[카테고리:] Korea Travel Guide

Practical English guides to Korean hotels, food, activities, and local travel.

  • Jamsil Baseball Stadium Guide: Seats, Bags and Transport

    Jamsil Baseball Stadium Guide: Seats, Bags and Transport

    Watching a KBO game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium is one of Seoul’s most accessible local sports experiences. The cheering is loud, food is part of the event, and the stadium is connected to two subway lines. For a first visit, take the subway, keep your bag within KBO limits, and arrive early enough to find your gate before the songs begin.

    I used third-base Navy Section 318 during a night game. This guide combines that first-hand visit with current Seoul Metropolitan Government venue information and the official KBO safety policy.

    Jamsil Baseball Stadium at a glance

    Address: 25 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
    Subway: Sports Complex Station, Lines 2 and 9
    Home teams: LG Twins and Doosan Bears
    Best transport: Subway on game days
    Bag limit: One 45 × 45 × 20 cm bag plus one 30 × 50 × 12 cm shopping bag per person
    Best first step: Check which team is the home team before buying a seat

    Exterior of Jamsil Baseball Stadium before a KBO game in Seoul

    How do you get to Jamsil Baseball Stadium?

    Sports Complex Station connects Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 9 to the stadium area. That makes the subway the simplest option for most visitors, especially after a game when surrounding roads become crowded.

    Exit and pedestrian routing can change during major construction around the sports complex. Follow the baseball-stadium signs inside the station and check the home team’s game-day notice instead of relying on an old exit number saved from a blog.

    Give yourself at least 40–60 minutes before first pitch if you need to collect a ticket, buy food, or find a specific block for the first time. Jamsil is not difficult to navigate, but the concourse becomes busy close to game time.

    Should you drive and park?

    Driving is possible, but it is the least predictable part of a Jamsil game. Seoul’s stadium information lists 876 parking spaces, with capacity reduced by construction. The city explicitly recommends public transportation.

    For professional baseball events, small vehicles are charged a KRW 6,000 prepaid event rate during the designated collection window. A normal time-based rate can apply outside that window, and entry may stop when the lot is full.

    The KRW 6,000 event rate is not a parking reservation and does not guarantee a space.

    Vehicle entrance to the Jamsil Sports Complex parking area

    Limited parking spaces near Jamsil Baseball Stadium on game day

    If you must drive, arrive well before the rush and have a backup plan. For most foreign visitors staying near a subway line, taking the train removes the biggest source of game-day stress.

    How do tickets and entry work?

    LG Twins and Doosan Bears share Jamsil Baseball Stadium, but each club manages home-game sales through its own channels and ticket provider. Confirm the home team first. Then follow the mobile-ticket or collection instructions included with that booking.

    During my visit, paper-ticket collection and kiosks were available. Your game may use a different process, so do not queue automatically until you check the reservation screen.

    Ticket collection area outside Jamsil Baseball Stadium

    Ticket kiosk used during a visit to Jamsil Baseball Stadium

    Printed KBO ticket collected at Jamsil Baseball Stadium

    Keep the ticket available after entry because staff may use the block and seat number to direct you. Stadium blocks are numbered, and the first unfamiliar walk around the concourse can take longer than expected.

    Which seat worked for a first visit?

    I watched from third-base Navy Section 318, Row 5, Seat 52. The elevated angle showed the full field, defensive movement, and scoreboard clearly. It was a useful choice for someone who wanted to understand the game rather than sit directly beside the field.

    Row 5 also reduced the chance of the front railing interrupting the view compared with the very first rows in that section. This is one seat experience, not a universal ranking of Jamsil sections.

    Field view from third-base Navy Section 318 at Jamsil Stadium

    Seat choice also depends on the home team. Supporters concentrate in different areas, so check the seating map before booking if you want to join a particular cheering section.

    For a day game, bring a cap and sunglasses. During my visit to the central third-base Navy area, direct sunlight could be noticeable before evening.

    What can you carry inside?

    KBO’s SAFE policy sets a league-wide minimum safety standard. Venue or team exceptions can still apply, so check once more on game day.

