One of the most unforgettable experiences in Seoul is walking through the city’s majestic palaces dressed in a traditional Korean hanbok. And the best part? You can rent a hanbok for the day and enter major palaces for free, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, simply for wearing one. It’s the perfect blend of immersive cultural experience and Instagram-worthy adventure. Even better, if you have a Discover Seoul Pass, your hanbok rental is included at select shops.
This guide covers how to rent a hanbok, where to go, cultural tips, and how to make the most of your visit with the Discover Seoul Pass.
Things to Know Before You Visit Seoul
🌤 Climate
Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, and temperatures vary widely depending on the time of year.
Spring (April to June): Mild temperatures range from 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C), and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, one of the most picturesque times to visit.
Summer (July to August): Hot and humid, with temps ranging from 75°F–95°F (24°C–35°C). Afternoon thunderstorms and monsoon rains are common.
Autumn (September to November): Crisp and clear, with temperatures between 45°F–75°F (7°C–24°C). Expect stunning foliage.
Winter (December to February): Cold, often below freezing, with temps between 20°F–40°F (-6°C–4°C). Snowfall is possible—perfect for dramatic palace photos in hanbok, but dress in thermal layers.
🗣 Language
The official language is Korean. English is spoken at most major tourist attractions, but not always fluently. It helps to download Papago or Google Translate for basic phrases.
💵 Money
South Korea uses the Korean won ₩ (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in Seoul, but it’s handy to carry cash for small shops or markets. ATMs are everywhere, and many offer English-language options.
🛂 Visa
U.S., Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and most European passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Always check your specific visa requirements before traveling.
📱 SIM Card
Buy a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device at Incheon Airport or pre-order one for pickup. KT, LG U+, and SK Telecom are the main providers. Korea has excellent Wi-Fi coverage, even in metro stations.
How to Get There
✈️ Airport: Fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
🚇 Metro: The quickest option to get into Seoul is the AREX Express Train (43 minutes to Seoul Station, ₩6,900)
Getting Around Seoul
🚇 Metro: The Seoul Metro, with its 22 lines and 302 stations, is the backbone of public transportation in the city. Its sleek, modern trains whisk passengers across the vast urban landscape, connecting popular tourist destinations, business districts, and residential neighborhoods with ease. The subway system operates from early morning until late at night, ensuring you can seamlessly explore the city at your own pace.
🚌 Bus: Seoul’s extensive bus network complements the subway system, providing an alternative and often more direct way to reach specific destinations. The city’s buses come in a variety of colors, each indicating a different route type. Blue buses connect major districts, green buses serve local areas, yellow buses loop around downtown, and red buses travel to and from suburban areas.
🚙 Ridesharing: Kakao is similar to Grab or Uber. It’s an affordable and convenient way to get around, plus it’s easy to pay with a T Money card.
🚕 Taxi: It’s easy to hail a taxi in Seoul, just look for the orange and silver cars. The fares are metered and they prefer if you pay with a Tmoney card but cash is also accepted.
🚶🏼♀️Walking: Seoul’s public transportation system is exceptional but walking is often the best way to truly immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. It’s a very walkable and easy-to-navigate city.
💳 Tmoney Card: This little card is your key to hassle-free travel and exploring the city like a local. Think of it as your personal transportation pass, your wallet, and your ticket to convenience.
A Tmoney card is a rechargeable prepaid card that you can use to pay for public transportation, taxis, vending machines, convenience stores, and even some restaurants in Seoul, including subways and buses. It’s like having a pre-loaded transit pass that eliminates the need to fumble with cash or stand in long lines to buy tickets.
It costs ₩4,000 ($3.50 USD). You can buy one at any convenience store or subway station. Top up your Tmoney card regularly to avoid running out of funds in the middle of your adventure. You can top up at any convenience store or subway station.
KakaoMap and Naver Map are more accurate than Google Maps for public transport directions.
Where to Stay in Seoul
Seoul has a variety of diverse neighborhoods, and each offers a unique blend of attractions, experiences, and cultural insights. Being that it’s the 16th largest city in the world, it would take a very long trip to see and do everything. I break down the most popular neighborhoods in this full guide of Seoul here, so that you can decide what fits your needs
Safety Tips for Seoul
Seoul consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, and it truly lives up to that reputation. Crime rates are low, violent crime is rare, and even solo female travelers will find walking alone at night in most neighborhoods to be surprisingly comfortable. That said, it’s always smart to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas like subway stations, shopping streets, or festivals, where pickpocketing can occasionally happen. Carry your backpack or purse in front of you in crowded areas, and avoid flashing large amounts of cash or valuables.
When using taxis, always opt for trusted ride-hailing apps like KakaoTaxi or Uber, which partner with licensed Korean taxis. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures you’re paying a fair rate. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so using an app allows for smoother communication and accurate destination input. Seoul’s police force is also very present and approachable. Many speak basic English, and there are even tourist police units in popular areas.
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is truly an insurance company for Nomads, by Nomads. It’s designed to meet the medical and travel needs faced by Digital Nomads and other remote workers while they are outside of their home country. Coverage is mainly intended for long-term travelers which makes it ideal for Digital Nomads!
In terms of payment, SafetyWing uses a subscription-based payment system on a monthly basis instead of all up front and the rates can be as low as $42/month. Therefore, it’s truly a budget-friendly option!
Get a quick quote for your travel dates 👇
One of my favorite features is that SafetyWing may even offer you some medical coverage in your home country which is extremely rare in travel insurance and makes SafetyWing stand out from the rest.
