{"id":13217,"date":"2026-08-20T16:30:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T08:30:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=13217"},"modified":"2026-08-20T16:30:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T08:30:55","slug":"renting-hanbok-worth-free-entry-seoul-palace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/renting-hanbok-worth-free-entry-seoul-palace\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it worth renting a hanbok for free entry into Seoul’s palaces?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

K-pop stans and K-drama heads dreaming of visiting Seoul \u2013 pop culture Mecca and shopping haven<\/a> – will have heard of this quirky fact: visitors to four of Seoul’s major palaces can enter for free, provided they wear a hanbok!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Seoul’s Royal Palace and Tomb Center <\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But is it worth it? Let\u2019s take a look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much are palace admission tickets?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Myeongjeongjeon Hall at Changgyeonggung Palace. Photo: Basile Morin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As of August 2026, the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center<\/a> lists ticket prices as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palace<\/strong><\/td>Price (KRW)<\/strong><\/td>Price (MYR)<\/strong><\/td>Price (USD)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Changdeokgung Palace<\/td>3,000 won<\/td>RM8.64<\/td>$2.12<\/td><\/tr>
Gyeongbokgung Palace<\/td>3,000 won<\/td>RM8.64<\/td>$2.12<\/td><\/tr>
Changgyeonggung Palace<\/td>1,000 won<\/td>RM2.88<\/td>$0.7<\/td><\/tr>
Deoksugung Palace<\/td>1,000 won<\/td>RM2.88<\/td>$0.7<\/td><\/tr>
TOTAL<\/strong><\/td>8,000 won<\/td>RM23.04<\/td>$5.67<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Prices and exchange rates accurate as of Aug 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides paying for individual tickets, you can also purchase the Royal Palace Pass<\/strong> (6,000 won\/RM17.40) at the ticket office of each palace, which gives you access to all palaces plus Jongmyo Shrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pass is also valid for six months from the date of purchase, so no worries if your schedule changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does a hanbok rental cost?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: zero take<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hanbok rentals are easy to find around the shopping paradise<\/a> of Seoul, and according to Google Maps, there\u2019s  almost twenty of them conveniently located around the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palace complexes, with many more unlisted ones around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Store<\/strong><\/td>Price Range<\/strong><\/td>Note<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Daehan Hanbok<\/td>9,800 \u2013 34,000 won
(RM 28 – 100) \u00a0<\/td>		Budget rentals with a large selection in a convenient location.
Official Websites<\/a> | Google Maps<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Seohwa Hanbok  <\/td>24,000 \u2013 40,000 won
(RM70 \u2013 116)<\/td>		Mid-range rentals that includes basic accessories. Booking required.
Official Website<\/a> | Google Maps<\/a> \u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Studio KJD  <\/td>50,000 \u2013 100,000 won
(RM145 \u2013 290)<\/td>		Premium rentals that includes accessories. Also offers studio and outdoor photoshoots. Booking required.
Official Website<\/a> | Google Maps<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Prices and exchange rates accurate as of Aug 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So is it worth it?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
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Photo: Anna Oliinyk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, that\u2019s it right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you\u2019re forgetting one important thing – dressing up in hanbok is just FUN!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: South Korean Government<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sure, saving a few ringgit is fine and all, but what\u2019s the point of a holiday in Korea if not making memories with some pretty, handsome and memorable hanbok selfies \u2013 right in the middle of Korea\u2019s most picturesque palaces?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you can afford it, take the leap and rent a hanbok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But here\u2019s another question \u2013 do you really need to visit all FOUR palaces?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you visit all four palaces anyway?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seoul\u2019s palaces are some of Korea\u2019s most prestigious historical and cultural gems, but that doesn\u2019t mean you HAVE to visit all of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your itinerary and hanbok rental time limit might limit you to just one or two palaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s been scorching Korea lately. Just in case, here are some tips on how to survive a heatwave<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So to help you decide, here\u2019s a quick lowdown on what each palace is about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gyeongbokgung Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Basile Morin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The very first palace built during the Joseon Dynasty and Seoul\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changdeokgung Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Visit Korea<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of only four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seoul, Changdeokgung was the preferred home of the Joseon kings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located right next to Changyeonggung Palace, 15 minutes away by bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changgyeonggung Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Basile Morin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deoksugung Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Western-style Seokjojeon building at Deoksugung Palace. Photo: thailande-et-asie.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jongmyo Shrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: \ubb38\ud654\uc7ac\uccad<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a UNESCO buff<\/strong>, 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\u2019re at it, don\u2019t forget that Malaysia has six whole UNESCO sites<\/a> too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For selfie fanatics<\/strong>, 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\u2019s mostly a historical curiosity. To take some great selfies, make sure to read up on our photography basics<\/a> plus photography tips and tricks<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you can only visit ONE, then the classic Gyeongbokgung Palace or picturesque gardens of Changdeokgung should be more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Ethan Doyle White<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, to sum things up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skip the hanbok rental + free entry if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n