K-pop stans and K-drama heads dreaming of visiting Seoul – pop culture Mecca and shopping haven – will have heard of this quirky fact: visitors to four of Seoul’s major palaces can enter for free, provided they wear a hanbok!
According to Seoul’s Royal Palace and Tomb Center , visitors wearing both upper and lower hanbok garments in the proper, traditional manner can enjoy free admission to four palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung.
But is it worth it? Let’s take a look:
How much are palace admission tickets?
As of August 2026, the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center lists ticket prices as:
| Palace | Price (KRW) | Price (MYR) | Price (USD) |
| Changdeokgung Palace | 3,000 won | RM8.64 | $2.12 |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | 3,000 won | RM8.64 | $2.12 |
| Changgyeonggung Palace | 1,000 won | RM2.88 | $0.7 |
| Deoksugung Palace | 1,000 won | RM2.88 | $0.7 |
| TOTAL | 8,000 won | RM23.04 | $5.67 |
*Prices and exchange rates accurate as of Aug 2026
Besides paying for individual tickets, you can also purchase the Royal Palace Pass (6,000 won/RM17.40) at the ticket office of each palace, which gives you access to all palaces plus Jongmyo Shrine.
The pass is also valid for six months from the date of purchase, so no worries if your schedule changes.
Free admission is also available to children aged 18 and below along with seniors aged 65 and above. Entry is also free on Culture Day on the last Wednesday of every month.
How much does a hanbok rental cost?
Hanbok rentals are easy to find around the shopping paradise of Seoul, and according to Google Maps, there’s almost twenty of them conveniently located around the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palace complexes, with many more unlisted ones around.
Since prices can vary wildly depending on hanbok type, accessories, rental length, add-ons and more, here are some rough estimates from three popular hanbok rental places:
| Store | Price Range | Note |
| Daehan Hanbok | 9,800 – 34,000 won (RM 28 – 100) | Budget rentals with a large selection in a convenient location. Official Websites | Google Maps |
| Seohwa Hanbok | 24,000 – 40,000 won (RM70 – 116) | Mid-range rentals that includes basic accessories. Booking required. Official Website | Google Maps |
| Studio KJD | 50,000 – 100,000 won (RM145 – 290) | Premium rentals that includes accessories. Also offers studio and outdoor photoshoots. Booking required. Official Website | Google Maps |
*Prices and exchange rates accurate as of Aug 2026
So is it worth it?
On one end, a budget, no-frills hanbok rental will set you back around 9,800 won (RM28) while giving you free entry into four Seoul palaces.
If you go without hanbok, paying standard tickets for all four palaces will cost 8,000 won (RM23.04). Going for the Royal Palace Pass is even cheaper at 6,000 won (RM17.40).
The math is clear: a Royal Palace Pass saves you a pretty RM11 over a budget hanbok rental or buying each ticket individually, making it the best choice for budget travellers.
So, that’s it right?
But you’re forgetting one important thing – dressing up in hanbok is just FUN!
Sure, saving a few ringgit is fine and all, but what’s the point of a holiday in Korea if not making memories with some pretty, handsome and memorable hanbok selfies – right in the middle of Korea’s most picturesque palaces?
So, if you can afford it, take the leap and rent a hanbok.
But here’s another question – do you really need to visit all FOUR palaces?
Should you visit all four palaces anyway?
Seoul’s palaces are some of Korea’s most prestigious historical and cultural gems, but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to visit all of them.
Your itinerary and hanbok rental time limit might limit you to just one or two palaces.
Plus, these huge palaces require a lot of walking, which might be a bit too taxing in hanbok. This is especially so in rough weather like the summer heatwave that’s been scorching Korea lately. Just in case, here are some tips on how to survive a heatwave.
So to help you decide, here’s a quick lowdown on what each palace is about:
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The very first palace built during the Joseon Dynasty and Seoul’s largest surviving palace, Gyeongbokgung is wildly popular with tourists looking for both size and spectacle, particularly at its massive square with the impressive Geunjeongjeon Hall.
Changdeokgung Palace
One of only four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seoul, Changdeokgung was the preferred home of the Joseon kings.
Despite its smaller size, it more than makes up for it with a gorgeous Confucian garden dubbed Secret Garden along with extensive green spaces. Entry to the garden requires a separate ticket, however (5,000 won/RM14.50).
Located right next to Changyeonggung Palace, 15 minutes away by bus.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Built by King Sejong for his retiring father King Taejong, it would later be the living quarters of many queens and concubines. Located just east of Changdeokgung.
Deoksugung Palace
Located a bit further south from the above three palaces, Deoksugung is a stylish blend of wooden Korean pavilions, western brick buildings, and selfie-friendly streets lined by stone walls and leafy trees. Also home to various museums.
Jongmyo Shrine
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jongmyo boasts a pedigree as the oldest royal Confucian shrine in Korea. It still holds royal memorial rituals that date all the way back to the 14th century. Located just south of Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung.
If you’re a UNESCO buff, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine are 100% must-visits. And since Changgyeonggung is right next door to both, you might as well slot it in too. And while you’re at it, don’t forget that Malaysia has six whole UNESCO sites too!
For selfie fanatics, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are both excellent photo ops thanks to their massive courtyard and lovely gardens respectively. Deoksugung also offers a unique western contrast to go with your hanbok. On the other hand, Jongmyo is an easy pass since it’s mostly a historical curiosity. To take some great selfies, make sure to read up on our photography basics plus photography tips and tricks!
But if you can only visit ONE, then the classic Gyeongbokgung Palace or picturesque gardens of Changdeokgung should be more than enough.
Verdict
So, to sum things up:
Skip the hanbok rental + free entry if:
- you’re a budget Malaysian traveler hoping to stretch your ringgit
- you don’t really care for selfies or bragging rights
- you’re only visiting one or two palaces at most
But do consider renting a hanbok if:
- you want some memorable photo souvenirs
- you want to immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture
- you want to look just look amazing while sightseeing
- you don’t mind paying a little bit extra for a fun day out
Still hungry for tips? Consider checking out our 10 Budget Travel Tips for the Malaysian Traveller. Or, for inspiration, how about a budget autumn holiday in Europe?
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