Princess for a Day - MOA Hanbok Rental experience in Seoul South Korea
Image from photoshoot session through MOA Hanbok rental
One very popular activity in Seoul is renting or wearing a hanbok for both tourists and locals alike. Especially if you’re trying to visit the 5 grand palaces. Namely, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung Changgyeongung and Gyeonghuigung. Wearing a hanbok is not only a great way to immerse yourself in Korean culture, but you're almost guaranteed to feel like royalty as you explore the palace grounds with your hanbok. Another perk worth mentioning is that you get to enter the palaces free of charge when wearing hanbok. So why not take the opportunity to rent/wear one?But first and foremost, What is a Hanbok exactly?
Hanboks are traditional korean clothing. Different types of hanboks have its own unique features and historical significance. Hanboks aren’t just elegant and beautiful, but was historically designed to facilitate ease of movement. Even at present-day, Hanboks are still commonly worn for holidays, birthdays, celebrations and weddings. Where to rent a Hanbok?
There are a wide variety of hanbok rentals in close proximity, and are conveniently within walking distance from the palaces. Therefore, it's not entirely a necessity to make a reservation. I will say that the amount of rental shop choices may get overwhelming. Therefore, while most rental shops will offer the same services; it is worth doing your fair share of research beforehand and opt for a rental shop that best fits your personal preferences. Hanbok Rental Recommendation
If you’re looking for hanbok quality, ease of online reservation and a foreigner friendly rental shop. Then it's worth checking out MOA Hanbok. Click here for MOA Hanbok's Official Site -> On my online search for a rental shop in Seoul, I stumbled upon this small shop and was quite impressed and drawn by the designs of their hanboks. In this article, I’ll be discussing my first hand experience with the rental at MOA Hanbok. Thus, providing constructive criticism and as well as pointing out what makes it standout from other rental shops. Furthermore, l'll be providing a step-by-step guide on the rental procedure and tips along the way. MOA Hanbok Rental Experience & Overview
While the overall experience I had with the rental was incredible, I’d like to first start this article with a few noteworthy critiques about the shop. THE CONS: (Constructive critisism)
1.Maximum 4 hour rental time limit
Perhaps one of the biggest downsides associated with the rental at MOA Hanbok, is that the shop does NOT allow a full day rental. The maximum time to rent their hanboks is 4 hours. While 4 hours may seem sufficient, the time limit begins from your designated appointment time. Therefore, the process of selecting a hanbok, changing, and getting your hair done, does in fact cut into that time. If you have add-ons such as an intricate paid-hairstyle and a photoshoot reservation, that also takes away from your time limit. From experience, I only had time to explore gyeongbokgung palace. I felt a bit pressed for time. 2. Long turn around time to receive photos from photoshoot: 1 month or longer
While I personally did not mind the wait to receive the photos from my photoshoot. I was also unware that it would take that long to receive the photos beforehand. This is something to take note of when adding these types of add-ons to your rental. 3. Limited Hanbok Selection
On the process of selecting a hanbok, you'll notice that you're limited to about 2-3 racks of hanboks to choose from. MOA Hanbok is owned by a small business. Therefore, it is not entirely surprising that their selection is very limited. I do, however, believe that from their growing popularity that they'll slowly expand the selections overtime. Disclaimer: The critiques are based of from my visit last January 2024.
I'd like to clarify that the critiques I mentioned above does not change the positive experience I had with MOA Hanbok. It is only meant to provide information and transparency, which may not work for everyone. Now let’s move forward with discussing what makes the rental shop stand out from it’s competitors. THE PROS:
1. Hanbok Quality and Design
MOA Hanbok has one of the BEST selection of quality hanboks you'll see in the rental market. The shop's vision is step out of the outdated version of hanbok and emphasizes a modernized hanbok. This means the color, design and style will appeal to our contemporary tastes while maintaining the hanbok's traditional essence. The hanbok design in the shop truly exude elegance and beauty. From my experience, I gained a lot of attention and received so many compliments from the hanbok I rented. I was even asked to get my photo taken. (mind you, this was at Gyeongbokgung Place where most people are already wearing hanboks!). The hanboks provided at MOA Hanbok are definitely head turners due to its unique color schemes and designs. 2. Ease of Online reservation & payment
For my reservation last January 2024, I reached out via Instagram DM @moahanbok. It was a fairly straight forward process. You simply message them for time and date that’d you’d like, then they let you know if they have an availability for the requested date. They'll ask you information such as name, reservation request (date/time), type of service, contact (phone number), who will be accompanying you (they only allow 1 person if company is not wearing a hanbok), your measurements (height/chest/foot size), email information and then lastly, any additional requests you may want. You secure your reservation by paying for the cost of the service you're requesting in full. Payment is made via PayPal. Which is a convenient payment option for foreign visitors!UPDATE* They recently partnered with Klook. So you’re now able to make a reservation there as well. Click here for MOA Hanbok Klook reservation link->3. Private Renting Process
The shop values an exclusive and private renting process. Meaning they only accommodate/accept reservations and do NOT take walk-in guests. This makes the renting process more intimate and not rushed. You will feel catered to from start to finish!At the time of my reservation, I was truly the only guest in the shop. I was well taken care of. 4. Whats included in the rental
When selecting a hanbok rental shop, it is important to be aware what comes with your rental. I’ve notice some shops charging for every single item which adds up!One of the things that set MOA Hanbok apart from other rental shops are the accessories included on the overall rental package. A noteworthy addition to your rental are the traditional shoes! There are only a very few hanbok rental shops that include shoes without an additional charge. You'll notice this ones you start comparing rental shops. 5. Location! Location! Location!
