If you’re seeking a unique, hands-on activity that combines creativity with a touch of luxury, the Create Your Custom Perfume at Parfum 9 in Hongdae is a delightful choice. This experience invites you into a sleek, inviting studio where you can craft a scent that truly reflects your personality. While it’s a short session—about an hour—it’s packed with plenty of expert insight and fun.
What makes this experience truly special? First, the guidance from professional scent curators makes all the difference. Second, the chance to select from over 30 high-quality ingredients means your perfume will be distinct and personal. Lastly, the luxurious packaging and the ability to label your bottle add a thoughtful touch.
One potential consideration? Since the session lasts just an hour, those looking for an in-depth, prolonged course in perfumery might find it a bit rushed. But for most, this is a perfect mix of education, creativity, and a memorable souvenir.
This tour is ideal for couples, friends, solo travelers, or anyone wanting a culturally rich activity that results in a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Whether to gift someone special or to treat yourself, this perfume workshop offers both fun and value.
- Good To Know
- What to Expect from Your Perfume-Making Journey
- The Blending Process
- Authentic, Expert Guidance
- The Value of the Experience
- The Itinerary in Detail
- Authentic Guest Insights
- Who Will Love This Experience?
- The Sum Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Tour Reviews in Seoul
- Looking for something different? Other Seoul activities we've written about
Good To Know

- Highly personalized experience guided by professional scent curators
- Over 30 ingredients to choose from, allowing for a truly unique scent
- Includes 50ml custom perfume and high-quality European base notes
- Luxurious packaging and labeling make for a perfect gift or keepsake
- Quick, one-hour workshop suited for a variety of travelers
- Free cancellation makes it flexible for changing plans
What to Expect from Your Perfume-Making Journey
Arriving at Parfum 9 in Hongdae, you’re welcomed into an elegant studio designed to inspire creativity. The first part of your experience involves familiarizing yourself with over 30 single-note ingredients. These include popular choices like white musk, bergamot, rose, sandalwood, and cotton, offering a broad palette to craft your signature scent.
The expert guides will walk you through the basics of top, middle, and base notes, explaining how each layer influences the overall perfume. This is where most guests develop a newfound appreciation for the art of perfumery—it’s more than just mixing scents; it’s about understanding how they interact over time.
Once you’ve sampled the ingredients, you’ll select up to 6 to layer on your base fragrance, inspired by luxury brands like Byredo, Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Le Labo, and Chanel. The guides are attentive and knowledgeable, helping you identify your scent preferences while sharing insights into what makes each ingredient unique.
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The Blending Process
The actual blending is done using professional perfumery tools, such as pipettes, beakers, and scent strips. This part is surprisingly interactive; you can experiment with different combinations to see how they evolve. The guides will assist in balancing your scent and ensuring your perfume has harmony and depth.
When satisfied, you’ll label your 50ml bottle with a name or message, making it a personal keepsake. The finishing touches include luxurious packaging, a scent character sticker, and a mini room & fabric spray—a thoughtful addition that lets you freshen your space or wardrobe.
Authentic, Expert Guidance
Reviewers have praised the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—one described the host as “very kind” and appreciated how they explained the process. This genuine guidance helps even beginners feel confident in their creations and gain a real understanding of perfume composition.
The Value of the Experience

At $31.44 per person, this experience offers great value. You leave with a custom 50ml perfume, presented in an elegant package, and a personalized recipe card—a thoughtful gift for yourself or someone else. The ingredients used are of high quality, with 20 European base perfumes and 30 single-note ingredients included in the price.
Compared to buying a bespoke perfume at a boutique, this workshop delivers a hands-on, educational experience with a memorable result—your own fragrance in a sleek bottle. The professional guidance ensures you’ll appreciate the nuances of scent creation, adding depth to what could otherwise be a simple souvenir.
The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at the meeting point on Hongik-ro, you’ll be guided into the studio, which exudes a sense of calm sophistication. The first 10-15 minutes are dedicated to smelling and learning about ingredients—a sensory journey that’s both fun and educational.
Next, you’ll explore different base fragrances inspired by luxury brands, allowing you to choose one as your starting point. This step helps you connect with scents that evoke luxury and personal style, making your final perfume more meaningful.
The core of the workshop involves blending your selected ingredients—up to six—layered onto your base. The process is relaxed but structured, with your guide offering tips on balancing and harmonizing the notes.
Finally, you’ll label, package, and take home your creation, along with a recipe card in your preferred language (English or Korean). The entire session is designed to be engaging, informative, and enjoyable, with plenty of time for questions and experimentation.
Authentic Guest Insights

A reviewer named Josh_L called it a “fun experience” and appreciated how the host explained the scent-making process and shared general knowledge about fragrances. The comment about taking “a minute to relax from the busy streets of Hongdae” highlights how this activity offers a calming, focused break from sightseeing.
Other reviewers mentioned the guides’ expertise as a highlight, making the process accessible even for beginners. The luxurious packaging and attention to detail add a premium feel, making this a true treat.
Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop is perfect if you’re after a memorable, personalized souvenir or a fun, creative activity that’s different from typical city tours. It’s especially suitable for couples wanting a romantic activity, friends looking for a unique outing, and solo travelers eager to try something new.
If you appreciate quality ingredients, expert guidance, and a quick but meaningful experience, you’ll find this a worthwhile investment. It also makes an excellent gift idea, thanks to its customizable packaging and personal touch.
The Sum Up

Creating your own perfume at Parfum 9 in Hongdae offers a blend of creativity, education, and luxury in a short, accessible format. The professional guides, combined with a curated selection of high-quality ingredients, make this experience genuinely rewarding for those curious about scents or wanting a personalized souvenir.
While the session is relatively brief, it provides enough insight to understand and appreciate perfumery—a rare opportunity for most travelers. Plus, the luxurious packaging and personalized bottle elevate the experience from simple activity to memorable keepsake.
This activity is best suited for those who value quality over quantity, enjoy hands-on experiences, and want to craft something meaningful. Whether you’re a perfume novice or a scent connoisseur, you’ll leave with a unique fragrance and a new appreciation for the art of perfume-making.
Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the perfume-making experience last?
The entire workshop takes approximately one hour, making it a quick but engaging activity perfect for fitting into a busy day.
What is included in the price?
You’ll receive a 50ml custom-made perfume, use of high-quality European base perfumes and ingredients, all tools, guidance from a professional scent curator, luxurious packaging, and a personalized recipe card.
Can I choose my ingredients?
Yes, you can select up to six ingredients from over 30 options, allowing you to craft a scent that matches your preferences.
Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The private setting and flexible timing make it ideal for solo visitors wanting a personalized activity.
Are there any additional costs?
Not unless you want to purchase extra products or arrange for shipping or delivery later, which isn’t included in the workshop price.
Is the workshop family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Suitable for anyone interested in perfumery or looking for a unique cultural activity.
What is the location like?
The workshop is held in a stylish studio in Hongdae, a lively neighborhood known for its arts, music, and youthful energy.
Can I get a scent character sticker or customize the label?
Yes, you can add a scent character sticker and label your perfume with a name or message.
Is transportation needed?
The studio is near public transportation, making it easy to access without a car.
Will I receive a physical perfume to take home?
Yes, you’ll leave with your custom perfume in a beautiful bottle and all the necessary packaging to keep it safe.
This unique perfume workshop in Seoul offers a creative way to connect with the city’s vibrant culture, leaving you with a personalized scent and unforgettable memories.
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