Seoul: Professional Hanbok Photography at Gyeongbok Palace

Thinking of capturing a special moment in Seoul? For around $108 per person, this Hanbok photoshoot experience offers a blend of culture, professional photography, and a touch of royal flair at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Guided by Yong Kwon, an award-winning Korean photographer fluent in both English and Korean, you’ll enjoy a personalized session that combines a guided tour of the palace with a one-hour photoshoot in traditional attire.

We love how this experience goes beyond just taking pictures; it includes recommendations for high-quality Hanbok rental stores, a guided walk through the palace, and instant Polaroid prints to take home. It’s a true mix of culture, photography, and personalized service. One thing to keep in mind is that the Hanbok rental cost is not included in the tour fee, so budgeting around 40,000 to 90,000 KRW for the attire is wise.

This experience works best for those who want a professional, fun, and authentic way to remember their trip. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, if you appreciate guidance, quality photos, and local insights, you’ll find this offers excellent value. Just be prepared to arrive early to pick out your Hanbok and feel comfortable during the shoot, especially in Seoul’s summer heat.

Key Points

• Professional Guidance: Led by an award-winning local photographer fluent in English and Korean, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• High-Quality Photos: Includes at least 10 edited images, plus hundreds of unedited shots for selection.
• Cultural Experience: Combines a guided visit of Gyeongbokgung Palace with traditional Hanbok dress-up.
• Instant Keepsakes: Five Polaroid prints to take home on the same day.
• Flexible and Personalized: Includes outfit and location recommendations, with the option to extend the session.
• Value for Money: For around $108, you’re getting professional photos and a cultural experience that feels both authentic and personal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Logistics

The adventure begins at Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 4, a central and convenient spot in Seoul. Yong will be waiting there, easily recognizable by his camera bag and often sporting a black hat. The meeting point is straightforward, and the entire process is designed for ease.

The session involves meeting at the Hanbok rental store, choosing your attire, and then walking together to the palace entrance. The guide emphasizes arriving about an hour after your Hanbok rental appointment—so if your appointment is at 10:00 am, plan to meet Yong at 11:00 am. This allows ample time for Hanbok fitting, dressing, and a relaxed walk.

The Hanbok Rental

Choosing the right Hanbok can make or break your photos. Yong recommends renting at least 2 hours, especially if you want time to pick a style that suits your skin tone and matches your preferences. The rental store options he suggests tend to offer higher quality Hanboks compared to popular social media accounts and are less exhausted from overuse.

Prices vary from 40,000 to 90,000 KRW depending on the quality and design, so it’s worth investing a bit more for a beautiful, photo-ready outfit. The experience isn’t about the cheapest options, but rather about good quality that looks stunning on camera.

The Photoshoot

The main event lasts about one hour inside Gyeongbokgung Palace and surrounding scenic spots. Yong’s approach is very professional but relaxed, making sure everyone feels at ease. His reviews praise his guidance on posing, and he’s especially good at helping clients who may feel insecure in front of a camera.

Photographs include a minimum of 300 unedited shots, giving you plenty of options to choose from. You’ll also receive 10 fully edited images with color correction, skin retouching, and “Photoshop magic.” For added fun, you get five instant Polaroid prints—a charming vintage touch that many reviews highlight as a special souvenir.

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The Experience and Guidance

Yong’s reviews underline his knowledge of the palace, pointing out best spots for photos and helping clients find the perfect background. He also provides simple posing instructions, which makes even first-timers look natural and relaxed.

Several comments mention Yong’s friendly personality, patience in guiding clients, and attention to comfort, especially in Seoul’s often hot and humid summers. He even goes out of his way—for example, bringing fans and water or helping with outfit adjustments.

Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace

While the focus is on photos, the experience includes a brief guided tour of the palace grounds, which many find enriching. Yong shares insights about the location while guiding you to picturesque corners, ensuring your photos capture the spirit of the historic site.

The Return and Delivery

After the shoot, Yong accompanies clients back to the Hanbok store if there’s no immediate booking afterward. Photos are shared via email or WhatsApp within one to two weeks, allowing you time to select your favorite images. The process is straightforward, and many reviews mention how quick and efficient Yong is in delivering the photos.

Practical Details and Tips

Booking and Timing: It’s best to reserve at least a day in advance, especially during busy tourist seasons. Be sure to contact Yong for Hanbok recommendations—he’s well-versed in high-quality options. Arrive at the Hanbok store about an hour after your appointment to give yourself plenty of time to change.

What to Bring: Just your phone—Yong will take additional photos with it. All accessories and shoes are usually provided at the rental store. Remember, the rental fee isn’t included in the package, but the stores offer the best quality and selection.

Weather Considerations: If the weather forecast predicts rain or extreme heat, check with Yong about rescheduling. Several reviews mention the importance of choosing the right time to ensure comfort and great lighting.

Group Size: The experience is flexible; it works well for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups. For larger groups, Yong suggests renting extra Hanboks or extending the session.

Authentic Experiences and Review Highlights

The reputation of this tour is reflected in glowing reviews from travelers worldwide. People emphasize Yong’s professionalism, friendliness, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable.

One reviewer said, “Yong is an absolutely amazing photographer! Highly recommend!!!” Another shared, “He made sure I was comfortable, helped with poses, and the photos far exceeded my expectations.” The Polaroid prints receive special praise as a nostalgic, personal touch, making the experience truly memorable.

Many travelers appreciated Yong’s local insights, recommendations for good Hanbok stores, and guidance through the palace—turning what could be a simple photoshoot into a cultural adventure. The high-quality outfits and professional editing ensure your photos look radiant, giving you a keepsake that feels as special as the moment.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This Hanbok photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace is perfect for those who want more than just snapshots—it’s a full-fledged cultural experience. If you’re keen on professional guidance, high-quality images, and authentic Korean attire, this offers genuine value. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to capture Seoul in traditional dress with a local expert guiding the way.

Couples and families will enjoy the chance to create beautiful memories in a majestic setting, while solo travelers will appreciate the personalized attention and delicious photographs. Keep in mind the cost of Hanbok rental and plan your schedule accordingly for a relaxed, enjoyable session.

Overall, if you value professionalism, authenticity, and fun, this experience provides a wonderful blend of culture and photo memory—a delightful way to remember your time in Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve at least a day beforehand to ensure availability and coordinate with the guide.

Is the Hanbok rental cost included?
No, the rental fee is separate, typically ranging from 40,000 to 90,000 KRW depending on the quality and style.

What should I bring on the day?
Just your phone for additional photos. All accessories and shoes are provided at the rental store.

How long does the whole experience take?
Expect around 2 hours total—this includes Hanbok renting, walking to the palace, photoshoot, and returning to the rental store.

Can I extend the photoshoot?
Yes, it’s possible, especially if you want more photos or additional outfit changes. Contact Yong for options.

Will I get all the photos taken?
You will receive at least 300 unedited shots, plus 10 edited images, and 5 Polaroid prints.

Is this suitable for families or groups?
Absolutely. The experience is flexible and works well for individuals, couples, families, or small groups.

What if the weather is bad?
Check with Yong beforehand; he may suggest rescheduling or an alternative location like Changdeokgung Palace.

How long does it take to receive the edited photos?
Typically within one to two weeks after you make your selections.

Can I get makeup and hairstyling included?
Yong recommends a recommended store for these services, which many clients find convenient, but they are not included in the package.

In short, this Hanbok photoshoot in Seoul offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines professional photography, culture, and personalized service—perfect for creating lasting memories of your time in Korea.

You can check availability for your dates here: