Hanbok Photoshoot and History Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Joanne Colman-Bown
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
One of my absolute highlights in Seoul was stepping back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace — not just wandering around as a visitor but wearing a traditional hanbok and exploring the palace with James of Koreanbong. It wasn’t your average history tour; it was fun, interactive, and genuinely unforgettable.
Meet James – The Perfect Guide
James (Jeong Sang-bong) is the co-founder of Koreanbong (with photographer Jacob). He’s a tour guide, a content creator, a history buff, and a storyteller. And an overall nice guy!
He doesn’t just guide with facts; he weaves the history of Korea (especially from the Joseon period) into stories that connect with things people often see in Korean dramas or culture.
And let me just say, with a group of fourteen, James, was brilliant from the start to finish!
He’s the kind of person who instantly makes you feel comfortable. We weren’t bombard with dates and facts but told stories. As we wandered through the palace, he painted a picture of what life was like during the Joseon Dynasty — kings holding ceremonies, queens tucked away in their quarters, guards watching over the courtyards.
He’s friendly, funny, and clearly passionate about what he does — which made the whole experience feel less like a tour and more like hanging out with a friend who knows all the secrets of Seoul.
And the bonus…. working alongside Jacob who is a professional photographer, guests not only learn about the history of the palace but leave with high-quality photos.
Dressing in Hanbok
Before we even set foot in the palace, we chose our hanbok. Rows of elegant dresses hung waiting, each one more stunning than the last — deep blues, soft pastels, rich reds. The staff at the hanbok salon helped us with the dressing (not as straightforward as it looks!), and once we were all ready, we looked like we’d stepped out of another century.
The moment I walked out in my hanbok, I felt transformed. Locals and tourists alike smiled as we passed, some even stopping to say how lovely we looked. It was such a fantastic part of the experience — and yes, wearing hanbok meant free entry to the palace too, which was a nice perk.
Exploring the Palace
James guided us through hall after hall, each with its own purpose and story. He pointed out hidden details in the woodwork, explained the symbolism behind colours and shapes, and shared little secrets about the royal family’s daily life.
The pace was very well thought out — we weren’t rushed. We had time to wander, soak in the atmosphere, and ask questions along the way.
Capturing the Memories
And as mentioned before, there were the photos. followed us around and captured everything. No awkward selfies, no worrying about angles — just beautiful shots of us in hanbok against the backdrop of this incredible palace. When I saw the photos afterwards, I honestly couldn’t believe how good they looked.
Why I Loved It
For me, the magic of this tour was the balance: James made history fun and engaging, while Jacob made sure we left with amazing memories captured for a lifetime. It wasn’t just a tour — it was an experience that blended culture, history, and pure fun.
If you’re visiting Seoul, I’d say this is a must-do. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple, it’s the kind of experience that gives you both a story to tell and pictures you’ll want to frame.
If you’re heading to Seoul, I can definitely recommend the Hanbok Photoshoot and History Tour with James. It’s one of those rare experiences where you don’t just see history — you get to live it for a little while. And when I look at the photos now, I’m right back there: the swish of silk, the palace walls glowing in the sun, and the stories of Korea’s past echoing through the courtyards.
If you would like to book this tour independently, check out James tour HERE
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