Hanbok rental boom by tourists sparks debate over preserving tradition

A debate over what constitutes authenticity in Korean traditional clothing has resurfaced as foreign tourists flock to Korea’s royal palaces in record numbers, with 1.36 million arrivals in July alone. Rental shops offering hanbok, Korea’s traditional costume, have become a staple experience for visitors, particularly around Seoul’s palaces. This raises questions about the distinction between traditional and fusion styles and their impact on Korean cultural heritage. On Monday, the narrow, bustling alleys near exits 2 and 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Seoul Metro Line 3 were lined with more than 30 hanbok rental shops, each serving a steady stream of international and local customers. These shops, which offer multilingual services, generally charge 15,000 won ($11) to 30,000 won for two-hour rentals. Many sprang up after October 2013 when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism began offering free palace entry to visitors wearing hanbok, turning the practice into a popular activity. According to the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), nearly 1.72 million visitors wearing hanbok entere

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