Pros of SafetyWing Travel Insurance
- The monthly subscription model
- Can cover medical expenses when overseas
- Up to 2 children under 10 per family (1 per adult) can be included on your insurance free of charge
- Limited medical coverage in your home country
Cons of SafetyWing Travel Insurance
- Not as many travel insurance perks as other companies
- No coverage for personal electronics
Read this post The Best Travel Insurance for Every Type of Traveler for an in-depth review of the top 3 travel insurances.
What is the Discover Seoul Pass?
The Discover Seoul Pass is a sightseeing and transportation card designed specifically for tourists, offering an easy and affordable way to explore over 30 of the city’s top attractions. Launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the pass acts as an all-in-one ticket, granting free admission to palaces, museums, theme parks, and cultural experiences, along with significant discounts at shops, restaurants, and tour services. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler looking to see more of the city, the Discover Seoul Pass is a fantastic value.
The Discover Seoul Pass is available in 24, 48, or 72-hour formats, and activates the moment you first use it at an attraction or benefit. It can be purchased as a physical card or a digital app version, depending on your preference. The flexibility, combined with the wide range of included activities, makes it a smart option for budget-savvy and time-conscious travelers.
What’s Included with the Discover Seoul Pass
Free Admission to Over 30 Attractions in Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon (Secret Garden)
- Deoksugung Palace
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Gyeonghuigung Palace
- Jongmyo Shrine
- N Seoul Tower Observatory
- COEX Aquarium
- Seoul Zoo
- Trick Eye Museum
- Alive Museum
- Figure Museum W
- Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
- Seoul Museum of History
- National Museum of Korea VR Experience
- Seoul Museum of Craft Art
- Seodaemun Prison History Hall
- Seoul Animation Center
- T.um – SK Telecom’s ICT Museum
- Seoul City Tour Bus (limited use or discount depending on pass duration)
Free Cultural Experiences
- Hanbok rentals at select partner shops
- Korean cooking classes
- Traditional craft workshops
- Taekwondo experience classes
- Han River Ferry Cruise (Ferry Terminal near Yeouido)
- K-Beauty skincare or makeup experiences (at select shops)
- VR and AR attractions in downtown Seoul
Transportation Perks
- One free one-way ride on the AREX Express Train (Incheon Airport ⇄ Seoul Station)
- Discounts on Seoul City Tour Bus routes (for app version users or after free limit)
- Compatible with T-money transit system when physical card is registered as a T-money card (for subway, buses, and some taxis; funds must be loaded separately)
Shopping, Dining, and Performance Discounts
- Discounts at Lotte Duty Free, Lotte World Mall, and other shopping centers
- Discounts at themed cafes and restaurants
- Reduced ticket prices for shows like Nanta, The Painters, and other non-verbal performances
- Discounts at various K-beauty shops for skincare and cosmetics
- Savings at character-themed stores like LINE Friends, Kakao Friends, and Studio Ghibli pop-ups when available
How to Get the Discover Seoul Pass
You can purchase the Discover Seoul Pass online in advance or in person at various locations across the city. Online purchases can be made through the official Discover Seoul Pass website, and the pass can be picked up at Incheon International Airport, Gimpo Airport, or various partner locations in Seoul. If you prefer digital convenience, you can also download the mobile version of the pass through the Discover Seoul Pass app. It’s available for both iOS and Android.
The prices for the pass are as follows:
24-Hour Pass: ₩50,000 KRW (approx. $38 USD)
48-Hour Pass: ₩70,000 KRW (approx. $53 USD)
72-Hour Pass: ₩90,000 KRW (approx. $68 USD)
While the upfront cost may seem steep, the value adds up quickly, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions, rent a hanbok, or use the AREX train. Even just visiting three or four major attractions can cover the cost of the pass. It’s also a great way to keep track of your travel expenses since many admissions and services are included.
To use the physical pass, present it at each participating attraction. For digital users, scan your QR code in the app. It’s important to remember that the timer starts on your first use, so plan your day accordingly to get the most value.
How to Rent a Hanbok with the Discover Seoul Pass
One of the most unique perks? With this pass, you can rent a traditional Korean hanbok for free at select rental shops, allowing you to not only experience Korea’s rich history in an immersive way but also gain free entry to several palaces just by wearing one. This dual benefit makes it especially popular among travelers looking for both budget-friendly and culturally enriching experiences.
With the Discover Seoul Pass, simply show your pass at check-in, and you’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of colors and styles. Most rentals include accessories like a purse or a hair ribbon. Some shops offer hairstyling for an additional fee.
Rental duration typically ranges from 2 to 4 hours, but some passes allow up to 6 hours or even a full day. Make sure to bring an ID or passport, as most shops require it as a deposit.
Which Palaces Are Free to Enter with a Hanbok?
Wearing a hanbok gives you free access to many historical sites, including:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Deoksugung Palace
- Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the most iconic and photogenic, especially during the guard-changing ceremony held multiple times daily. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and catch the best light for photos.
Cultural Etiquette When Wearing a Hanbok
Wearing a hanbok is a form of cultural appreciation, not appropriation, as long as it’s done respectfully. Avoid mixing with streetwear or using the outfit as a costume. Speak quietly, avoid touching historical artifacts, and remember that you are often entering places of profound historical and cultural significance.
Whether you’re in Seoul for a short stopover or an extended stay, the Discover Seoul Pass offers an easy, budget-friendly way to make the most of your time in the city.
