written by Sonder Studio

Your culture shapes the story you carry with you—rooted in where you come from, carried into who you are, and passed quietly into the hands of those who will follow. My good friends Anne and Luca wanted to honor that lineage in a way that felt intentional and deeply personal, so they slipped into traditional attire for a timeless Hanbok photoshoot in Seoul. Photographing them in this location, layered with centuries of meaning, felt profoundly special. Continue reading for the full story of their session below.

A Quick Guide to Korean Terminology

If you are unfamiliar with Korean customs and terminology, there may be a few words that feel unfamiliar at first, so I wanted to offer a little guide to help you feel more connected to the story.

• Hanok: A traditional Korean house, built with wooden beams and clay ceiling tiles. Hanoks often have gently curved roofs and a central open courtyard, creating a space that feels both peaceful and timeless.
• Hanbok: The traditional Korean outfit, worn by both men and women for weddings and special occasions. Hanboks often feature vibrant colors, each carrying deep cultural meaning.

Planning Anne & Luca’s Hanbok Photoshoot in Seoul

Before this session, I documented Anne and Luca as they celebrated their marriage with refined, European elegance. Their reception that followed was filled with metallics and bold, architectural details, so for this experience, they wanted something different—something that honored their Korean heritage and felt steeped in tradition. They chose a Hanbok photoshoot in Seoul to embrace the timeless, cultural reflection of who they are.

Coordinating the session wasn’t without its challenges. Both Anne and Luca lead full lives, and finding a slice of time that worked for everyone took a bit of careful planning. Thankfully, through ongoing communication, we discovered a brief window that fit seamlessly into their schedules. With Anne’s professional connection to their chosen hanok, Chungwoonbyeolseo, arranging the venue went smoothly, letting us focus fully on creating an experience filled with intention.

The Perfect Hanok For This Hanbok Photoshoot

Chungwoonbyeolseo is a traditional hanok from the Joseon Dynasty—a peaceful property where nature and history come together. Shade from mature trees, soft birdsong, and the gentle movement of water create a calm, inviting atmosphere. A small pond on the grounds, complete with a boat, adds a quiet, reflective touch. The hanok carries the charm of old Korea, a subtle nod to a simpler era, and it was the perfect place to bring Anne and Luca’s vision for their Hanbok portrait session to life.

Standout Moments from Anne & Luca’s Hanbok Photoshoot

Exploring Chungwoonbyeolseo felt like stepping into the quiet embrace of another era. Every detail whispered stories of the past, and it was in these delicate touches that the day became so deeply memorable.  

The Unsung Hero of This Hanbok Photoshoot

Anne and Luca had an incredible on-site helper – Victoria from Weavry – who went above and beyond to make sure every fold and detail of their look stayed perfectly in place. While we were photographing by the pond, she gently stirred the water to create soft ripples before slipping behind a rock, allowing me to capture the scene at its most magical. Her quiet, thoughtful touches brought the images to life, and she helped the entire day unfold seamlessly and beautifully.

A Creatively Fulfilling Afternoon

As one of my dear friends, I felt honored to help bring Anne’s vision to life. She wanted images that felt soft and elegant, and I let that intention guide the creative flow. We spent the afternoon wandering the property, following the light as it wove through the trees and documenting moments that reflected exactly what she imagined—a feeling that was quietly timeless, almost as if from a past life. It was a deeply fulfilling day, one I know will stay with me for years to come.

Bringing the Joseon-Era Elegance to Life

Because Chungwoonbyeolseo was originally constructed during the Joseon era, we drew inspiration from its history and aimed for the photos to carry the feeling of royalty from that time. Anne and Luca naturally embody such effortless grace, poise, and elegance—the kind you might imagine in the kings and queens of the past. In preparation, I studied films set in that era, envisioning how it would harmonize with the hanok they had chosen. When the day arrived, they stepped into that world effortlessly, embracing the old‑world atmosphere with warmth, intention, and heart.

I felt truly honored to document Anne and Luca’s culture and heritage during their Hanbok photoshoot in Seoul. It was such a gift that they trusted me—not just to photograph them, but to reflect the beauty of the place they call home and the traditions that are so meaningful to them.

No matter the story you want your photos to tell, Korea has a venue to make it possible. To see some of my favorites, check out my blog post on the best venues in Korea. And if you’re dreaming of a Hanbok-styled pre-wedding session, reach out—I can’t wait to help you bring your vision to life.

Standout Vendors from this Hanbok Photoshoot in Seoul:

Digital Photographer: Lorryn Smit

Assistant Photographer: Weavry

Hanok: Chungwoonbyeolseo 

Hair: @_sintak

Makeup: @only_seo2