Gyeongbokgung Palace + Hanbok with 5 Kids in Seoul: Channeling Your Inner Korean Royalty

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.

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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?  Visitors wearing qualifying Hanbok may receive free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace; check the palace’s current Hanbok guidelines for the required outfit.  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.  

Open the originally linked Harry Hanbok film on Vimeo

A Quick Primer on Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung (often called the “Northern Palace”) is the largest 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 is listed on the palace schedule, but times and operation can change or be suspended. Check the official schedule for your visit date. 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 can make a lovely setting for photos. Crowds vary by date and conditions.
  
• Autumn (late Sept–Nov): Ginkgo and maple colors vary with the season and conditions.
  
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Conditions vary; check the forecast and dress for the weather. Snow is possible, but not guaranteed.
  
• Summer (June–Aug): Check the forecast for your dates. If it is hot, consider an earlier visit, breaks and indoor plans afterward.
  

The grounds include different paths and areas. Check the current visitor map and facilities information when planning a stroller route; route conditions and access can vary.

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

Hanbok is traditional Korean clothing. A common women’s outfit pairs a short jacket (jeogori) with a skirt (chima); a common men’s outfit pairs a jacket (jeogori) with pants (baji). Styles and garments vary.

Hanbok is worn for weddings, holidays and other occasions. Some visitors rent it for palace visits; check the palace’s current entry rules and each shop’s terms.

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.

Hanbok styles and colors vary. For free palace entry, check the official outfit requirements; rental shops can explain their current options.

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

• Rental periods and availability vary by shop; check the provider’s current terms before booking or walking in.
  
• 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.
  
• Ask your chosen shop about storage for clothes and bags, hairstyling, accessories and any extra charges before renting.
  
  
  

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, you might choose a shorter visit and focus on a few highlights. How long a visit takes depends on your group, pace, weather and access:

• 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)
  

If your family has more energy, consider a longer visit and look up the current opening details for the National Palace Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum of Korea. Leave room for breaks and your children’s pace.

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: Check the palace visitor map for current restrooms and other facilities; carry water if you prefer. I use a giant water bottle .

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, we had trouble using our map to find the way.  We wandered around for a while, the kids getting increasingly grumpy, and finally gave up. For current route planning, the Korea Tourism Organization lists NAVER Maps and KakaoMap for route searches.

• 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

A few manners and phrases to practice with the kids:

• 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
  

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.
  
• Check Hanbok rental availability: We walked in during our July visit; current availability and booking terms vary by shop and date.
  
  

Open the originally linked palace-gate film on Vimeo

Where To Stay in Seoul with Kids

Seoul has hotels and serviced apartments in different areas and price ranges. Check each property’s current room details, location and availability to see what fits your family.

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 considering a more home-like setup, check the current room types, facilities, availability and rates for Orakai Insadong Suites. Prices and included amenities can vary by room and date.

If your crew is considering Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil, check the property’s current room types, location details, availability and rates for your dates. Prices and room options vary. See current booking details.

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.

Visitors can look for Hanbok rental shops near the palace and check each shop’s current age and size options, terms and availability. Wearing qualifying Hanbok may allow free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace; check the palace’s current guidelines. Here are some tour listings:

Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Walking Tour

Check the current itinerary, duration, operating dates and inclusions for this tour listing before booking. Palace access and ceremony schedules can change; see the current listing details for the route and stops.

Check the tour provider’s current price, dates, age requirements and itinerary before booking.

Seoul: City Hightlights, Palace Tour, and Optional Hanbok

Check the provider’s current itinerary and duration, Hanbok availability and price for this tour listing before booking.

Check the tour’s current itinerary and the palace schedule before booking; ceremony operation and route details may change. Free entry for Hanbok wearers depends on meeting the palace’s current outfit guidelines. See this tour’s current route details.

Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace Half-Day Tour

Check the provider’s current itinerary and inclusions for this Gyeongbokgung tour listing before booking.

Check the tour provider’s current duration and price, age requirements and itinerary before booking.

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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Browse general hotel listings from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)

Browse activities from GetYourGuide (Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour in Japan); other general experience listings: Airbnb Experiences, or Viator

Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com.

Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing

Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!

Capture your best memories in Seoul as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini

Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!

Additional Readings

8 Things to Know Before Visiting South Korea with Kids