4 hours: ₩25,000–30,000

  • Full day: ₩40,000+

💡 Book in advance on weekends or holidays. Discounts often available online.



✅ Hanbok Day Checklist

  • 🎒 Power bank & selfie stick

  • 🥿 Comfy shoes or rented flower shoes

  • 💄 Light makeup + cute hair accessories

  • 🌡️ Dress in layers if visiting during winter

  • 📸 Go early (before 10 AM) for less crowd



🧭 Related Travel Resources for Foreigners



🕊️ Cultural Etiquette Tips

  • 🤫 Be quiet in Bukchon & residential alleys

  • 🧼 Don’t sit on the ground in traditional areas

  • 🙏 Bow slightly when greeted by locals

  • 💬 “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hello) & “Gamsahamnida” (Thank you) go a long way!



🌦️ Seasonal Styling Tips

  • 🌞 Summer: Bring a fan & wear lightweight innerwear

  • ❄️ Winter: Heat-tech layers + coat over Hanbok

  • ☔ Rainy day? Go to indoor studios or covered palaces



📲 Best Hashtags for Hanbok Photos

#hanbok #koreatravel #gyeongbokgung #seoulphotospot
#hanbokrental #hanbokexperience #koreanvibes #seoulstyle

✨ Final Thoughts

Wearing Hanbok isn’t just about clothes — it’s about living history.
Capture unforgettable memories as you walk the streets of Seoul in timeless style.
Ready to dress like royalty? Let’s Hanbok!



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