We’ve done a lot of travel and South Korea marked our 51st country with five kids!  This means we’ve also visited a lot of palaces and historical landmarks.  Sometimes, the kids are over it before we even set out!  However, we landed after a red-eye flight in Seoul, and they were eager to spend some time outside before crashing in our hotel room.  We dropped our bags and headed out the door to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, just a short walk from our stay at the Koreana Hotel.

I’d heard some whisperings in my minimal research about renting costumes, but I had no idea what that even meant or if the kids would go for it.  I was thrilled as we approached the palace, seeing the costumes, called Hanbok.  They were so pretty!  

We found a guide and asked if we could also rent costumes, and if so, where.  He pointed us to the right street and said we could find our way around and get some costumes for sure.

Boy, was he right!  As soon as we were on the right street, the shops were plentiful and easy to understand.  

At first, I thought only our youngest would want to dress up, but all the kids got into it!  Many adults do as well, but we were visiting in July and I was already dying of heat, so I opted out.  Who wants me to sweat through their dress?!  Gross.

One of the best parts?  You get free entry into the Gyeongbokgung Palace if you are in a traditional Hanbok costume.  This isn’t enough cost savings to offset the costume rental, but I’d happily do the costumes anyway!  I found it so fun to visit the palace with the kids in the costumes of ancient royalty.  

A Quick Primer on Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung (often called the “Northern Palace”) is the grandest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. 

Framed by mountains, it’s sprawling and beautiful—easy to spend a full day if you’re fresh and the weather cooperates. It was built in 1395, served as the royal residence for centuries, was damaged and rebuilt multiple times (nearly destroyed in the 1500s), and has been carefully restored from the 19th century onward.

Family notes:

• Expect wide courtyards, long walkways, ponds, and pavilions—lots of room for kids to roam.
  
• There are gift shops and small cafés sprinkled around the grounds.
  
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens at the main gate on a posted schedule (typically morning and afternoon). If you can time it, kids love the colorful uniforms and drums.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace with Kids

We visited in mid-July, at midday, and… promptly bought a handheld fan at a convenience store. Hydration and shade breaks kept us functioning, but if you can avoid peak summer heat, do it.  I had no idea Seoul would be so warm.

• Spring (April–May): Blossoms and soft light for photos; very popular.  Expect higher crowds.
  
• Autumn (late Sept–Nov): Golden ginkgo and maple leaves—stunning.
  
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold (often below freezing) but quiet; a dusting of snow turns the palace into a postcard.  Dress warmly in layers and footwear.
  
• Summer (June–Aug): Hot and humid. Go early in the morning or late afternoon, build in breaks, and plan indoor time afterward.
  

Strollers are fine on the main paths (they’re flat and open), but some areas have steps or gravel. A lightweight travel stroller or carrier is best suited for this purpose.

What is the Hanbok Costume, and Can Kids Rent It?

Hanbok is Korea’s traditional clothing—flowing lines, vibrant colors, and elegant silhouettes. Women’s hanbok includes a fitted short jacket (jeogori) and a wide skirt (chima); men’s hanbok typically includes roomy pants (baji) and a longer vest/coat (jeogori/durumagi). Colors historically signaled age and status; today you’ll find everything from classic pastels to bold jewel tones.

You’ll see hanbok worn today at weddings, holidays (like Chuseok and Lunar New Year), and cultural ceremonies. Visitors often rent hanbok to explore palaces, and it genuinely elevates the experience (and the photos).

And yes– kids can totally get into this too!

Our boys loved the fact that they could carry swords!  The hats the boys wear are also represented in K-Pop, which we find as a fun connection now that we have a little girl watching this on repeat.

Kid highlights:

• Accessories: ribboned hairbands, tiny purses, embroidered shoes.
  
• For boys: hats and (plastic or foam) swords are a hit.

The costume represents grace, dignity, and harmony with nature. Colors often had meaning (bright colors for younger people, subdued tones for elders), but now you can choose any color you like!

Our Experience Renting Hanbok for the Kids

As I mentioned, we had no preparation for this experience, as I didn’t even know about it before we arrived.  We simply showed up and went into one of the rental stores! 

We walked into the first shop that looked organized, and many were. The staff were unfazed by our large group and had everyone dressed quickly.

Pricing & duration

• Typical options are 2–4 hours or all-day rentals.
  
