20 Feb
One of the best parts of teaching in South Korea is that you’re completely immersed in a new culture. I’ve learned so much about the food, music, and fashion from living and working here. So what’s one of my favorite aspects of Korean culture? Hanboks! Here’s why renting hanboks has become a common tourist activity I highly recommend!
Korean Traditional Clothing
What’s a hanbok?
Hanboks are traditional clothing which Koreans have worn, dating all the way back to 57 BC! While Koreans don’t wear traditional hanboks on a day-today basis anymore, they’re often worn at traditional events like New Year’s Day, weddings, or other special events. They’ve also become more popular in recent years, becoming modernized and even integrated into haute couture styles by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld.
While social media usually shows women’s hanboks, there are hanboks for men and children, too. A hanbok is usually made up of a top, pants or a skirt, and then a small coat over it, but it can vary depending on the style you find. Here’s Sandra Oh’s mom wearing a hanbok to the Emmy’s to show her Korean pride!
How To Rent A Hanbok
While there are certain events when hanboks are traditionally worn, it’s also extremely popular to wear hanboks at palaces around Korea and traditional hanok villages. I’ve been to Gyeongbokgung Palace three separate times, and I’d say each time about half the people were wearing hanboks! Usually surrounding palaces, you can find shops renting them for an affordable price.
When I went on a weekend trip to Jeonju, we rented hanboks for about 17,000 won. The best part? You can get into any palace in Seoul for free when you wear a hanbok, making it a great way to learn about Korean clothing traditions and royal history, too!
Here are some wonderful photos from some previous Aclipse instructors at Gyungbukgung Palace in Seoul!
Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant
Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.
