Create Your Custom Perfume at Parfum 9 in Hongdae

Imagine wandering through the lively streets of Hongdae and stumbling upon an elegant perfume studio where you can design your very own scent. That’s exactly what awaits with the Create Your Custom Perfume experience at Parfum 9. For around $31.44 per person and lasting about an hour, this activity combines creativity, education, and a touch of luxury in a way that’s both fun and memorable.

What we love most about this experience is the expert guidance from professional scent curators, who help translate your personal preferences into a bespoke fragrance. Plus, the chance to explore over 30 high-quality ingredients and craft a 50ml bottle of perfume makes it a worthwhile souvenir or gift.

However, this workshop is fairly short, so if you’re expecting an in-depth perfume mastery class, you might find it more of an introduction rather than an exhaustive deep-dive. Still, it’s ideal for anyone curious about scents, wanting a personalized memento of Seoul, or looking for a fun, creative break from sightseeing. It suits couples, friends, or solo travelers who appreciate a bit of hands-on artistry in their travels.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: You create a perfume that reflects your personality and style.
Expert Guidance: Professional scent curators assist you throughout the process.
High-Quality Ingredients: Over 30 single-note ingredients and European base perfumes are available.
Value for Money: For $31.44, you leave with a 50ml custom perfume and beautiful packaging.
Short but Sweet: About an hour of engaging, creative activity.
Ideal for Gift or Self-Reward: A unique keepsake from Seoul.

Planning more time in Seoul? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

A Closer Look at the Perfume Workshop in Hongdae

Walking into Parfum 9 in Hongdae, you’re greeted by an elegant, well-organized studio where the focus is on creating a scent that’s uniquely yours. The setup is inviting and professional, with all the tools neatly arranged—pipettes, beakers, scent strips, and blending charts—ready for your experimentation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The process begins with the smelling of over 30 different ingredients. These include familiar notes like white musk, bergamot, rose, sandalwood, and cotton, along with some less common ones. This part is fun—it’s like a tasting menu for your nose. We loved the way the guide—who is clearly knowledgeable—encouraged us to describe what we liked and didn’t, making it feel more like a personal consultation than a class.

Next, you choose a brand-type base fragrance inspired by luxury houses such as Byredo, Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Le Labo, or Chanel. This gives your scent a foundation, making your finished product feel polished and sophisticated. The guide explains top, middle, and base notes—an important aspect that helps you understand how your perfume will evolve over time.

You then select up to six ingredients to layer over your base. This is where the real fun begins—mixing and matching to find a harmony that suits you. The professional perfumer assists in balancing your blend, ensuring your scent is well-rounded. We appreciated how the guide explained each ingredient’s role, transforming what could be an overwhelming choice into an approachable process.

Creating and Packaging Your Perfume

Once your blend is just right, you’ll use professional perfumery tools to craft your 50ml bottle. Labeling it with your name or a message adds a personal touch, and the studio offers luxurious packaging along with optional scent character stickers for extra flair.

The entire experience takes about an hour, making it perfect for a quick yet meaningful activity. Afterward, you’ll leave with your custom perfume in a soft pouch and shopping bag, ready to wear or gift. The studio also includes a mini luxury room & fabric spray as a complimentary keepsake.

Authenticity and Personal Touches

Clients consistently mention the knowledgeable guides as a highlight. One reviewer says, “Host is very kind and explains the process and a bit about scent making generally,” which is reassuring if you’re new to perfumery. Another points out how the staff helps make the process relaxing and enjoyable amid busy Hongdae streets.

While you're exploring Seoul, here are other experiences we've looked into

Pricing and Value

Though $31.44 might seem modest for a personal perfume workshop, it’s actually quite generous when you consider the high-quality ingredients, professional guidance, and the custom bottle you get to take home. If you think about the cost of comparable scents in stores, this DIY experience offers a more meaningful and personalized alternative.

Practical Considerations

This tour is near public transportation, making it accessible from all around Seoul. It’s a private activity, so you won’t be in a large crowd—perfect for couple, friend, or solo trips. Be aware that shipping or delivery of your perfume isn’t included, so plan to carry your bottle home if you’re visiting other parts of Korea.

Why This Experience Works

This activity is best suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on, creative projects, or those simply wanting a unique souvenir. The guided nature and focus on educating about scent profiles make it ideal for curious minds. It’s especially appealing for couples or friends who want a shared experience or for solo travelers looking for a relaxing, engaging activity.

Many reviewers highlight the friendly, professional guidance as making the experience memorable. One verified guest called it a “fun experience” where you can create your own scent and take a minute to relax amid Seoul’s bustling streets.

Final Thoughts

In essence, creating your own perfume at Parfum 9 offers an accessible, enjoyable way to understand the art of perfumery while leaving with a tangible, personal item. It marries creativity with education, helping you appreciate scents on a deeper level.

The short duration means it’s a perfect afternoon break, especially if you’re exploring Hongdae or seeking a memorable cultural activity. The professional guidance ensures beginners won’t feel overwhelmed, making it a welcoming space to experiment with different aromas.

For those who value authentic, handcrafted souvenirs or simply want a fun, aromatic escape during their Seoul visit, this experience delivers genuine value. Whether for yourself or as a special gift, your custom perfume will serve as a fragrant reminder of your time in Korea’s vibrant capital.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guide explains the process clearly and helps you choose ingredients, making it approachable even if you’re new to perfumery.

How long does the workshop last?
It takes about one hour from start to finish, including creating your perfume and packaging it.

Can I choose my ingredients?
Absolutely. You can select up to six ingredients from a curated list of over 30 options, allowing you to personalize your scent.

What do I leave with?
You’ll take home a 50ml custom-made perfume in a beautiful bottle, labeled with your message or name, plus gift packaging and a personal recipe card.

Is the workshop private?
Yes, this is a private activity, so only your group will participate.

Are there any additional costs?
Most everything is included—the ingredients, tools, guidance, packaging, and a mini room spray. Shipping of your perfume after the session is not included.

Is transportation to the studio difficult?
No, the studio is near public transportation in Hongdae, making it easy to reach from most parts of Seoul.

This perfume-making experience at Parfum 9 is a delightful mix of creativity, education, and a bit of luxury—perfect for travelers who want to bring home a piece of Seoul that’s truly personal.