• We used about 3 hours and paid around $100 total for five kids (your price will vary by style, fabric quality, and accessories). I think they gave us a deal for having so many kids.
  
• Rentals usually include lockers for your clothes and bags; some include basic hairstyling for girls and accessories for all.
  
  
  

Process

1. Choose colors/styles (staff guide sizing).
   
2. Change in private dressing rooms; store your belongings in a locker.
   
3. Add accessories (hair pieces, hats, small bags; shoes are often optional).
   
4. Pay and go—most shops are a short walk from the palace gates.
   
5. Return within your time window, change back, and you’re done.
   

Footwear tip: Palace days involve serious walking. We kept our own comfortable shoes rather than traditional rental shoes—and no regrets.

Heat tip: If you’re visiting in summer, ask for lighter-weight hanbok fabrics, bring mini fans, and plan a cool-down stop after.

Once we were done, we simply returned to the store, changed in the changing rooms, and were on our way!  The store is air-conditioned, a blessing in that heat, and offers cold water.

How Long to Spend Inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace with Kids in Tow

If you’re jet-lagged or it’s hot, two hours will give you the highlights without meltdowns:

• Gwanghwamun Gate (main entrance) and the broad approach
  
• Geunjeongjeon (throne hall) courtyard
  
• Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (by the water; gorgeous for photos)
  
• Hyangwonjeong Pavilion (smaller pond and bridge; shady spots)
  

Fresh day with good weather? Three to five hours is easy if you include the National Palace Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum of Korea (both on the grounds; the folk museum is especially kid-friendly).

Family Logistics: Getting There, Tickets, Facilities

• From Koreana Hotel: It’s an easy walk. It took us maybe 15 minutes of walking and we found a cute market on the way.  

If you’re elsewhere, take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station or Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station.

• Tickets: Posted at the gate. There are automatic ticket machines. Pay attention to the line signs as there are lines for all kinds of entries.

Hanbok wearers are currently admitted free (policies can change; check signage at entry). 

• Facilities: Restrooms are distributed across the grounds; cafés for drinks/snacks; potable water is not guaranteed—carry bottles or use a giant water bottle like me.

Other Activities Nearby (Make It a Half or Full Day)

• Bukchon Hanok Village: 10–15 minutes’ walk. Traditional houses, narrow lanes, great photos. Remind kids it’s a residential neighborhood—quiet voices!

I’ll be honest with you––we walked and tried to find this and could not.  As I discuss in this post, Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea and makes it really hard to find stuff.  We wandered around for a while, the kids getting increasingly grumpy, and finally gave up.

• Insadong: Artsy street with tea houses and souvenir shops; easy lunch stop.  We had a lovely brunch here.  The kids were so tired from the red-eye flight they actually fell asleep at the table!
  
• Gwanghwamun Square: Wide plaza, statues, and often family-friendly events.
  
• Cheonggyecheon Stream: Shaded urban stream with pathways; lovely cool-down walk.

If your kids catch the hanbok bug, you can also visit Changdeokgung (gorgeous Secret Garden tour) or Deoksugung (compact grounds and a popular guard ceremony near City Hall) on another day—hanbok is welcome at the other palaces, too.

Etiquette & Phrases to Teach the Kids in South Korea

Korean manners are simple and sweet—and kids pick them up fast.

• Two hands when giving/receiving items (or one hand with the other touching your forearm).
  
• Small bow or nod when thanking staff or passing through a gate guard.
  
• Shoes off when signs indicate; never step on raised thresholds in traditional buildings.

Helpful phrases:

• Hello: 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo)
  
• Thank you: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
  
• Not spicy, please: 안 매운 거 주세요 (anjeo maepge juseyo)
  

Money & Practicalities in South Korea

• Cards vs cash: You can use a credit card most places, but keep some cash for street food and small purchases. ATMs inside subway stations were the most reliable for us.
  
• Transport: Get T-Money cards (one per person, child pricing available) at convenience stores with cash; tap in/out on bus and subway.
  
• Weather kit: Handheld fans in summer; layers, hats, and heat packs in winter; sunscreen and water always.
  

Photo Tips (a.k.a. How to Make the Most of the Hanbok Moment)

• Early or late: Softer light, fewer crowds, happier kids.
  
• Anchor spots: Main gate, throne hall courtyard, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion bridge.
  
• Groupings: One full-family shot, then break into pairs/individuals so no one melts while 20 photos are staged.
  
