Clothes like people have personalities. There is always something more than fashion and beauty of each piece and designs but the story of how it was made, whom it was made for and the cultural ideas and beliefs of every color, patterns, and styles that it represents. That is why trying traditional dresses has always been on my list every time I get a chance to visit a new country. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try Qipao in Taiwan, though I have been there twice. 😞



The most anticipated day of our trip has finally arrived as we get to try Korea's traditional clothing Hanbok. It was worn daily up until a century ago but now it is only used by Koreans on festive occasions and special times such as Wedding, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and Seollal (Korean New Year).





After a quick brunch at a nearby restaurant, we then proceed to Seohwa Hanbok just right across Gyeongbokgung Palace. We had no reservations and queue for about 30 mins until we were individually assisted for hanbok fitting.

We were presented with a lot of bright and pretty Hanbok but as soon as I found the white with blush pink and gold accent dress, I knew it's the one for me.



It looks perfectly sunny on the photo but it's actually freezing and windy that time. And if  not for the frigid weather, we could have rented the dress the whole day as originally planned.



I couldn't ask for a better Hanbok than this, simple yet elegant. The subtleness of pink, a dash of gold and minimal embroidered flower accents is just how I pictured my Hanbok.



My best friend opted for a more pinkish shade with gold and black flower patterns, butterfly accents and gold sequence. Looks pretty right?



After all the fitting and documentation process, we head out to Gyeongbokgung Palace, just 5 minutes walk from the rental shop.



By the way, admission to Seoul's Palaces is FREE when wearing Hanbok. Yay!




I know I mentioned this a lot from the previous posts, but that day was incredibly cold yet sunny that even holding a camera and taking a snap of a decent photo was quite challenging.



When you want a good photo but end almost crying because it's 4 degrees Celcius and you're too stubborn to wear a coat as it might ruin the whole look. Okay, you can laugh now. 😄




They say that Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and largest of all five palaces. It was once destroyed by fire but were later restored in 1919. Impressive details.




This gorgeous golden yellow shade of century-old Ginkgo Trees added a mellow dramatic vibe to the already romantic atmosphere of the palace grounds that it's impossible to ignore and not take photos.




After wandering for hours, we found ourselves near the National Folk Museum which was located at the eastern grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.




We were bitterly cold and looking for a place to rest but the guard signaled us that the museum is already closed. Aigoo~ Until we found this.




How come I'm always associated with trains when it comes to warmth and comfort. 😄 For reference: Read my Seoul Travel Guide: Weather in Seoul.




We stayed inside the train for around 30 minutes and step out to an amazing structure of old buildings and displays that depicts the life of Koreans in the past. Almost felt like entering a portal (train) and travel back in time.









It's getting dark and we finally call it a day. We looked for the nearest exit and walk around the pillars of the palace back to the rental shop.



Wearing Hanbok and experiencing an authentic Korean culture was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable and happiest memory we had in Seoul. It was the perfect ending for the trip.

How I wish we had these same cultural activities in the Philippines of wearing traditional attires in popular attractions like Vigan, Intramuros and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. I bet many tourists would love to try it too as Filipinianas are equally beautiful as hanbok. Yes, please?



Seohwa Hanbok: Rental fees and procedures
Opening Hours: 09:00~ 19:00 ( last rental order at 18:00)

Want to try Hanbok for free? Read | Watch

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Price: Adults 3000 KRW – Children 1500 KRW – FREE if wearing Hanbok.
Integrated Palace Ticket: Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine. The ticket is 10,000 KRW and is valid for use for three months after purchase.
* Closed on Mondays: Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace
* Closed on Tuesdays: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine