there’s only one thing that can make or break your impression in the hot air: your scent. if you’re a ‘perfume nomad’ who searches for your signature scent every summer, it’s time to stop shopping and start experiencing. here are five of the most sensational niche perfume showrooms in Seoul, where brand philosophy becomes space and scent becomes art. these are the places to visit in Seoul that will make your summer extra special.

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1. fessard Hannam: A gallery of scents

with its eye-catching beige building in Hannam-dong, Pesad is more than just a store, it’s a gallery dedicated to scent. The graphic artist founder’s aesthetic is reflected throughout the space: on the first floor, you can experience the products alongside unique objects by Kwangho Lee, while on the second floor, a new exhibition unfolds every time you visit, following the chapters of scent, so you’ll be inspired by something different every time.

For Summer: Lay Figure – A genderless fragrance that combines transparent orange blossom and serene musk to evoke the languid warmth of a beach under the sun.

2. distill Loft: A fragrant haven in the heart of the city

hidden in a residential neighborhood in Jangchung-dong, Distil Loft is the first flagship store of Distil, a lifestyle brand that translates inspiration from nature into fragrance. stripped of unnecessary decor, the minimalist space invites you to focus solely on the scents and the personal memories and emotions they evoke. Take a moment to sit back, breathe, and find your own personal scent.

For Summer: Green Leaves Diffuser – This scent conjures up a scene of a humid, yet refreshing summer day after the rainy season, with the dark grassy and earthy smell of the forest.

3. point2fiveSecond Holy Water House: Scent meets tea

point2FiveSeconds refers to the 0.25-second moment when the brain recognizes a scent. this newly opened space in Seongsu combines a perfume showroom and a tea house. follow the spiral staircase to experience all of the brand’s fragrances on the third floor, and enjoy fragrance-inspired tea pairings at the fourth floor’s Tisology, where you may lose track of time.

For Summer: Floating Spirit – Citrus notes of salty water lily and bittersweet yuzu evoke the liberation of an impulsive trip to the sea, while the woody lingering notes lend a cozy sense of security.

4. le Labo Bukchon Hanok: New York sensibility, Korean beauty

new York-based niche perfume house Le Labo has made its home in the tranquil Bukchon Hanok, a space that combines the brand’s philosophy of slow perfumery with Korean aesthetics. in addition to the Fragrance Organ Room, where you can experience fragrances by focusing on the raw materials, the fourth Le Labo café in the world, you can enjoy a tranquil break in the atmosphere of a hanok.

For Summer: BERGAMOTE 22 – The freshness of bergamot and grapefruit meets the depth of amber and musk in this citrus-fresh scent that leaves a clean, sophisticated impression even on the hottest days of summer.

5. sage’s The Studio Yeoksam: A Journey into the World of an Artist

the surreal artistic world of photographer Ji-Seok Choi has come to us in the form of a fragrance. The first showroom of his initials, CGS, is not just a store, but a private exhibition space with docent-led tours by appointment only. As you follow the narrative of the symbols that run through his work, translated into scent, you’ll experience an intense immersion that feels like a trip inside his head.

For Summer: LOVE AND HATE – As the name suggests, the contrast between angels and demons, this scent combines the coolness of tea tree with the heat of cardamom. it’s the scent of a summer night, unpredictable and all the more alluring for it, leaving a deep lingering scent.

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. do I need an appointment to visit a showroom?

A. Most of our showrooms are open to the public, but some of them, such as César’s The Studio Yeoksam, are 100% reserved to provide a unique experience, so it is recommended to check before visiting.

Q. what is the price range of perfumes?

A. Most of the brands featured are ‘niche fragrances’, which means they tend to be priced higher than typical designer fragrances. it depends on the brand and volume, but it usually starts in the low $100,000s.

Q. is it okay if I just want to smell it without buying it?

A. Absolutely, these spaces are not designed to sell, but are more about experiencing the philosophy and story of the brand. please feel free to visit and fully enjoy the different scents.