Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Must-Visit Spot for Hanbok Photos in Seoul

When you're visiting Seoul in South Korea, one experience I absolutely enjoyed is my visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace in a traditional hanbok. This iconic palace is not to be missed as it offers a breathtaking scenery, great spot for photos, which I hired a photographer for and a glimpse into Korea’s royal past.

Why Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. It translates to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven" and it lives up to the name—from the grand gates to the intricate details of its wooden eaves. Whether you're into architecture, history, or just looking for that perfect Instagram moment, this place has it all.

One of the highlights of visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is witnessing the traditional Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony which is held daily at 10am & 2pm at the main Gwanghwamun Gate, this  ceremony recreates the guard changes that took place back in the Joseon Dynasty.

Where did I get my Hanbok?

I decided to rent my hanbok from The Artist Hanbok, a popular rental shop located just minutes from the palace. The best part? No advance booking needed! We simply walked in, browsed the selection before deciding, and got dressed on the spot.

I paid only RM100 for 3 hours of premium hanbok and I had free hair styling included & free handbag rental to complete the look as they also run different promotions every month, so you might need to check their current promos depending on when you visit. 

Tips for the Palace Experience

- Go early for the best lighting and to avoid crowds, I was there by 10am!

- Wear comfortable shoes cause the palace is big!

- Visits during cherry blossom or autumn fmakes it extra magical photos  

- Pair it with a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village nearby – it’s another hanbok-friendly photo spot!

How to Get to Gyeongbokgung Palace

📍 By Subway:

- Line 3 → Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5) – directly leads to the palace  

- Line 5 → Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2) – a short walk away

🎟️ Entrance fee:

- 3,000 KRW for adults or it's FREE when you wear a hanbok!

Final Thoughts

Wearing a hanbok while walking through Gyeongbokgung Palace felt like stepping back into the past. The experience with The Artist Hanbok was seamless and memorable—I highly recommend it to anyone looking to create stunning travel memories in Seoul.

Would you try this on your next Korea trip? Let me know in the comments!