Whenever I go on vacation to a new country, I make sure to find photoshoot session on Airbnb to capture the beauty of the places I visit and create lasting memories. My trip to South-Korea was no exception. Despite the cost, I felt it was an experience worth investing in. The photoshoot I booked took place at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where I had the opportunity to wear hanbok, the traditional clothing of Korea. Historically worn by royalty and aristocracy, hanbok is reserved for special occasions and celebrations such as weddings and New Year’s Day, bringing a touch of cultural significance to the entire experience.
I chose an early photoshoot to ensure we could complete it and then enjoy the rest of the day. Despite selecting a Friday morning, anticipating less crowd than on a Saturday, it was still surprisingly crowded. We used the metro system, traveling from Itaewon to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The metro proved to be efficient, even with stops and line changes.
When we exited the metro, we found ourselves right where I was supposed to meet, outside of a hanbok store. I initially thought this would be one of the few in the area, but to my surprise, the entire area was filled with hanbok stores! It seems like a thriving business for many. Moreover, it’s important to note that if you wear the hanbok to the palace, you can enter for free, which explains why so many people choose to do so.
I arrived at the store, met the photographers, and found the place full of people. We began the process of selecting the hanbok we wanted. Naturally, my height posed a challenge; standing at 182 cm tall or 6ft, finding a hanbok that suited my length was difficult. Additionally, finding a sufficiently large blouse presented its own challenge, not only because Korean girls are generally of shorter stature but also due to the crowded conditions, with foreigners also in need of bigger blouses.
There were numerous beautiful hanboks, making the decision quite challenging. I was uncertain about which one to pick, but in the end, I chose a more traditional style in pink with a white blouse. While I initially preferred a black one, none were available in my size. However, everyone assured me that the colors matched perfectly, so I went along with it. I must mention that the hanbok’s skirt was too short. The photographer cleverly solved this by finding another skirt of the same color to place underneath, creating the illusion of a longer skirt.
The dressing room had a long line, with ladies assisting us in putting on the hanbok. Despite being instructed in the email to wear shorts or something light underneath and a blouse, it turned out to be unnecessary. Some even had nothing underneath, and others wore dresses. I opted for tights and a top, storing the rest of my belongings in a locker.
After a lengthy process of getting into the hanbok, I headed to get my hair done. Standing in line, I noticed the store was filled with people, leading my partner to wait outside due to the chaos. Contrary to my expectations, the process didn’t take the whole day. When it was my turn, I got my hair done, having already done my makeup at home. I preferred to leave my hair loose to avoid emphasizing the roundness of my face, and the stylist did a great job with a tiny braid and some hair accessories.
The final step involved selecting accessories, including a bag, all included in the package. Afterward, I patiently waited for the rest of my group to complete their hair and hanbok selection. This part turned out to be the most time-consuming, and people were becoming a bit impatient, particularly given that wearing the hanbok was not the most comfortable experience. I was a bit concerneed about using the restroom while wearing it, and indeed, it posed a challenge, particularly with the double skirt.
When everyone was ready, we were finally set to go to the palace. Our group consisted of about 7-8 people from various parts of the world, accompanied by two photographers. To speed up the process, we were consistently divided into two groups, switching photographers. The palace and its surroundings are simply breathtaking! It’s undoubtedly a must-visit in Korea. The beauty and tranquility of the place create a stark contrast to the bustling city of Seoul, as if you’re entering a different world. The palace grounds are stunning on their own, but what adds to the charm are all the people wearing hanboks, creating a scene from the past with royalties walking around—an incredible sight. Despite the crowds, it remained a beautiful experience, highly recommended whether you’re interested in a photoshoot or not. The photographers demonstrated exceptional skill, making everyone comfortable in front of the camera, even with the rest of the group watching. Everyone looked fantastic in that picturesque setting, and the photos turned out exceptionally beautiful—I am very satisfied. The shots were taken in various locations around the palace.
After the photoshoot, we were allowed to keep the hanbok on for some more time to explore the palace and the area around. We decided to visit the little village in the area, Bukchon Hanok Village. Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village with a history dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. It is known for its well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) and narrow streets, providing a glimpse into the past.
It took us a while to find the village, wandering through the narrow streets alongside other people in hanboks who, like us, seemed a bit lost. The challenge of navigation might be attributed to Google Maps not working efficiently in South-Korea, and Kakao Maps not always being fully English-compatible. Despite these challenges, we eventually found Bukchon Hanok Village. Walking up the hill through the village felt like stepping back in time, and the visitors wearing hanbok added to the overall charm of the place. The village offers a unique blend of history, culture, and a serene atmosphere. Besides the historic charm of small houses, there were unexpected modern touches, including a Chanel store and various cafes.
Despite wanting to try the local cuisine in the village, we didn’t find exactly what we were craving among the numerous options. Additionally, I hesitated to eat in my hanbok, considering its lack of comfort and the risk of staining it. Consequently, we returned the hanbok to the store and went for lunch in the area. The meal, which turned out to be different from what I thought I had ordered (fried octopus with cheese became a soup with cheese), wasn’t the ideal choice, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. By this time, we were extremely tired because, although it sounds and all looks very close by, it actually is quite a walk! Afterward, we headed back to the hotel, took some time to relax in the room and at the pool before preparing for a night of exploration in Itaewon.
In summary, we had a beautiful day filled with the enchanting beauty of hanboks, the historical charm of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the picturesque surroundings of Bukchon Hanok Village—an experience that I recommend for everyone visiting South-Korea
Stay tuned for more on the vibrant nightlife of Itaewon in my next post!
Anyah Mroz 
Super, Is that you?
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Yes, it is:)
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Great👏
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Celebrity??
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