Walking Jeonju Hanok Village in the 19th Century Outfit

Walking Jeonju Hanok Village in colorful hanbok (Korean traditional costume) has been very popular. But thanks to the ‘newtro’ (new+retro) wave, we’re witnessing a new trend in the Hanok Village outfit: ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’.

A brief history lesson: Seoul was called ‘Gyeongseong’ during the Japanese occupation period (1910-1945). ‘Uibok’ means outfit. Usually, ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ indicates the outfits of the late 19^th century to early 20^th century, also known as the ‘Gaehwagi’ period. The Gaehwagi peiod saw the end of the Confucian feudal-agricultural society under the Western influence. Today, I feel like walking the Hanok Village in ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ to enhance my ‘Gaehwagi’ mood!

Part 1. Renting ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ outfits

In the Hanok Village there are 4~5 venues that rent out ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ outfits. I visited one that rents out both hanbok and ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’. Renting ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ costs around 30,000 won to 50,000 won per person, slightly more expensive than a general hanbok outfit.

Inside the venue are several ‘photo zones’ where I could take photos in the costumes. I also took a photo before heading out.

‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ is in various colors and designs, from one-piece dress and suits to more retro blouse and skirts. I had difficult but fun time choosing and looking around.

After changing clothes, I also chose accessories. There were a range of fancy headdresses, hats, necklaces, bracelets, and others. I asked the shop’s employee to choose the right accessories for my outfit. She also fixed my hair. I was also able to borrow the retro shoes and bags so that I was in the ‘Gaehwagi’ style from head to toe.

Part 2. The Hanok Village photo spots for ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’

I headed out to the Hanok Village in my ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’.

Before the Gyeonggijeon Palace is an old wagon carrying flowers. I could take very ‘retro’ photos here.

I thought the organized stone-walled walkway is also a good prop for those wearing more formal ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’.

I almost lost myself in the late 19^th century at Jeondong Cathedral. Me and my friends had to to wait a bit to take the photo, since Jeondong Cathedral is very popular during the weekends. But the end result was definitely worth the wait!

I headed to ‘Jeonju Nanjang’, a hands-on museum focusing on the modern history of Korea. I took the photos outside the museum, but inside are more ‘instagrammable’ spots for those wearing ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’.

Walking Jeonju Hanok Village in ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ felt so much different from walking the village in hanbok! If you think hanbok is too common, why not try ‘Gyeongseong Uibok’ and find out what it was like in the late 19^th century to early 20^th century ‘Gaehwagi’ period of Korea?