Where to Find Korean Traditional Clothes (Hanbok) for Foreigners
Your Complete Guide to Renting, Buying, and Experiencing Korea’s Beautiful Traditional Fashion
I still remember my first hanbok experience – standing in a tiny shop near Gyeongbokgung Palace, completely overwhelmed by the rainbow of silk and the kindness of the ajumma helping me tie the jeogori properly. That was three years ago, and since then I’ve rented hanboks probably fifteen times, bought two of my own, and even convinced my skeptical boyfriend to try one (he looked amazing, by the way). What started as tourist curiosity has become a genuine appreciation for one of Korea’s most beautiful cultural expressions.
Finding the right hanbok as a foreigner can feel daunting – there are rental shops on every corner, online stores with confusing sizing, and the eternal question of whether it’s better to rent or buy. After countless experiences and more than a few sizing mishaps, I’ve learned that knowing where to look and what to expect makes all the difference between a magical hanbok day and a stressful one. Whether you want a quick palace photoshoot or you’re ready to invest in your own piece of Korean artistry, this guide will help you navigate the wonderful world of hanbok shopping.
Rental Heaven: Perfect for First-Timers and Tourists
👑 Hanboknam: The Foreigner-Friendly Giant
Hanboknam is basically the gold standard for foreigners wanting to rent hanbok. With over 1,000 hanboks ranging from baby sizes to adult XXL, they accommodate everyone. Located just one minute from Gyeongbokgung Station, it’s incredibly convenient for palace visits.
What’s Included: Free hair styling, inner skirt, large suitcase storage, and friendly English-speaking staff who understand foreign customers’ needs. They even give you an extra 30 minutes to choose your hanbok without it counting toward your rental time.
Rental Options:
• Traditional Hanbok: ₩15,000-25,000 (4 hours)
• Theme Hanbok: ₩20,000-35,000 (colorful, fusion styles)
• Premium Character: ₩30,000-50,000 (king, queen, scholar costumes)
Pro Tip: Avoid the busy hours (9 AM-12 PM) for better selection and service. They’re open 9 AM-6:30 PM, closed Tuesdays.
📸 KDJ Studio: For Instagram Perfection
If you want exceptional quality and professional photos, KDJ Studio is where you want to go. They research traditional designs and recreate them with meticulous attention to fabric, embroidery, and historical accuracy.
Special Services: Professional photography packages, high-quality hanboks that look authentic in photos, and styling that makes you feel like you stepped out of a historical drama.
Location: Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, perfect for Bukchon Hanok Village photoshoots
Hours: 9 AM-9 PM daily
Reservations: Available 10 AM-6 PM in 1-hour increments
Best For: Serious photographers, special occasions, or anyone who wants museum-quality hanbok for their Seoul experience.
🎭 Princess Hanbok: Royal Treatment
Want to feel like you’re starring in your own K-drama? Princess Hanbok specializes in intricate luxury and premium hanboks that are absolutely fit for royalty. Their hanboks feature sparkles, lace, fake pearls, and elaborate embroidery.
Why Choose Princess Hanbok:
• Walking distance to Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon, and Ikseon-dong
• Elaborate accessories and styling included
• Perfect for special occasions and professional photoshoots
Price Range: ₩25,000-60,000 depending on hanbok complexity and rental duration.
💡 Rental Success Secrets
• Book Wednesday-Sunday: Some palaces close on Mondays, Gyeongbokgung closes Tuesdays
• Wear light clothes: Hanboks have thick layers and can get warm
• Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot
• Free palace entry: Wearing hanbok gets you free admission to all five grand palaces!
Buying Your Own: Investment in Korean Culture
🏪 Gwangjang Market: Traditional Bargain Paradise
Gwangjang Market is where locals go to buy authentic traditional hanboks. The second floor houses dozens of hanbok shops run by skilled artisans who’ve been perfecting their craft for decades. Prices are about 30% lower than fancy boutiques, and the quality is exceptional.
What to Expect: Traditional designs, natural fabrics, custom alterations available, and the authentic Korean market experience. Many vendors speak basic English or will use translation apps to help foreign customers.
Price Range: ₩200,000-500,000 ($140-350) for custom-made traditional hanbok
Timeline: 2-6 weeks for custom orders
Location: Jongno 5-ga Station, Exit 7 or 8
Best For: Serious collectors, wedding hanbok, or anyone wanting an authentic traditional piece with historical accuracy.
🌸 LEESLE: K-pop Star Approved
LEESLE is the contemporary hanbok brand that K-pop stars and celebrities actually wear. BTS, BLACKPINK, and other major artists have worn LEESLE pieces for music videos and award shows.
Design Philosophy: Modern hanbok that you can actually wear in daily life. Their pieces blend traditional silhouettes with contemporary fabrics and styling, making them perfect for special events or just feeling elegant.
