KOREAN DRESS & CULTURE

Hanbok

Wear a little of Korea’s heritage.

Hanbok is Korea’s traditional clothing: flowing silhouettes, a short jacket and a skirt or trousers. Discover the pieces, choose a style and make time for a fitting before exploring a palace or hanok neighbourhood.

AI hanbok illustration · ivory jeogori and rose chima · not a real shop or venue
AI hanbok illustration · ivory jeogori and rose chima · not a real shop or venue

GET TO KNOW THE CLOTHING

A few names to know

01
A patchwork jeogori jacket, with a norigae ornament visible below.
A patchwork jeogori jacket, with a norigae ornament visible below.
Photo creditRepublic of Korea · Source · CC BY 2.0

Jeogori

The upper garment or jacket. Its collar and front fastening help define the hanbok silhouette.

02
A child’s hanbok on a museum figure: a striped jeogori above a red chima skirt.
A child’s hanbok on a museum figure: a striped jeogori above a red chima skirt.
Photo creditBrian Negin (bdnegin) · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0

Chima & baji

Chima is the skirt; baji are the trousers. They are worn with a jeogori to form a complete outfit.

03
A museum figure wearing a durumagi outer robe and jeongjagwan hat.
A museum figure wearing a durumagi outer robe and jeongjagwan hat.
Photo creditBrian Negin (bdnegin) · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0

Durumagi

An outer coat worn over the outfit. Ask your fitter which layers suit the weather and the style you choose.

Learn more: Visit Seoul’s guide to hanbok ↗

FIND YOUR STYLE

Tradition, worn your way

Full-length ceremonial hanbok at Lee Young-hee fashion show, KOCIS 40th anniversary, December 2011
Full-length ceremonial hanbok at Lee Young-hee fashion show, KOCIS 40th anniversary, December 2011
Photo creditKorea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service · Source · CC BY-SA 2.0

Traditional hanbok

Explore the jacket-and-skirt or jacket-and-trousers silhouette. Ask about the garment’s construction and how its ribbons and layers are worn.

Designer hanbok on the runway: Lee Young-hee’s 2011 KOCIS anniversary show.
Designer hanbok on the runway: Lee Young-hee’s 2011 KOCIS anniversary show.
Photo creditKorea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service · Source · CC BY-SA 2.0

Modern hanbok

Contemporary designers reinterpret hanbok for everyday wear and for fashion shows. The photograph shows ceremonial designs on a runway. If you plan to visit a palace, check that your chosen outfit meets its admission requirements.

Samjak norigae: a grouped pendant ornament with decorative tassels.
Samjak norigae: a grouped pendant ornament with decorative tassels.
Photo creditMar del Este · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0

Accessories & finishing

Ask the shop which hair accessories, bags or other pieces suit your outfit, and which are included in the rental. Choose a complete look that you can walk in comfortably.

MAKE IT PART OF YOUR TRIP

Where to try hanbok

Map links show nearby search results. Confirm availability, sizes and terms directly with your chosen shop.

YOUR FIRST FITTING

Before you rent

A few questions help you choose a comfortable outfit and leave enough time to enjoy it.

Convert a quote from Korean won ↗
  1. Confirm the complete price

    Ask about the rental duration, included accessories and styling, any deposit, late returns and damage charges.

  2. Check the fit

    Ask about available sizes. Walk, sit and use a step during the fitting; choose comfortable shoes and keep the hem clear of the ground.

  3. Ask for help with the layers

    Let the fitter demonstrate the fastenings and ribbons. Ask how to manage the outfit when walking or using the bathroom.

  4. Plan the return

    Note the shop location and return time. Check the weather, protect the fabric from food and rain, and keep paths clear when taking photographs.

VISITING A ROYAL PALACE

Check the hanbok admission rules

Qualifying hanbok can be eligible for free admission under the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center’s guidelines. Traditional and modernized styles are covered, but the outfit must include a jeogori and a skirt or trousers that meet the stated requirements.

An overcoat on its own, or a hanbok piece combined with ordinary jeans or a T-shirt, does not qualify. Check the official illustrated guidance and the arrangements for your chosen palace, tour or event before you rent.

Read the official hanbok guidelines ↗

FLOVA FILM · 60s · 9:16

Hanbok · Dress in Korean Colour

60 seconds · English narration · AI film made with Flova. An illustrative rental experience; no real shop or venue is depicted. Ask your attendant to fit your chosen outfit.

Your hanbok fitting, step by step

This guide introduces a skirt-and-jacket rental outfit. Hanbok also includes trouser styles and many other forms. Garment construction differs, so ask your rental attendant to help with the actual outfit you choose.

  1. 01 · Choose the outfit and layers

    Choose a size and style suitable for your plans and the weather. Ask which base layers, footwear, hair styling and accessories are included; do not assume every item is part of the advertised rental price.

  2. 02 · Have the skirt fitted

    With your base clothes on, ask the attendant to fit the chima and check that it stays secure and feels comfortable. Rental skirts may use different fastening systems; this is not a single fastening method for all hanbok.

  3. 03 · Put on the jeogori and finish the ties

    The jeogori is the upper garment; goreum are the ties that fasten it. Ask for help aligning the collar and securing the ties. Keep the upper garment properly worn when visiting a palace.

  4. 04 · Check walking, accessories and return time

    Try a few steps and check skirt length, shoes and any stairs on your route. Confirm the return time, storage, damage/late fees and optional extras. Check the specific palace’s current hanbok admission rules; wearing only part of an outfit does not automatically qualify.

Official clothing and palace guidanceNational Folk Museum of Korea ↗Royal Palaces and Tombs Center ↗