• Candid > posed: Twirls, walking across courtyards, peeking through pillars—hanbok shines in motion.

What We’d Do Differently Next Time to Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace with Kids

• Time it better: We’d go right at opening, which is not usually our style, (or an hour before closing) to beat heat and crowds.
  
• Plan the guard ceremony: Check the day’s schedule and anchor our visit around it.
  
• Book hanbok ahead in peak seasons: Walk-in was fine in July, but cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are busier.
  
  

Where To Stay in Seoul with Kids

Finding family-friendly lodging in Seoul is easier than you might think! From spacious serviced apartments to hotels connected to major attractions, there are great options for every kind of traveler.

During our stay, we based ourselves at the Koreana Hotel downtown, and it turned out to be a perfect choice for families. The rooms are surprisingly spacious (a rarity in Seoul), the subway is just steps away, and the Airport Limousine Bus stops right out front in both directions. There’s even a laundry room on-site, which we found busy even at 2 a.m.! For those traveling with multiple kids, the hotel’s proximity to palaces, wide sidewalks, and key city sights makes exploring super convenient.

For families wanting a more home-like setup, Orakai Insadong Suites is another excellent option. Its one- to four-bedroom suites come equipped with full kitchenettes and washing machines, ideal for longer stays or larger families. Prices for family-sized units (like two-bedroom apartments) generally range around $180 to $300 USD per night, depending on the season.

If your crew prefers a mix of luxury and entertainment, check out Lotte Hotel World in the Jamsil area. Directly connected to Lotte World theme park, it’s a dream for kids and parents alike. Family twin rooms, suites, and fun themed options typically start around $220 to $300 USD per night, depending on the view and room type.

Royal Fun for All Ages: A Family Adventure at Gyeongbokgung Palace 

Step back in time and turn your Seoul family vacation into a real-life fairytale at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grand and graceful heart of the Joseon Dynasty. Touring this stunning royal landmark is a must, but to make it truly magical (especially for kids), dress up in traditional Hanbok attire.

With plenty of family-friendly Hanbok rental shops just steps from the palace, it’s easy to get everyone looking like royalty, princes, princesses, kings, and queens included. Beyond the incredible photo ops, wearing a Hanbok also gives your family free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s the perfect blend of fun and learning, a colorful hands-on history lesson your kids will remember long after the trip ends. Some of the tours are:

Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Walking Tour

Step into Seoul’s royal past on this three-hour small-group walking tour that highlights the city’s most iconic cultural spots. Explore the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, witness the colorful Changing of the Guard, and wander through Bukchon Hanok Village’s charming traditional homes before ending in the artsy Insadong district.

With prices starting around $88 USD per person, this tour is a fantastic choice for families. It’s the perfect balance of history, culture, and fun.

Seoul: City Hightlights, Palace Tour, and Optional Hanbok

Discover the beauty and history of Seoul on this four-hour city highlights and palace tour, complete with an optional Hanbok experience for an extra touch of fun. Priced from around $49 USD per person, this guided walk offers a perfect mix of culture, tradition, and photo-worthy moments for the whole family.

Explore the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can catch the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony, then stroll through the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village lined with traditional wooden homes. Families can also choose to dress up in vibrant Hanbok attire for free palace entry and unforgettable pictures.

Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace Half-Day Tour

Step back in time and explore Seoul’s royal past on this Gyeongbokgung Palace Half-Day Tour, a guided experience through the city’s most iconic landmark. As the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s history with its majestic gates, grand halls, and intricate details that capture the imagination of both kids and adults alike.

The tour lasts about two hours and is priced from approximately $37 USD per person, making it an easy and affordable way for families to experience one of Seoul’s top attractions. With engaging storytelling from your local guide, little ones can picture the lives of ancient kings and queens while wandering through the palace courtyards.

Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was easily one of the highlights of our time in Seoul. Seeing our kids dressed in Hanbok, running through ancient courtyards where Korean royalty once walked, brought history to life in the most memorable way. It’s the kind of hands-on cultural experience that reminds us why we love traveling as a family—learning through fun, laughter, and a little bit of adventure.

If you’re visiting Seoul with kids, don’t skip this one. Come early, rent the Hanbok, and let the kids soak up the magic of Korea’s royal past. Whether it’s your first palace visit or your 50th, Gyeongbokgung will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a storybook.

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Additional Readings

8 Things to Know Before Visiting South Korea with Kids