Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Photoshoot & History Tour

Summary

Dress in hanbok stroll Gyeongbokgung Palace with a pro photographer and historian guide for real K-drama moments

You’ll step into vibrant hanbok at a rental shop near Gyeongbokgung Palace before wandering royal halls with a local historian who brings old stories to life. A professional photographer captures candid moments against palace pavilions and gardens (over 50 edited photos included). Expect laughter, cultural surprises, and a different view of Seoul you might carry home with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the rustle of silk — I was standing in front of a wall of hanboks, colors everywhere, not sure if I should pick something bold or just go for blue. The woman at the rental shop smiled and pinned my hair back with these tiny gold clips. It felt weirdly formal but also kind of fun, like I’d crashed someone else’s family portrait. Outside, Seoul was doing its usual thing — traffic noise, food smells — but as soon as we rounded the corner to Gwanghwamun Gate, it all went quiet except for our group shuffling along in borrowed shoes.

Our guide (Minji) had this way of telling stories that made even the old stones feel alive. She pointed at the dragons on the roof and said something about how they were meant to scare away bad spirits — then she laughed and admitted she used to think they looked more like cats when she was a kid. The professional photographer was already snapping away while we tried not to look too stiff. He kept saying “relax your shoulders!” which is harder than you’d think when people are watching. At one point he caught me mid-laugh after my friend tripped on her skirt hem; that ended up being my favorite shot.

Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, everything felt bigger than it looks in pictures — the painted beams overhead, the echo under stone archways, even the smell (old wood mixed with spring air). Minji explained how royal life worked here during the Joseon Dynasty, but honestly I got distracted by a little boy bowing so seriously to his grandmother in matching hanbok. We stopped by Gyeonghoeru Pavilion for more photos; there was this breeze off the pond that made my sleeves flutter and for a second I forgot about my phone completely. The whole thing took maybe three hours but it felt longer — in a good way.

I still think about walking out through those palace gates in costume while regular folks snapped pictures of us like we were celebrities or something. It’s silly but it made me see Seoul differently for an afternoon — slower, softer somehow. If you’re curious about Korean history or just want some really good photos (with no crowds breathing down your neck), this day trip at Gyeongbokgung from central Seoul is worth it. Just don’t wear uncomfortable shoes… trust me on that one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanbok rental and palace photoshoot tour

• Visit Hanbok rental store
• Pick Hanbok, dress up, hairstyling
• Photoshoot at Gwanghwamun Gate
• Historical explanation about Joseon Dynasty
• Enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for photoshoot
• Learn about Joseon ideology and culture
• Photoshoot at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
• Explanation of pavilion design and symbols

Top questions

Is hanbok rental included in this tour?

No, hanbok rental is optional and paid separately at around 35,000–45,000 KRW per person.

How many edited photos do I receive?

You’ll get over 50 edited digital photos via Microsoft OneDrive link (available for one month).

Where does the tour take place?

The main locations are Gwanghwamun Gate and inside Gyeongbokgung Palace in central Seoul.

Who leads the tour?

A professional English-speaking local historian who is also an experienced photographer leads the group.

What happens if Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed?

On Tuesdays (when Gyeongbokgung is closed), the tour visits Changdeokgung Palace and Ikseondong Hanok Street instead.

Is lunch included?

No meals are included; only entry ticket and photography service are provided.

Are strollers allowed?

No, baby strollers are prohibited inside the palace grounds during this tour.

How long does the tour last?

The experience takes about three hours including dressing time and photo sessions.

What’s included

Your day includes premium hanbok fitting at a nearby rental shop (optional extra), entry ticket to Gyeongbokgung Palace, guided storytelling from an English-speaking historian who doubles as your professional photographer, plus more than 50 edited digital photos delivered online after your visit—so you can relive those palace moments long after leaving Seoul.