Part 2: Seoul Series- Wearing Hanbok in Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village

This is the 2nd part of our Seoul trip series.. click this link if you've missed the first part. 

Seoul is a city like no other. While it is one of the most hyped when it comes to modern technology.. its so fascinating to know that the City is also home to the ancient palaces, traditional houses and old temples which showcase the rich history and culture of Korea. It's a perfect blend of the old meets new. There are 5 royal palaces around Seoul which were built during the Joseon dysnaty around more than 600 years ago but we were only able to visit the largest and grandest among them.. the Gyeongbokgung Palace. From Hotel Atrium (the hotel where we stayed in).. the palace is just a short taxi ride away. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

We thought it would be a fun experience to rent out a hanbok (korean traditional dress) as we  explore the palace and if you're wondering where we rented our hanbok costumes.. we rented it here in this shop (picture below).

It is just across the left side of the palace.

entrance of the Hanbok rental shop

The hanbok rental shop does not have an english business name but it is located beside the palace. Our rent for our hanbok costumes costs 30,000 won each for two hours. We're allowed to mix and match our hanbok terno as long as it is within the price range. Hanbok rental starts at 20,000 won (the cheapest) upto 80,000won depending on the quality of the hanbok you choose. I also paid additional 4,000 won to have my hair braided to complete the traditional korean look. Hihi. The Korean woman who did my hair can speak English and Mandarin quite well. 

The matchy-matchy hanbok costumes we chose. :) 

The attendant gave us a brief history of the hanbok as well as where we should place our hands for picture-taking while wearing their traditional dress (although we didnt really follow it). We were told that the social status of the people during the Joseon and Goryeo dynasties was determined by the kind of fabric and color they're wearing. The colors red, blue and yellow are exclusive for the royalties only. While the hanbok we chose is for Aristocrat/Diplomat social class.

And because we're wearing hanbok.. we were surprised that our admission fee to the palace was free. Yey!. It was indeed a great experience to try out other country's traditional costume in a beautiful setting of a palace.
And isnt it that Korean traditional costume soooo cute?

This is my favorite picture of me in the palace under the beautiful cherry tree

After lunch, we headed next to Bukchon Hanok village (Korean traditional home) which is just walking distance from the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This village is used to be where the aristocrat resided during the Joseon dynasty. A few more descendants of aristocrats still live here but today, many hanok were already converted into guesthouses, tea houses and restaurants.

I remember Lee Min Ho oppa in this setting. :P

While strolling around the village, we spotted this cute bukchon house offering tea and other refreshment. It reminds me so much of the house from Lee Min Ho's drama, Personal Taste  

It's so cozy in here..

Jan ordered Korean Coffee while I ordered Sikhye (Fermented rice juice). Yeap, it used to be the soft drink of ancient Korean people :)

Inside the hanok house

cars parked in the village

And then we went back again in our hotel for a power nap. Glad we decided to stay longer because we get to enjoy every attraction in our itinerary in a leisurely pace. For dinner, we finally able to dig in for a sangyeopsal. Yey!

I've been waiting for this moment! :D

To be continued...

Always,

Rica ♡

Part 1- Seoul Series: Cherry Blossoms in Yeouido & Myeongdong
Part 2- Seoul Series: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Part 3- Seoul Series: Insadong & Dongdaemun
Part 4- Seoul Series: Kwangjang Market & Gangnam
Part 5- Seoul Series: Nami Island
Part 6- Seoul Series: Last day in Seoul