    Item General KBO rule
    Main bag One bag up to 45 × 45 × 20 cm
    Extra bag One shopping bag up to 30 × 50 × 12 cm
    Glass Not allowed
    Drinks Limited quantities of unopened PET bottles and cans; total capacity rules apply
    Frozen water Not allowed
    Coolers, boxes, mats, portable chairs or tables Not allowed
    Food Usually allowed within bag limits, except items creating safety or comfort problems

    Hot soup, sharp objects, cooking equipment, laser pointers, disruptive noisemakers, and other dangerous items can be refused. Security staff make the final decision at the gate.

    What is the atmosphere like at night?

    A Jamsil night game feels different from watching baseball on television. The scoreboard, coordinated chants, and constant movement in the stands make the crowd part of the performance.

    Jamsil Baseball Stadium scoreboard seen from the stands

    Night-game atmosphere viewed from the Navy seats at Jamsil

    You do not need to know every player or song. Watch the supporters near you, stand when your section stands, and keep the aisle clear. The rhythm becomes easy to follow after an inning or two.

    A simple first-timer plan

    1. Confirm the home team and buy the correct ticket.
    2. Take Line 2 or Line 9 to Sports Complex Station.
    3. Arrive 40–60 minutes before first pitch.
    4. Check your ticket method before joining a queue.
    5. Keep bags and drinks within KBO limits.
    6. Buy food before the busiest pre-game rush.
    7. Stay after the final out for the full cheering atmosphere, then expect a crowded station.

    Before leaving, check the official KBO SAFE policy and Seoul’s current parking information.

    Food is a major part of the experience, so continue with the related Jamsil Baseball Stadium food guide on this site.

    #JamsilBaseballStadium #KBO #SeoulBaseball #LGtwins #DoosanBears

  • Jamsil Baseball Stadium Food: What to Eat at a KBO Game

    Jamsil Baseball Stadium Food: What to Eat at a KBO Game

    Food at a Korean baseball game is not a quiet side activity. Fans arrive with boxes, cups, skewers, and snacks that can be eaten between chants without leaving the seat for long. At Jamsil Baseball Stadium, boneless chicken, fries, and skewers were the easiest foods to manage during my visits.

    This is a first-hand Jamsil food guide, not a permanent store directory. Concourse tenants, menus, prices, and mobile-order options can change by season. Use the photos and prices below as a practical snapshot, then check the signs when you arrive.

    Quick Jamsil food strategy

    Best full meal from my visit: boneless dakgangjeong
    Best easy side: thick fries
    Most distinctive snack: Xiao Mala skewers, especially corn
    When to buy: before first pitch or during a quieter inning
    Can you bring food? Usually yes, within KBO baggage and safety limits

    Concourse entrance used when looking for food at Jamsil Baseball Stadium

    Start with dakgangjeong if you want a real meal

    Dakgangjeong is boneless fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It worked well at Jamsil because I could eat small pieces without handling bones or balancing several containers.

    The Todam dakgangjeong box in my source visit cost KRW 19,000. The chicken used boneless thigh meat and stayed easy to share from the stadium seat. Prices and the store lineup may be different when you visit.

    Box of dakgangjeong bought during a Jamsil Baseball Stadium visit

    Close view of boneless sweet-spicy chicken at a KBO game

    For two people, one chicken box plus a lighter snack was more practical than buying several full meals at once. Stadium seats are narrow, and space disappears quickly when every container is open.

    Fries are the lowest-risk stadium snack

    Fries require almost no explanation, which makes them useful for a group with different tastes. The Brussels Fries counter sold thick fries with optional toppings during my visit.

    Visit-time prices were KRW 8,000 for basic straight-cut fries and KRW 8,900 for a larger size, with extra charges for toppings. Treat those numbers as historical, because stadium pricing changes.

    Fries counter photographed inside Jamsil Baseball Stadium

    Portable fries held in the stands at Jamsil Stadium

    Fries also pair easily with beer or a soft drink. The downside is the queue. If the line already reaches deep into the concourse just before first pitch, return during a quieter inning instead of missing the opening.

    Xiao Mala skewers add a different flavor

    Xiao Mala stood out because skewers are more portable than a bowl of mala soup. The seasoning during my visit was spicy and savory without the overwhelming numbing heat that some first-time mala eaters expect.

    Xiao Mala counter photographed during a Jamsil baseball game

    Mala skewers eaten from a seat at Jamsil Baseball Stadium

    The corn skewer was my favorite. Sweet kernels balanced the salty-spicy sauce and gave the set a different texture.

    Corn skewer seasoned with mala sauce at a KBO game

    The skewers felt more like a side than a complete meal. Pair them with chicken or another substantial item if you arrive hungry.

    Other Korean stadium foods to look for

    The lineup documented in the broader source visit also included Uirak fried chili peppers and a cup-style yukhoe mulhoe dish from Chojangjip.

    Uirak’s large fried chili peppers were KRW 11,000 for the original version and KRW 12,000 for a seasoned version during the visit. The cup-style yukhoe mulhoe was around KRW 15,000. Yukhoe contains raw beef, so anyone avoiding raw meat should choose a fully cooked alternative.

    Store availability changes. Instead of walking to an old block number from a screenshot, scan the current concourse signs once you enter.

    Can you bring outside food into Jamsil?

    KBO’s official SAFE policy generally allows food that fits within the permitted baggage allowance. It can still restrict very hot soup, strongly odorous food, glass, oversized containers, and anything that creates a safety problem.

    Item General rule
    Main bag One bag up to 45 × 45 × 20 cm
    Extra shopping bag One up to 30 × 50 × 12 cm
    Outside food Generally allowed within the limits
    Glass bottles Not allowed
    Frozen water Not allowed
    PET bottles and cans Unopened quantities are limited under KBO rules
    Coolers and boxes Not allowed

    Security staff and team-specific rules have the final say, so check the home team’s notice before packing drinks or a large takeaway order.

    How do you avoid spending the game in a queue?

    The simplest plan is to buy one main item before first pitch and return for a snack only if the concourse becomes quiet. I also saw mobile or QR ordering mentioned during previous visits, but service availability depends on the current tenant and game.

    Use this sequence:

    1. Enter early and locate your block.
    2. Walk one concourse level before choosing food.
    3. Buy one shareable main item.
    4. Keep sauces and open drinks inside the foot area, not the aisle.
    5. Make a second food run only when the queue is short.

    Night crowd cheering while eating stadium food at Jamsil

    My best combination for a first visit

    For two people, I would start with one box of dakgangjeong, add fries or Xiao Mala skewers, and buy drinks after checking the current container rules. That combination gives you a full meal, a simple side, and one food that feels specific to a Korean stadium visit.

    Do not try to collect every famous item in one game. The better experience is eating comfortably while keeping enough attention on the cheering and the field.

    Before visiting, review the official KBO SAFE policy. For transport, seats, ticket pickup, and parking, continue with the related Jamsil Baseball Stadium first-timer guide on this site.

    #JamsilStadiumFood #KBOFood #KoreanBaseball #SeoulFoodGuide #JamsilBaseballStadium

  • Hotel Naru Seoul Breakfast: VOISIN Review and Han River View

    Hotel Naru Seoul Breakfast: VOISIN Review and Han River View

    Hotel breakfast can feel like an easy add-on until you see the price. At Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery, the decision comes down to more than the size of the buffet. Restaurant VOISIN combines an early-morning Han River view, table-served egg dishes and coffee, and a broad mix of Korean and Western breakfast food.

    I visited on a Saturday morning and arrived at about 7:30 a.m. That early start gave me a quiet dining room and a window table without a wait. It is not a guarantee, but it is the most useful timing lesson from my visit.

    Hotel Naru Seoul breakfast at a glance Details
    Restaurant Restaurant VOISIN, 22F, Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery
    Address 8 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04176
    Subway Line 5 Mapo Station, Exit 4, about a 5-minute walk
    Breakfast hours 6:30–10:00 a.m.; session rules vary by day
    Inquiry +82 (0)2 6410 1140
    Best reason to go A full breakfast with a panoramic Han River setting

    Restaurant VOISIN dining room at Hotel Naru Seoul before breakfast

    Is the Han River view worth an early start?

    The view is the strongest reason to choose Hotel Naru Seoul breakfast over a quick cafe nearby. Restaurant VOISIN sits on the 22nd floor, and the official hotel description highlights its panoramic Han River outlook.

    During my visit, arriving at 7:30 a.m. made the experience noticeably calmer. I could sit by the window and start breakfast before the dining room became busier. If the view matters to you, arrive near opening and ask politely for an available window table.

    Window seating is never guaranteed. Weather, hotel occupancy, and private events can change the experience. Even away from the glass, however, the high floor and bright interior keep the room from feeling enclosed.

    Han River view from Restaurant VOISIN on the 22nd floor

    What food was available during my visit?

    The buffet covered the familiar hotel-breakfast categories without forcing guests to choose only Korean or Western food. I started with salads, vegetables, cheese, and smoked salmon before moving to the hot stations.

    Salads and cold breakfast dishes at Hotel Naru Seoul breakfast

    Smoked salmon served at the Restaurant VOISIN breakfast buffet

    Here is the practical breakdown from that morning:

    Section What I saw
    Cold buffet Salads, vegetables, cheese and smoked salmon
    Hot buffet Grilled meat and assorted warm breakfast dishes
    Korean breakfast Rice, soup, porridge and several side dishes
    Bakery Bread, pastries and sweet baked items
    Finish Fruit and small desserts

    The exact lineup changes with season and hotel operation. Treat this table as a first-hand snapshot, not a permanent menu.

    Breakfast buffet stations inside Restaurant VOISIN in Seoul

    Table-order service makes breakfast easier

    Restaurant VOISIN felt more polished than a standard self-service buffet because some items could be ordered from the table during my visit. Staff took orders for egg dishes such as omelets or fried eggs, along with coffee or tea.

    That small service detail matters. Instead of waiting at an egg station while carrying another plate, I could continue eating and receive a freshly prepared dish at the table. It also made the first coffee of the morning feel less rushed.

    Ask the staff which egg dishes and drinks are included that morning, because the available table-order menu may change.

    Korean-style grilled meat at the Hotel Naru Seoul breakfast buffet

    Warm breakfast dishes available during a Restaurant VOISIN visit

    Korean choices help if you want more than pastries

    International hotel breakfasts sometimes lean heavily toward bread, eggs, and cold cuts. Restaurant VOISIN also offered a Korean-style breakfast route during my visit.

    Rice, soup, porridge, and small side dishes made it possible to build a warm meal that felt more local. This is useful for travelers who want to try Korean flavors without beginning the day with a full restaurant search.

    The Korean section also works well for mixed groups. One person can choose pastries and eggs while another has rice and soup, and everyone still eats together.

    Korean side dishes arranged at the Hotel Naru breakfast buffet

    Save room for bread and dessert

    The bakery section was easy to underestimate after the hot food. There were multiple pastries and small desserts, so I found it better to take one or two items first instead of filling a plate immediately.

    Pastries displayed at the Restaurant VOISIN breakfast buffet

    Small desserts completing breakfast at Hotel Naru Seoul

    Price, reservations, and who will enjoy it most

    The adult price shown during my original visit was KRW 66,000, with a lower child price. Hotel restaurant prices and package inclusions change, so I would not plan a budget around that historical figure without checking again.

    Contact Restaurant VOISIN or review your room package before arrival. Some rates include breakfast for two, while other bookings charge breakfast separately. The hotel’s dining information also describes two breakfast sessions on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and holidays, with breakfast on those days reserved for in-house guests. Confirm the rule for your date before making a separate trip to the restaurant.

    Hotel Naru Seoul breakfast makes the most sense for:

    • travelers already staying at Hotel Naru Seoul
    • couples who value a slow breakfast with a river view
    • mixed groups wanting both Korean and Western choices
    • visitors who prefer eating before beginning a full Seoul itinerary

    It makes less sense if your priority is a very cheap or very fast meal. Mapo has many cafes and local breakfast options, but they offer a different experience.

    My practical verdict

    Restaurant VOISIN was memorable because the setting and service worked together. The buffet was broad, but the quiet 22nd-floor room, table-ordered eggs, and early Han River view made the meal feel like part of the hotel stay rather than a simple refueling stop.

    For the best chance of recreating that experience, arrive early, confirm the current price, and ask about a window table. You can check the official Restaurant VOISIN page and Hotel Naru Seoul location guide before visiting.

    Planning more local experiences? Read the existing Hongdae perfume workshop guide and Cafe Maven Haenggung review.

    #HotelNaruSeoul #RestaurantVOISIN #SeoulBreakfast #MapoHotel #SeoulTravel

  • Cafe Maven Haenggung: A Spacious Rooftop Brunch Cafe in Suwon

    Cafe Maven Haenggung: A Spacious Rooftop Brunch Cafe in Suwon

    Finding a cafe in Haenggung-dong can involve a surprisingly long checklist. I wanted somewhere that served more than coffee, stayed comfortable enough for brunch, and—most importantly—had its own parking.

    Cafe Maven Haenggung Main Branch checked all three boxes. After visiting, I understood why people remember this place for its standalone four-story building, brunch menu, parking, and open neighborhood views.

    Mascarpone French toast at Cafe Maven Haenggung in Suwon

    Item Details
    Name Cafe Maven Haenggung Main Branch
    Korean name 카페메이븐 행궁동본점
    Address 15 Changnyong-daero 74beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (1F)
    Hours Daily 10:00–20:00; food last order 18:30; drinks and desserts available until 19:30
    Phone 0507-1430-7764
    Parking 2 spaces by the entrance and 6 underground, 8 total
    Facilities Takeout, group seating, Wi-Fi, separate restrooms, simple payment and wheelchair-accessible entrance
    Reservation Naver reservation available

    The business details above were checked on August 23, 2026. Check the latest opening hours before visiting.

    The first impression: a full-size cafe on a hill

    I visited at around 3:00 p.m. on a Saturday and found parking without trouble. That immediately made the visit feel easier.

    It was a hot day, so being able to park underground instead of leaving the car in direct sunlight was a real advantage. Haenggung-dong is the kind of neighborhood where parking can turn into several extra laps around the block. Starting the visit without that stress put me in a good mood before I had even ordered.

    Exterior of the four-story Cafe Maven building in Haenggung-dong

    Cafe Maven entrance and the uphill approach

    The parking sign listed two spaces near the entrance and six underground, for a total of eight. The cafe occupies the entire standalone building, so it immediately feels much larger than a typical neighborhood coffee shop. Its American-style brunch concept also suits the scale of the space.

    Parking information showing eight spaces at Cafe Maven

    Underground parking entrance at Cafe Maven Haenggung

    How are the four floors arranged?

    The first floor is mainly the ordering area, while the second and third floors provide the main seating. The fourth floor is the rooftop.

    That layout makes exploring the building part of the experience. Instead of taking the first available table, I could walk through the different floors and choose the atmosphere I liked best.

    First-floor ordering counter at Cafe Maven

    Stairway connecting the floors inside Cafe Maven

    The second and third floors have large windows, so the space feels bright and open rather than enclosed. There are enough seating styles for a casual coffee break, brunch, a date, or a group gathering.

    Spacious seating and modern interior at Cafe Maven

    Window-side seating inside the Suwon brunch cafe

    Bright seating area overlooking Haenggung-dong

    Window seats and rooftop views

    The windows look out over the small streets of Haenggung-dong. It felt like a place designed for staying awhile rather than drinking coffee quickly and leaving.

    The rooftop opens the view even further. On a clear day, it would be a lovely place to take photographs or add a scenic stop to a Haenggung-dong date. The exact view naturally changes with the season and the seat, but the open feeling was one of the strongest parts of my visit.

    Upper-floor lounge with large windows and rooftop access

    What did we order?

    We ordered the signature salted cream latte, Benna juice, and mascarpone French toast.

    The Benna juice was described as a blend of apple and carrot. The salted cream latte was the more memorable drink for me. Its cream was dense and nutty rather than light or foamy, so the flavor felt full when I drank it together with the coffee.

    I already enjoy thick cream-topped drinks, and this one was exactly my style.

    Signature salted cream latte at Cafe Maven

    Benna apple and carrot juice served with brunch

    The mascarpone French toast

    The mascarpone French toast was moist and soft while still keeping a slightly chewy texture. The generous cream on top was rich and nutty, and it worked especially well with the bread.

    This was not simply a very sweet plate of toast. The contrast between the moist bread, creamy topping, fruit, and syrup made it feel like a proper brunch dish.

    Mascarpone French toast topped with cream, berries and fruit

    Side view of the thick French toast and mascarpone cream

    Overhead view of Cafe Maven's mascarpone French toast

    French toast and salted cream latte together

    The lasagna I want to try next

    The representative menu prices shown when I wrote the original review included:

    • White ragu lasagna — KRW 23,000
    • Maven lasagna — KRW 23,000, limited quantity
    • Maven salad pasta — KRW 17,000
    • Stone octopus oriental pasta — KRW 18,000

    Someone at a nearby table had ordered the signature lasagna, and it looked genuinely tempting. Cafe Maven describes it as a loaded American-style brunch dish with generous ingredients.

    I did not taste the lasagna on this visit, so I cannot review its flavor. It simply became the menu I would order next time.

    Who would enjoy Cafe Maven?

    Cafe Maven is a good candidate for visitors who want to combine a meal and cafe stop in one place. It also suits anyone looking for distinctive brunch food, on-site parking, spacious seating, or a view for a Haenggung-dong date.

    The rooftop was especially memorable under the clear sky.

    Cafe Maven rooftop sign under a bright blue sky

    View toward Hwaseong Haenggung from Cafe Maven

    You can also watch the short Naver Clip from this visit.

    Final thoughts

    Cafe Maven Haenggung Main Branch brings brunch, coffee, parking, and neighborhood views together in a four-story building. Parking was still available when I arrived on Saturday afternoon, and the underground spaces made a hot-weather visit much easier.

    The salted cream latte’s dense cream and the moist texture of the mascarpone French toast stayed in my memory. Next time, I would return for the signature lasagna and another look from the rooftop.

    Google Maps

    Disclosure: This visit was provided through a sponsored review campaign. The opinions and descriptions in this post are based on my own experience.

    Sponsored review campaign disclosure

    CafeMaven #HaenggungdongCafe #SuwonBrunch #SuwonCafe #HaenggungdongDate

  • Hongdae Perfume Workshop Parfum9: A Beginner-Friendly Custom Perfume Experience

    Hongdae Perfume Workshop Parfum9: A Beginner-Friendly Custom Perfume Experience

    Hello, this is Miracle Roa.

    I love perfume, but if someone asks me to explain top, middle, and base notes, I suddenly run out of words.

    My finished custom perfume at Parfum9

    Making perfume also sounded like something only people with a trained nose could do. I was honestly worried that mixing fragrances myself might produce something confusing and unwearable.

    After visiting Parfum9 in Hongdae, however, I realized that the process could be surprisingly approachable even for a complete beginner.

    Here is the conclusion first: I liked the perfume I created more than many ready-made perfumes I had used before. That result surprised me too.

    Category Details
    Studio Parfum9 Hongdae Perfume Workshop
    Address 2F, 25 Hongik-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
    Nearest Station About a 5-minute walk, 341 m from Hongik University Station Exit 9
    Hours Daily, 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
    Phone 0507-1366-7190
    Booking Naver reservation available
    Parking Parking available; ask the studio about validation and free parking time
    My Class 50 ml signature perfume + room spray, KRW 39,000
    Duration About one hour
    Groups Space for approximately 20–30 participants
    Amenities Waiting area, Wi-Fi, separate restrooms, and gift packaging

    The information and prices above were checked in August 2026. Please confirm the latest details before visiting.

    Parfum9 exterior and directions

    From Hongik University Station Exit 9, walk toward the main Hongdae area. Turn right near the building with Coffee Bean on the second floor, continue for roughly 100 meters, and look for the second-floor studio in the building opposite Songgyeyuk.

    The atmosphere won me over immediately

    Parfum9 is spacious, comfortable, and visually appealing. Rows of fragrance bottles make the room feel special before the actual class even begins.

    Parfum9 photo spot

    Colorful interior at Parfum9

    Wide perfume workshop interior

    Comfortable waiting area

    The studio feels trendy, slightly exotic, and full of places where visitors can take memorable photos. It is more than a classroom where you simply make one item and leave. It feels like a cultural experience built around fragrance, conversation, and photography.

    I arrived a little earlier than my reservation, which turned out to be a good decision.

    Parfum Gallery display

    Seasonal fragrances at Parfum Gallery

    While waiting, I could explore the Parfum Gallery, where fragrances selected for the season and current trends were displayed. If you enjoy browsing perfumes, arriving with a little extra time makes the visit even better.

    The experience itself also creates plenty of conversation. Rather than simply producing a bottle, you spend an hour discovering what you actually like.

    That is why this Hongdae perfume workshop works so well as a date idea.

    Why the process works for complete beginners

    My favorite part was that I was not asked to create a perfume from dozens of raw materials with no direction.

    Testing perfume bases

    The process begins with approximately 20 pre-blended base fragrances inspired by well-known perfume styles. You smell them first and choose the one that feels closest to your taste.

    Choosing a base fragrance

    The selected base determines more than 70 percent of the final character.

    Comparing base fragrances

    Selecting a favorite base

    Next, you smell about 30 individual notes and choose four to personalize the base.

    Exploring individual fragrance notes

    Selecting four additional notes

    You combine and test notes from the top, middle, and last-note groups until the fragrance begins to feel like your own.

    A polished perfume base + four notes I selected = my signature perfume

    This structure removed much of the pressure. A knowledgeable fragrance coordinator stayed nearby, explained each scent clearly, and helped adjust the blend without taking over the decision.

    The class felt less like being told the correct answer and more like being guided toward my own preference.

    I was also told not to overthink a scent that felt merely “okay.” When I truly liked something, my reaction was much more immediate.

    Blending my signature perfume

    Coffee beans were available whenever my nose needed a short reset. The full class took about one hour, so I never felt rushed while comparing fragrances.

    Top, middle, and base notes finally made sense

    The detailed explanation was another highlight of the class.

    I had seen the terms top, middle, and base notes many times, but I had never understood why they were separated. The coordinator explained the order in which a perfume develops in a clear, beginner-friendly way.

    • Top notes are the first scents perceived immediately after spraying.
    • Middle notes appear next and form the central character of the perfume.
    • Last or base notes remain longer and help support the overall balance.

    I also learned that ethanol does more than dilute fragrance oil. As it evaporates, it helps carry aromatic molecules into the air.

    These were questions I had quietly wondered about without ever taking the time to research. Understanding them changed the way I looked at perfume.

    The ingredients, bottle, and spray all mattered

    Before the visit, I assumed the fragrance formula was the only thing that mattered. The class showed me that the bottle and atomizer also affect the finished experience.

    Premium perfume bottle

    Perfume bottle and atomizer

    Testing the fine perfume mist

    According to the explanation at the studio, Parfum9 uses fine fragrance oil sourced from Europe, high-quality perfume bottles made in Korea, and premium atomizers from Europe and Korea.

    When I sprayed the finished perfume, the mist felt soft and full rather than coming out as a harsh, narrow stream. That small detail made the final bottle feel more polished.

    I should have chosen the Extra Parfum upgrade

    The class also covered fragrance concentrations such as eau de cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and extra parfum.

    The standard formula was described as roughly 10 percent fragrance concentration, while the Extra Parfum option was approximately 20 percent. The main difference was explained as longer wear rather than simply making the scent overwhelmingly strong.

    I made the standard version. Once I realized how much I liked my finished fragrance, I started thinking, “I should have upgraded to Extra Parfum.” If I return, I will seriously consider it.

    The perfume also needs time to mature:

    • Gently shake it about once a day for the first two days.
    • After around five days, the initial alcohol impression begins to soften.
    • After approximately one month, the blend becomes more fully matured.
    • Store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.

    These are the guidelines I received at Parfum9. Actual performance can vary depending on skin and storage conditions.

    Even the packaging felt special

    When I smelled the finished blend, I finally understood the appeal of creating a perfume in person. It was not simply a broadly pleasant fragrance. It reflected a series of choices I had made myself.

    Finished perfume and room spray

    My custom fragrance set

    Parfum9 gift box

    Finished products in the gift package

    The result suited my taste better than many commercial perfumes I had tried. The perfume and room spray were then placed in a beautiful box, making the final moment feel like receiving a gift.

    The scent was meaningful, the packaging was attractive, and I had made it myself. Those details made the experience especially satisfying.

    Who would enjoy this Hongdae perfume workshop?

    Parfum9 would be a lovely date activity because couples can choose scents for each other and talk about what feels most suitable.

    I would like to return with my husband and create fragrances while thinking about each other. It would also work well with a friend or a parent. The large studio can accommodate groups, making it suitable for gatherings or cultural activities as well.

    Anyone who enjoys fragrance and is not highly sensitive to scented products could have fun here, regardless of age or who they visit with.

    The studio was inviting, the explanation was detailed, the process was approachable, and the result genuinely matched my taste.

    If you are looking for a memorable workshop or an unusual date in Hongdae, Parfum9 offers a relaxed way to discover your own signature scent.

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