Meet Ying Ying, our guest travel blogger. Choosing your Korean traditional clothes with Ying Ying's step by step!
Myths about Hanbok
I've always been hesitant about wearing traditional Korean or Japanese clothing. People think I am very confident, but clothing like this is something that, in my imagination, would make me "look fat." I definitely want to give it a try, but I'm afraid I won't look good in it. It's probably similar to how curvy girls feel when trying on wedding dresses. This article is about sharing my experience with hanbok that changed my perspective.
[Seoul Hanbok Experience] Hanbok Rental at Seoul's Ancient Palaces
Choosing Your Outfit:
Premium Hanbok (Option A): Elegant and splendid, perfect for special occasions.
Themed Hanbok (Option B): Popular styles for both men and women, ranging from daily wear to historical costumes.
Traditional Hanbok (Option C): Simple and graceful designs for both genders.
Rental Duration:
2-hour rental: For a brief experience and free visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
4-hour rental: Ideal for time-traveling across Seoul in your Hanbok.
Things to Note:
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00, closed on Tuesdays.
Late Return Fee: If returned after 18:00, a fee of 10,000 Korean Won per hour will be charged.
Additional Charges: Hats and shoes can be rented separately for 5,000 Korean Won each. Special hair styling costs an extra 5,000 Korean Won.
Hanbok Rental Address: 45 Sagan-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul
Shop Name: 3355 Hanbok (B1)
This time, I reserved an elegant and luxurious high-end Korean traditional dress (hanbok) for women, suitable for weddings.
The staff recommended us to choose hanboks from Section A, and I genuinely suggest going for the premium hanboks because the most beautiful and high-quality designs are found there. As I strolled along the paths of Gyeongbokgung Palace, I noticed how the quality and elegance of hanboks really make a difference. The detailing and craftsmanship of the hanboks in Section A were exquisite, enhancing the overall experience.
The shop offered a wide selection of accessories. Additional charges applied for renting bags and shoes, and I highly recommend paying extra for the hairstyling service (an additional 5000 Korean won). The hairstylists were skilled at creating traditional looks that perfectly complemented the hanboks. I chose a classic hairstyle with intricate details, and I was extremely satisfied with the result.
At the entrance, there is also a selection guide. There are staff members who speak Chinese, so there's no need to worry about communication. You can also ask them for recommendations. I think the service attitude at this Hanbok rental shop is excellent.
I quickly picked out the Hanbok I wanted and, to my surprise, I could choose a regular-sized one instead of having to wear a plus-size (there were limited styles in plus-size). This made me feel much better and boosted my confidence. I think only curvy girls can understand the feeling of insecurity that comes from moments like these. After choosing the Hanbok, I was assisted in putting it on. Once I was dressed, I was taken to get my hair styled. There was a bit of pressure to opt for hairstyling, which I felt was a slightly forced upsell. It would be better if they explained beforehand that hairstyling is an additional 5,000 Korean won. However, I had already decided to get my hair done, and considering the price, I thought it was quite reasonable. I had a hard time deciding on the hairstyle – I was torn between the classic and traditional style number 1 and my fear that my face would look too big in a frontal shot. In the end, I stuck with my initial choice, number 1, and I believe I made the right decision!
The aunties here have excellent hair styling skills! When we walked on the street, our hairstyles looked much more delicate compared to others. So, I think the additional 5,000 Korean won spent on hairstyling was totally worth it!
I asked the aunties to help me coordinate the flowers, pearls, hair accessories, and hairbands on top. I think they did an amazing job with the coordination! They are so skilled. I chose a hair accessory with hanging beads, something I always wanted to try. Surprisingly, it looked pretty good when I put it on!
Key Points for Curvy Girls/Cotton Candy Girls when choosing Hanbok:
Choose Short Tops with High-Waisted Wide Belts: Be sure to select styles with wide belts. Many Hanbok designs lack belts, featuring puffy short tops and voluminous skirts, giving the illusion of pregnancy (seriously, it looks like a ball...). When curvy girls like me wear such Hanbok styles on the street, it's essential to opt for designs with wide belts (which can be tied into a bow at the back).
Tie Your Hair Up: I struggled with the decision to keep my hair down or tie it up. I firmly believe that tying your hair up makes you look slimmer! Hanbok necklines tend to be high, and coupled with the puffy tops, curvy girls might appear bloated in the upper body. If you let your hair down, it's easy to look lifeless and overall more bulky. By tying your hair up, it reveals some necklines, making your face appear narrower, ultimately creating a slimmer visual effect.
Tightening the Belt as Much as Possible: I kept saying, "Please make sure to tie it as tight as possible!" because the belt should be the only part that can highlight the body's curves. In situations where the top is loose and the bottom is wide, if the belt is loose, it still gives the impression of being pregnant. So it must be tightened, defining the waist!
Finally, there are bags and shoes available for selection, but they come at an additional cost. We decided not to opt for bags and shoes (since the skirt is quite long, shoes aren't very visible, to be honest). Our personal belongings and accessories could be left in the care of the shop, but we made sure to carry essential items with us. Many people choose to put their cameras, wallets, and phones in the small bags shown in the picture and wear them around. This option is also available.
Before heading out, we took a group photo in the living room of the Hanbok store XD. Yiyi looked incredibly adorable in her child-sized Hanbok! You can see that the four of us chose different Hanbok styles. My choice and Chuchu's were somewhat similar, though.
Then, we walked to Gyeongbokgung Palace! The area around Gyeongbokgung was filled with people wearing Hanbok. As we walked, we observed others' Hanbok styles, contemplating our choices for the next time – which design to choose and what colors to wear. It was really fun discussing it all with my besties.
Wearing Hanbok, I, who have always been fascinated by ancient times, felt an overwhelming sense of excitement. Pairing Hanbok with Gyeongbokgung Palace made me feel like I had traveled back in time. Of course, to capture that feeling, we had to avoid the crowds while taking photos. But it wasn't easy, as there were always so many people around.
It truly shattered my preconceptions. I believe curvy girls can look great in Hanbok (if they choose the right style), and it doesn't make you look fat. It's rare to find someone who looks slim in Hanbok XD
With this hairstyle, I genuinely feel beautiful and very Korean. When taking photos, remember to adjust the belt regularly and avoid it rolling into a ball.
I was the first one to put on the Hanbok, and I walked out with a brave attitude. I received compliments from my girls; they said I looked like a princess about to get married, appearing like a wealthy young lady from a prestigious family, haha. The red voluminous skirt was incredibly glamorous, and it stood out beautifully in photos.
A close-up of the hairstyle, it looks really delicate and beautiful!
Our choices for Hanbok were all quite different. I opted for a luxurious and elegant style; ChuChu's style was similar to mine but with cooler tones; Icebonla chose a unique style, featuring a long top paired with an elaborate skirt (although I don't recommend this style for curvy girls, as it suits taller figures); and Icequeen chose a sweet and fresh Hanbok in pink, making us all agree that she looked like the most beautiful palace maid who stole the emperor's heart! XD
I was extremely satisfied with the hanbok I chose, and it relieved me of a million worries. This experience has made me eager to try Hanbok again next time.
Korean Hanbok Rental Recommendations: Recommended Hanbok Rental at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Slimming Hanbok, Curvy Girl's Hanbok.
This time, my dream of wearing traditional costumes has truly come true. However, the idea of trying out the "Big Boss" kimono still intimidates me. The emphasis on concealing curves in kimono designs makes me wonder how much fabric a curvy girl like me with a full bust and a bit of flesh on the hips would need to hide those curves. I always feel like I would end up looking like a square-shaped person (super thick) if I wore one. If I ever get the chance to experience wearing a kimono, I'll definitely share the experience with everyone!
[Seoul Hanbok Experience] Hanbok Rental at Seoul's Ancient Palaces
Choosing Your Outfit:
Premium Hanbok (Option A): Elegant and splendid, perfect for special occasions.
Themed Hanbok (Option B): Popular styles for both men and women, ranging from daily wear to historical costumes.
Traditional Hanbok (Option C): Simple and graceful designs for both genders.
Rental Duration:
2-hour rental: For a brief experience and free visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
4-hour rental: Ideal for time-traveling across Seoul in your Hanbok.
Things to Note:
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00, closed on Tuesdays.
Late Return Fee: If returned after 18:00, a fee of 10,000 Korean Won per hour will be charged.
Additional Charges: Hats and shoes can be rented separately for 5,000 Korean Won each. Special hair styling costs an extra 5,000 Korean Won.
Hanbok Rental Address: 45 Sagan-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul
Shop Name: 3355 Hanbok (B1)