Seoul, Part 5: How to Wear a Hanbok in Humidity

Coming from Texas, I was over-confident that I would be able to handle the 'refreshing' Seoul temperatures of the mid-high 80's with ease. This wasn't the case, and I completely misjudged the humidity that consumed the city.
Korea provides a lovely 'wet' heat, instead of the typical dry heat that I was used to back home throughout the summer...and spring...and most of fall.

So naturally, we picked the last hot (and most humid) day of the season to get dressed up in Korean hanbok and venture around one of the major palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Hanbok, which literally translates to "Korean clothing", is the traditional dress in Korea that has been around for over 2,000 years. You've probably seen it worn in your favorite K-dramas or even by some of your favorite K-pop stars.

Although you won't see it worn on the regular, you will see hanbok worn at special events such as weddings and on holidays. In short, it is considered formal wear by a majority of Koreans. You'll also see many tourists donned in traditional hanbok getting that perfect shot for 'the gram' at cultural sites such as the palaces. Tourists who rent and wear traditional hanbok will receive free entry to many cultural sites.

The hanbok was originally meant to allow freedom of movement, and also allowed the wearer to nearly look as if they are floating in air. The opportunity for graceful movement was a key point of this traditional dress.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how lightweight these more 'modern' hanbok were. I was certainly grateful not to be weighed down by heat-trapping fabric on such a warm, humid day.

The top for both males and females is called ‘jeogori’, while the skirt for females is called ‘chima’. Males wear a short jacket/vest called ‘baeja’ over the top, and pants called ‘baji’.

There are so many beautiful patterns and colors to choose from. You can also choose from traditional, modern and themed hanbok.
Traditionally, the color of the hanbok worn would symbolize the social and martital status of an individual. Typically, bright colors were worn by children, whereas muted/darker colors were more often worn by middle-aged men and women. Women who were not married would often wear yellow-tone jeogori with red chima, while married women would wear shades of green and red. But it doesn't stop here. Those considered to be 'lower-class' were required to wear white, but would often dress in lighter shades such as pale pink and soft greens, while also donning grey and charcoal during special occasions. The upper class however, would have the privilege of wearing a variety of colors.

Getting dressed in my own hanbok at Hanboknam in Seoul

If you get the chance to visit Korea, make sure you put it on your list to rent traditional hanbok to wear to cultural sites. You can find dozens of hanbok rental shops surrounding the palaces, so there will certainly be no shortage of options for your 'day as a princess/prince'.
I had found a popular place near Gyeongbokgung Palace called Hanboknam to rent my hanbok. The store was busy, but there were so many beautiful hanbok to choose from and there was someone there to help me properly dress in my hanbok. They even offer hair styling, ranging from free to a small cost of anywhere from 2,000-5,000 KRW. You will also find rental length options such as 2 hours, 4 hours and all-day rental at most of the rental shops. I opted for a full-day rental since it was so affordable, approxmiately 30,000 won.

Dressing up in Korean hanbok can be a fun way to enjoy and celebrate the rich culture of Korea. Both males and females alike are seen touring the palaces dressed in beautiful traditional hanbok. So next time you're visiting Seoul, visit a local hanbok rental shop and pretend to be royalty for a day.