A Step Back in Time: My 2025 Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Photo Shoot Review

So you’re thinking about doing one of those hanbok photo shoots at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. I get it, you know, because I was literally in the same boat just a few weeks ago. You’ve probably seen the pictures online; they’re almost everywhere, right? People are standing there looking so poised against these massive, ancient gates, and it all seems pretty much like a fairy tale. Well, I’m here to tell you what the whole thing is actually like, to be honest. It’s more than just putting on a pretty dress and smiling. I mean, the entire process is sort of an adventure in itself, full of choices and little moments that make it a truly personal experience. It’s something that I think everyone visiting Seoul should really think about doing at least once.

First Things First: Actually Picking Your Hanbok

Okay, so the very first part of this adventure is picking out your outfit, which is frankly a bigger deal than you might think. As I was saying, you walk into one of the rental shops near the palace and, honestly, your jaw just kind of drops. There are racks and racks of them, like, literally a rainbow of fabric. You see bright pinks, deep blues, and shimmering golds, and it’s almost a little bit paralyzing at first. You’re sort of just standing there wondering where on earth to begin. Anyway, the sheer amount of choice is just incredible.

Basically, you find out there are two main types. You know, you have the more traditional hanboks, which are often in softer, more muted colors and have a very classic, elegant shape. Then, on the other hand, you have what they call “theme” hanboks. These are the ones that are a little more extra, you know? They have more gold foil, lots of lace, and sometimes the skirts, or chima, are way more billowy. At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice; it’s just about the feel you’re going for. I sort of hovered between the two for a while before I chose a theme hanbok in a deep green color with some gold details. It just felt right, you know?

Now, getting dressed is a team sport, seriously. This is not a simple slip-on-and-go situation. First, you get a special petticoat to go underneath, which is what gives the skirt that very full, bell-like shape. Then the staff helps you into the jeogori, the little top jacket, and ties all the ribbons just so. As a matter of fact, they’re incredibly skilled and get it all done very quickly. They’ll probably offer to do your hair too, often in a simple, traditional braid with a pretty ribbon, which I think is a really nice touch. It completes the look so, pretty much, you’re all set.

Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace: More Than Just a Pretty Backdrop

Walking through the main Gwanghwamun Gate and into the palace grounds while wearing the hanbok is, frankly, a pretty wild feeling. You sort of feel like you’ve been dropped onto the set of a historical drama. All the modern city sounds just kind of fade away, and instead, you hear the crunch of gravel underfoot and the light chatter of other visitors, you know? It’s almost like you’ve been given a special key to see the palace in a different way. Actually, it stops being just a tourist site and starts feeling like a real place, which is really cool.

“In that moment, standing before the throne hall, you’re not just a tourist. You know, you’re part of a story that’s been going on for hundreds of years. It’s pretty special, actually.”

And there is so much story here, you know? Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built way back in 1395. As you wander around, you’re walking through the same courtyards and past the same pavilions where kings and queens lived their lives. In a way, wearing the traditional clothes helps you connect to that history more deeply. For instance, standing in front of the main throne hall, Geunjeongjeon, you can almost picture the royal ceremonies that took place right there. I mean, it adds a whole layer to the visit.

Alright, so on a more practical note, this place is massive. Seriously, you will do a lot of walking. I cannot stress this enough: wear very, very comfortable shoes. No one is going to see them under the long skirt, so just go for your comfiest sneakers. As a matter of fact, your feet will thank you by the end of the day. Also, most rental shops will give you a little purse that matches your hanbok, so you can carry your phone and wallet without lugging around a big, modern backpack that would sort of ruin the look.

The Photo Shoot Itself: Finding the Perfect Spots

Now for the main event: taking the photos. You can totally just use your own phone, and you’ll still get amazing shots, obviously. The palace is just that photogenic. But, to be honest, hiring a photographer for an hour or two can make a huge difference. These guys know the place inside and out. They know which gates have the best light at what time of day, and they know about little, quiet corners that you’d probably just walk right past. So, they just make the whole thing much more efficient and polished.

My photographer took me to some spots that were just incredible. For instance, the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, which is this beautiful hexagonal pavilion that seems to float on a lotus pond, is an absolute must. You have to get a photo there, pretty much. We also went to the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which is a massive open-sided hall built over a pond. It was where they held big royal banquets, and the scale of it is just so impressive. We found some less-crowded areas with beautiful painted walls and intricate latticework doors that made for really nice, detailed shots, you know?

I will admit, posing felt a little bit silly at first. I mean, what do you do with your hands? How do you stand? The photographer was great, though. He’d just say simple things like, “Okay, now look over at the mountains,” or “Just gently hold the ribbons of your jacket.” He made it feel very natural. He also got a lot of candid shots of me just walking or looking around, and honestly, those are some of my favorites. They just feel a little more real, sort of capturing the feeling of the moment.

Was It Actually Worth It? A Sincere Look Back

So, after you’ve returned the hanbok and are scrolling through the hundreds of pictures on your phone, you might ask yourself if it was worth it. Was it just a kind of elaborate dress-up game for social media? For me, the answer is a definite no; it was absolutely more than that. In a way, it’s a very unique cultural experience. You get a tiny little taste of what life might have felt like centuries ago, and you gain a whole new appreciation for the beauty and grace of Korean tradition. At the end of the day, that’s what sticks with you.

Let’s talk money, because that’s obviously a factor. Basically, the hanbok rental itself can range in price, typically from around 15,000 to 50,000 KRW for a few hours, depending on how fancy you go. A photographer will be an extra cost, of course. But here’s a great tip: if you are wearing a hanbok, your entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace is completely free! You just walk right in, which is a really nice bonus. In other words, you save a little money that you can maybe put toward a nice tea or coffee afterwards.

Frankly, the feeling you’re left with is what makes it so valuable. It’s not just about the beautiful photos, although they are a pretty amazing souvenir. It’s about the memory of swirling that big skirt around, of feeling the fabric, of seeing the palace through a completely different lens. It’s a very active, engaging way to experience history instead of just passively looking at it from behind a velvet rope. Honestly, it’s one of those travel memories that becomes a story you tell for years to come.

A Few Extra Pointers for Your Own 2025 Trip

Okay, so if you’re sold on the idea, here are a few final tips from me to you. The time of day you go is really important, you know? Mornings are definitely less crowded. I mean, if you can get there right when the palace opens, you’ll have some areas almost to yourself for a little while. The time of year is also a big deal. Spring, with all the cherry blossoms, and autumn, with the incredible foliage, are probably the most picturesque seasons, as a matter of fact. Summer can be very hot and humid in a layered hanbok, and winter can be quite cold, so just be prepared.

Next, you might want to think about booking your hanbok rental online ahead of time. A lot of the more popular shops offer their booking online, sometimes with a little discount. This is especially true if you are planning to hire a photographer; you absolutely want to book them well in advance, because the good ones get snapped up quickly, especially on weekends or during peak season, you know?

Here are just a few key takeaways for a great experience:

• Wear your most comfortable shoes. Seriously, I can’t say it enough.
• Book your hanbok rental and any photographer online, ahead of time.
• Check the weather forecast before you go; it really makes a difference.
• Go as early in the morning as you possibly can to beat the crowds.
• Just relax and have fun with it. At the end of the day, it’s about making a happy memory!

Read our full review: [Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Photo Shoot 2025 Full Review and Details] See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Reserve Your Seoul Hanbok Rental Now])