Specialties: Modern hanbok dresses, men’s and women’s options, celebrity-inspired designs
Shipping: Worldwide delivery available
Website: leesle.kr (Korean language)
Perfect For: Fashion-forward buyers who want hanbok they can wear multiple times and occasions.
🛍️ Joteta: International Shopping Made Easy
Joteta is perfect for international buyers who want quality hanboks without navigating Korean websites. They offer handmade pieces by Korean artisans with English customer service and worldwide shipping.
Collections Available: Traditional adult hanbok, modern fusion pieces, baby hanbok for special occasions, and complete accessory sets including traditional shoes and hairpins.
Customer Service: English support, detailed sizing guides, authentic customer reviews
Quality: Handmade by Korean artisans using traditional techniques
Website: joteta.com (fully English)
Ideal For: International customers who want authentic hanbok with hassle-free shopping experience.
Budget-Friendly Options That Don’t Compromise on Beauty
🏮 Namdaemun Market: Cotton Comfort
Namdaemun Market offers incredibly affordable hanboks made from cotton instead of expensive silk. You’ll find hanboks in every color imaginable, with many shops offering custom fitting services.
Why Cotton is Great: More affordable, easier to care for, comfortable for all-day wear, and perfect for beginners who want to try hanbok without a huge investment.
Price Range: ₩80,000-200,000 ($60-140)
Additional Perks: Hair accessories, hanbok bags, customizable colors
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for best selection and personal attention
Perfect For: Budget-conscious buyers, first-time hanbok owners, or anyone wanting multiple pieces for different occasions.
🎨 Insadong Culture Street: Artistic Selections
Insadong’s hanbok shops focus on artistic and culturally significant designs. Many vendors offer discounts for multiple purchases, and you’ll find unique pieces with historical significance.
Cultural Value: These shops often work with traditional artisans and focus on preserving authentic hanbok-making techniques. You’re not just buying clothes – you’re supporting Korean cultural preservation.
Shopping Strategy: Walk the entire street first to compare styles and prices
Negotiation: Polite bargaining is acceptable, especially for multiple items
Added Value: Many shops include cultural education about your hanbok’s significance
Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone wanting a hanbok with a story and authentic craftsmanship.
Online Shopping: Hanbok from Around the World
🌍 The Korean In Me: Cultural Connection
This online platform offers much more than just hanbok sales – it’s a complete cultural education experience. With 20 years of heritage, they provide consultations to help you choose the perfect hanbok type and design.
Services Available: Custom consultations, sizing guidance, cultural education about your hanbok, and comprehensive care instructions. They also offer wedding hanbok, children’s hanbok, and modern fusion pieces.
Specialties: Traditional and modern hanbok, wedding collections, family sets
Customer Support: Personal consultation service
Website: thekoreaninme.com (English-friendly)
Best For: Serious hanbok enthusiasts who want to understand the cultural significance of their purchase.
💎 Ongozishin: Master Craftsmanship
For the ultimate in quality and authenticity, Ongozishin creates 100% Korean-made hanboks using naturally dyed cotton. Their master craftsman has over 40 years of experience and refuses to use non-Korean materials.
Philosophy: Every material must be sourced from Korea to maintain cultural authenticity. They specialize in comfortable, daily-wear modern hanbok that maintains traditional principles while being practical for contemporary life.
Specialties: Men’s hanbok, daily-wear women’s pieces, naturally dyed fabrics
Sizing: Gender-specific sizing with detailed measurement guides
Availability: Korea-only (use proxy shopping services)
Perfect For: Hanbok purists who want the highest quality and most authentic Korean craftsmanship available.
💸 Rent vs. Buy: Making the Right Choice
Rent if: One-time experience, visiting for photos, trying different styles, budget under $50
Buy if: Multiple occasions, special events, want authentic Korean fashion, budget over $150
Hybrid approach: Rent first to try styles, then buy your favorite type online!
Hanbok shopping as a foreigner in Korea is more than just acquiring beautiful clothes – it’s about connecting with a culture that values beauty, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whether you choose to rent for a magical day at the palaces or invest in your own piece of Korean artistry, you’re participating in a tradition that spans over 1,600 years.
What I’ve learned from my hanbok journey is that Koreans genuinely appreciate when foreigners show interest in their traditional culture. Every time I’ve worn hanbok, locals have complimented me, helped with adjustments, and shared stories about the significance of different colors and styles. It’s a beautiful form of cultural exchange that goes far beyond fashion.
The key to a successful hanbok experience – whether renting or buying – is understanding that you’re not just putting on a costume. You’re wearing a piece of Korean identity, a garment designed to reflect values of grace, modesty, and harmony. Approach it with respect and curiosity, and you’ll find that hanbok opens doors to deeper cultural understanding and unforgettable memories.
Embrace the elegance, honor the tradition, and create your own beautiful hanbok story in Korea! 👘✨🌸