A Hanbok Cultural Experience

While exploring the beautiful palaces of Korea, I was fortunate to rent a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress known for its vibrant colors, flowing lines, and elegant design. Wearing a hanbok is encouraged as part of the travel experience, and I was thrilled to don one, captivated by their beauty and cultural significance. This experience exceeded my expectations and deeply touched my heart.

We started by finding a small hanbok rental shop among the many located near the palace we chose to visit for the day (Gyeongbokgung Palace). The welcoming staff eagerly assisted us in choosing our hanboks. I selected a lilac purple one and received help putting it on and styling my hair with beautiful accessories. My friends and I left the shop feeling like princesses, but the stunning dresses were just the beginning of what made this experience so special.

Entering a palace filled with people in hanboks gave me a profound sense of immersion and belonging. I felt incredibly grateful to be part of such a rich culture and tradition. Korea's history is both painful and rich, and the country shares it with the world unreservedly. Experiencing another culture has always brought me joy, but here, I felt genuinely emotional. My classes had taught me about Korea’s history and culture, but wearing the hanbok made it all come alive. Studying abroad in this wonderful country allowed me to experience a world I had never imagined.

The palaces and temples of Korea never cease to amaze me. Their bright colors and stories always bring a smile to my face. I love sitting in these places, imagining the past and the events that shaped them. Wearing a hanbok enhanced this opportunity and made me feel a deep sense of jeong, a feeling akin to love or selflessness. The jeong I feel from Korea and its people as they welcome me into their culture is overwhelming. Wearing a hanbok reminded me of how fortunate I am to be here and how extraordinary Korea and its culture are. Thank you Korea. I will always remember this.