Unhyeongung (Palace)
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[english.visitkorea.or.kr] While traveling throughout Korea, there are many ways to get a glimpse of the nation's ancient traditions and culture. Learning history can often feel like homework, and many agree that actually experiencing the tradition hands on, like sampling traditional cuisine, will give you an easier way in.



If you're really looking into unique programs to learn more about Korea's traditions in a short span of time, here's a great opportunity: visit cultural centers like the one's featured in this column. You'll come across some of the prettiest hanbok, the traditional clothing of Korea! Take lots of photographs as souvenirs to remember the highly unique designs. Paying attention to these intricate designs is an activity of itself.



It might feel a little bit awkward at first, putting on clothes that are bigger than one is used to, but after a few moments, its elegant shapes and curves will give you a profound appreciation for the way people dressed in the past.



Hanbok expresses Korea's true characteristics in terms of culture and history. Just like qipao from China and the kimono from Japan, Korea also boasts its own traditional garb, though people nowadays wear them only on special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or during national holidays like Chuseok and Seollal. However, positive changes have been seen as many young couples and foreign nationals have shown increasing interest in the garments. They often pay a visit to hanbok experience centers to enjoy these beautiful garments.



You'll be surprised to know how good it suits you! But please note that most of these programs include a rental fee. Find out more about these places offering fun hanbok programs as you read on.




Insa-dong PR/Tourist Information Center



Opened to the public in October 2006, the Insa-dong PR Center is considered to be a living museum of modern history and Korean culture. It was originally founded by Prince Uichin (1877-1955), the fifth son of Emperor Gojong (1852-1919), as a private residence where he often came to enjoy solitude and enjoy its views, of which have been maintained to this day.



The newly added features are on-site commentated tour guides and tourist assistance in multiple languages (English, Japanese and Chinese) in order to help locals and international visitors to understand Korean traditions and history. In addition, tourism leaflets and diverse cultural events such as trying on traditional clothing and musicals are offered, as well as free wireless internet access provided free of charge for anyone visiting.



They have a particularly wide selection of hanbok designs and materials, including ones that were worn at the royal court, which feature colors favored by high-level officials, as well as lines representing various social classes of Korea's past.




Seoul Global Cultural Center



The most popular place for foreign visitors to partake in the hanbok fitting experience is the Seoul Global Cultural Center located at the heart of Myeong-dong, Seoul. The staff speak English, Chinese, and Japanese. Once you have decided what to try on from the large selection of items to choose from, the staff will help you get yourself fitted into the elegant garments.



In addition, the walls of the center are adorned with blown up photographs of traditional buildings, such as palaces and hanok houses with open wooden floors, which serve as backdrops for customers to take realistic-looking snapshots as souvenirs.



At the center, you can become a great king from the Joseon Dynasty, an ambitious general on duty at the Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony, or a gracious lady of the court. Mix and match traditional accessories such as flower-dotted shoes, bridal crowns, earrings, and more on top of your favorite outfit. This will surely be one of the memorable touristy activities to make while in Korea.




Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate



Every day of the week, barring Mondays, a traditional changing of the guards ceremony takes place in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace, a palace of the Joseon Dynasty located in Seoul's Jung-gu.



As you take in the fascinating progression of the changing of the guard, visit the hanbok rental booth in front of the main gate, where you can try on traditional guard uniforms and other hanbok for free. Just sign your name on the list and wait your turn, then the staff at the booth will help you try on the item of your choice. Given the opportunity to both witness the changing of the guard ceremony and pretend you're a guard as well, it's a popular attraction among foreign visitors.




Unhyeongung Royal Residence



Just a short jaunt from Anguk-dong is Unhyeongung Palace, which functioned as the residence of the Heungseon Daewongun, the noble class of politicians that existed during the end of the Joseon Dynasty (1820-1898). As you step into the palace, you'll find an exhibit building on the opposite side of the tourism information booth. Step into the the building to find the hanbok experience office.



You can try on gwanbok, which was worn by officials, dangeui, a formal dress for women, or even hanbok for children. There is a plethora of gorgeous places for photo ops within the grounds of the palace. Customers can choose whatever clothing item they'd like to try, or ask for recommendations from the staff, and get about 10 minutes of wearing the clothes before they need to be put back on the shelf for the next customer. Check on the center's website to find more information about seeing performances and reenactments of the traditional wedding ceremony of King Gojong to his queen, Myeongseonghwanghu.




Bukchon Hanok Village Guesthouse Information Center



If you wander up the road a little from Anguk Station, you'll find a peaceful little neighborhood of hanok houses (traditional Korean houses). It's here in Gye-dong of Jongno-gu that you will find the Bukchon Hanok Experience Center. The neighborhood surrounding the center is one of the best places to experience the real traditional culture of Korea through the warm and cozy hanok architecture that forms the area.



Just opening the door and setting foot into the cozy entryway, beautiful flowers and pots greet visitors into the classically decorated front courtyard. It's a great means through which foreign visitors can comfortably get to know this exotic architecture. At the center, sign your name on the register and when it's your turn, you can pick the style of hanbok you'd like to wear from a special scrapbook. And don't worry about the language barrier as there are staff who can speak English. The price for one person is 8,000 won and includes one outfit and a free Polaroid photo you may take home. There is no time limit on how long the outfit can be worn.




Namsangol Hanok Village



Namsangol Hanok Village is home to a variety of experiential programs and events offered to promote traditional Korean culture. One of the more popular programs for taking gorgeous photos of traditional residences is Hanpung Munhwa Masil (meaning “Korean Culture Town”), which takes place at the residence of Lee Seung-eop. You can get tickets for events at the ticket booth near the Lee Seung-eop residence, and you are allowed to take photos both inside and outside the building.

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