MOA Hanbok is conveniently located within walking distance to Bukchon Hanok village, National Folk Museum and Gyeongbokyung Palace. Its central location makes it easy to explore nearby areas without having to take a taxi. Naver Map Store Address: 20-2 Sogyeok-dng Jongno-gu Seoul (Second Floor) The Hanbok Rental Process: Step-by-Step procedure
1.Checking-in
Once you get in the shop, you’re immediately greeted by a staff member. A staff will verify your appointment by asking to verify your name and reservation time. Then you’re asked to take off your shoes and store it on the shoe rack, where you grab slippers to wear inside the shop. Beside the entrance is where you store your belongs in a designated locker that has a lock & key. Pro Tip: This is might be the perfect time to use the restroom. It maybe a little challenging once you’re wearing your hanbok! In addition, it might be best to ask the shop to keep your locker key for safe keeping as well. Especially if the bag you’re matching with your hanbok does not have a secured closure.
2. Hanbok Selection & Fitting
Next you’re assured to the racks of Hanbok to select your choice of skirt (chima) and its matching jacket (jeogori) that you like best. I recommend having an idea of what you’d like already so you’re not overwhelmed by the choices. It is especially helpful if you have a photo to show the staff to help expedite the process. The shop's instagram page is a great reference for photos!When you’ve selected your hanbok, you’re then led to the changing room. You’ll first have to put on the undergarments that consists of traditional socks (beoseon), underpants (sokbaji) and underskirt (sokchima). Also, don’t worry if you have no idea how to put on a hanbok because the staff will help you to the entire process. An added touch I loved was they stick heat warmers on your stomach and back area to keep you warm during winter. If you'd like your hanbok to look more full, I recommend requesting a layered underdress. Just be aware that it is an additional 10,000 KRW charge. The next step is to help you put on the skirt (chima) you've selected, which is followed by trying on the jacket (jeogori). At MOA Hanbok, they allow you to try on up to 2 jackets and any tries after that will incur an additional fee. 3. Getting your hair done
When you're all dressed, you're ready to proceed to get your hair done. At MOA Hanbok, basic hair service is included without an extra fee. Example of basic hairstyles are braids, low buns, ponytail, half ponytail, and pigtails. For my visit, I opted for a paid hairstyle service. Was it worth the extra 10,000 KRW ($7.37 USD)? Oh Absolutely!4. Accessories, Shoes & Bag selection
For the final step, you're asked to select your hair accessories, final touches to your hanbok, bag, and even a coat (for winter). Basic Rental at MOA Hanbok includes: Jacket (Jeogori), Skirt (Chima), regular under dress (sokchima), underpants (sokbaji), traditional socks (beoseon), traditional shoes, accessories and lastly, basic hairstyle service. Unless you booked a photoshoot session, from this point you’re ready to explore with your hanbok!5. Add-on: Professional Photoshoot Session
If you have the time & budget, I highly recommend the photoshoot package at MOA Hanbok. Especially if you're solo traveling like myself. It is truly a good way to commemorate your hanbok experience. The photoshoot package is $185 USD (including your hanbok rental). You’ll receive ALL the raw digital images + images that are professionally edited & selected by your photographer. I received roughly 300+ raw images and 5 edited images. Keep in mind that the number of raw images is a rough estimate and may differ per photoshoot session.
Was it worth it? I'll let you be the judge. Here are a few photos from the photoshoot session. 
Below is a TikTok video I created that similarly depicts the "Hanbok rental process: Step-by-Step procedure" portion that I discussed from this article.Price breakdown:
Want to replicate this experience for yourself? For complete transparency with my readers, I've listed below the hanbok rental costs, photoshoot plan, add-ons and exact prices I paid for my experience. Photography Package Day $185 USD-Includes hanbok rental, 30 minute photoshoot session and an unsupervised outing in the hanbok of your choice after photoshoot.-ALL raw images provided and 5 edited photos selected by your photographer
Add-on: Paid Hairstyle 10,000 KRW ($7.37 USD)Add-on: layered underdress (mujigi sokchima) 5,000 KRW ($3.69 USD)Additional fees: photographer’s palace admission fee 3,000 KRW ($2.21 USD)
Total cost was roughly $198 USDOverall I am throughly impressed by the design, quality and customer service I received at MOA Hanbok. The photoshoot session was also a nice souvenir to commemorate my visit at gyeongbokgung palace. I hope this detailed review has helped and inspired you to try out renting a hanbok in Seoul as well! Click here to view MOA Hanbok's FULL list of offered services from their Official Website->