If you watch historical K-Dramas, you dream of walking through a grand palace wearing beautiful silk robes. In Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace makes that dream a reality.
It is the largest and most iconic palace from the Joseon Dynasty. However, it is not just a museum. It is a massive cosplay zone. Specifically, if you wear a Hanbok (Traditional Korean Dress), you get treated like a VIP.
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you how I paid for a ticket like a regular tourist while everyone else walked in for free.
The Facepalm Files: The Commoner
Flashback: 2 years ago. Gwanghwamun Gate.
I arrived at the palace wearing my comfortable hiking clothes. Naturally, I walked to the ticket booth and paid 3,000 KRW ($2.50). It was cheap, so I didn’t mind.
However, as I walked inside, I felt underdressed. Everyone around me—foreigners, Koreans, grandmas, babies—was wearing stunning Hanboks. They looked like kings and queens. I looked like a lost backpacker. Furthermore, I noticed they weren’t holding tickets. They just breezed through the gate.
I realized I had missed the memo. I was the only “commoner” in a sea of royalty.
Enter “Ssam” (The Historian)
I met Ssam later for coffee near the palace. “Ssam, why is everyone dressed up? Is it a holiday?”
Ssam pointed at a rental shop across the street. “Alice, wearing Hanbok isn’t just for photos. It is the Golden Ticket.”
He explained the Palace Rule: “If you wear Hanbok correctly, entry to all major palaces in Seoul is FREE. The government encourages it to keep traditions alive.”
Level 3 Wisdom: How to be a Joseon Princess
Don’t just rent any dress. Ideally, follow these tips to look your best in your photos.
1. The “Ring Skirt” Secret (Sok-chima)
When renting a Hanbok, ask for a “Ring Skirt” (Ring Sok-chima).
- What is it? A petticoat with a wire hoop.
- Why? It makes the skirt puff out beautifully like a ballgown. Without it, the skirt hangs flat and looks sad.
- Cost: Usually an extra 2,000 KRW, but totally worth it.
2. Hair Styling Service
Most rental shops offer free (or cheap) hair styling. Therefore, let them braid your hair and add pearl pins or ribbons (Daenggi). Short hair? No problem. They have headbands (Bae-씨-daenggi) that make you look cute instantly.
3. Timing: The Changing of the Guards
Plan your visit around 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM.
- The Event: The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony happens at Gwanghwamun Gate.
- The Vibe: It involves colorful flags, drums, and soldiers in traditional uniforms. It is majestic and free to watch.
Level 4: The Deep Dive (Ssam’s Insight)
(Why is this palace so important?)
The Phoenix from the Ashes
Gyeongbokgung is beautiful, but it has a tragic scar. Historically, it was destroyed not once, but twice.
1. The Imjin War (1592) During the Japanese invasion, the palace was burned down. It stood as ruins for nearly 300 years until it was rebuilt in the 19th century.
2. The Colonial Era (20th Century) During the Japanese colonial period, they demolished 90% of the palace buildings to wipe out Korean spirit. They even built their government building right in front of it to block the view.
Consequently, what you see today is a result of massive restoration efforts that started in the 1990s. Walking through Gyeongbokgung is not just sightseeing; it is witnessing Korea’s resilience and determination to reclaim its history.
Alice’s Bottom Line: Rent the Dress
Don’t be shy. No one will think you are weird. In fact, Koreans love seeing foreigners appreciate their culture.
Spend the $20 on a rental. Get the free entry. Take the photos. For a few hours, you get to own the palace.
Survival Hangul: Palace Edition
- “한복 대여 얼마예요? (Hanbok dae-yeo eolma-yeyo?)”
- Meaning: “How much is the Hanbok rental?”
- “속치마 주세요. (Sok-chima juseyo.)”
- Meaning: “Please give me the underskirt (for volume).”
- “머리 해주세요. (Meori hae-juseyo.)”
- Meaning: “Please do my hair.”
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