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Hanbok Week 2026 in Seoul
- When
- Oct 19–25, 2026 · 10 AM–6 PM
- Hanbok Day
- Wed Oct 21 · 5–6:30 PM show + fashion show
- Where
- National Museum of Korea, Open Plaza (Yongsan-gu)
- Price
- Free
Hanbok Day is Oct 21: a free show and hanbok fashion show at the National Museum of Korea. Plus how free palace entry in hanbok works, where to rent, and which days palaces close.
Gyeongbokgung, 2017 · Photo: Republic of Korea / Korea.net (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Hanbok Week at the National Museum
- OCT 21Hanbok Day celebration · 5–6:30 PM
A commemorative performance and a hanbok fashion show. Free.
- ALL WEEKOct 19–25 · 10 AM–6 PM
Hanbok fashion shows, exhibitions, traditional performances, hanbok try-on and traditional games at the Open Plaza. Free.
- NATIONWIDEAbout 410 venues join in
Linked hanbok programs run across Korea the same week (organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation).
Free palace entry in hanbok
- FREE ATGyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung + Jongmyo
Also royal tombs. Normally ₩3,000 at Gyeongbokgung.
- COUNTSA top (jeogori) + a skirt or pants
A one-piece hanbok-style dress, or a jeogori over jeans, doesn't count. Men's or women's hanbok, either is fine.
- STATUSStill free as of Oct 2026
The Korea Heritage Service said it is reviewing the hanbok free-entry rule this month. Check royal.khs.go.kr right before you go.
Where to rent
- AREARight outside Gyeongbokgung
Rental shops cluster around Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and Anguk Station (Line 3).
경복궁역Google Maps - BOOKA morning slot (our tip)
The light is best before noon, and you get more palace time.
- CHECKIt's a top + skirt/pants set
That's what gets you in free.
Check closing days
- TUEGyeongbokgung closed
Oct 20 and Oct 27.
- MONChangdeokgung closed
Oct 19 and Oct 26.
Getting there
- MUSEUMIchon Station, Exit 2
Line 4 / Gyeongui–Jungang Line. Follow the underground walkway (Museum Nadeulgil) straight to the museum.
서울 용산구 서빙고로 137 국립중앙박물관Google Maps - PALACEGyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5
Line 3. Exit 5 leads into the palace grounds.
서울 종로구 사직로 161 경복궁Google Maps - PALACEChangdeokgung (Anguk Station)
Line 3.
서울 종로구 율곡로 99 창덕궁Google Maps
Make it a hanbok day (our route, Wed Oct 21)
- MORNINGRent near Gyeongbokgung → palace
Free entry in hanbok. Gyeongbokgung is open on Wednesdays.
- MIDDAYWalk to Bukchon Hanok Village
Keep your voice down: people live there.
- 5 PMHanbok Day show at the National Museum
Subway: Line 3 → transfer to Line 4 at Chungmuro → Ichon. Check your rental's return time first.
Say it in Korean (show this screen)
- SAYI'd like to rent a hanbok.
han-bok dae-yeo ha-go si-peo-yo
한복 대여하고 싶어요 - SAYWhat time do I return it?
myeot si-kka-ji ban-nap-hae-yo?
몇 시까지 반납해요? - SAYIs it free if I wear hanbok?
han-bok i-beu-myeon mu-ryo-ye-yo?
한복 입으면 무료예요?
Local tips
- Our tip: book the rental the day before and ask what's included (hair, bag, shoes).
- Our tip: the Hanbok Day show is outdoors in the Open Plaza; bring a layer for the evening.
FAQ
When is Hanbok Day 2026?
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with a free celebration show and hanbok fashion show at the National Museum of Korea from 5 to 6:30 PM.
Is palace entry still free in hanbok?
Yes, as of October 2026, but the Korea Heritage Service is reviewing the rule this month, so check before you go.
What counts as hanbok for free entry?
A top (jeogori) plus a skirt or pants; one-piece hanbok-style dresses don't count.
Which palaces are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays?
Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays and Changdeokgung closes on Mondays.
Sources: Korea Charts: 2026 Hanbok Culture Week · Popga: 2026 Hanbok Culture Week · Official: KCDF Hanbok Culture Week · Palace fee & hanbok free entry review (Oct 10, 2026) · What counts as hanbok (May 2026) · Royal Palaces (Korea Heritage Service)