Seoul Perfume Blending: Bottle Your Travel Memories — A Review of Two Seoul Perfume Blending Classes

RETTRE SEOULSUP, located near Seoul Forest in Seongsu-dong, is a unique perfume studio that blends neuroscience with emotional memory. The venue is on the second floor of a building, conveniently situated near the famous Seoul Forest Park and a cluster of cafés, offering a tranquil yet stylish atmosphere.

The signature experience at RETTRE SEOULSUP is the "Brainwave Perfume" workshop, which uses brainwave detection technology. Unlike typical Seoul Perfume Blending classes that rely solely on olfactory preferences, this experience focuses on uncovering subconscious scent preferences through technology. Reservations are usually required, and participants are asked to bring a photo rich with personal memories.

During the workshop, participants wear a specialized electroencephalogram (EEG) device. While viewing their chosen photo, they sample various fragrance bases. The system analyzes the brain's real-time responses to different scents, identifying the combination that evokes the most comfort and resonance with the memory, then generates a personalized perfume formula. In addition to a 50ml brainwave perfume, there's also an option to create a diffuser.

The venue's interior features a futuristic, avant-garde laboratory aesthetic. Metallic and pure white elements create a calm, focused ambiance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in personal memories and sensory exploration.

Additionally, the venue offers a "Time Capsule" service, where you can write a letter to yourself or someone else for delivery a year later, preserving the scent and memories of the moment.

RETTRE HONGDAE is located in the vibrant, artistic Hongdae commercial district of Mapo-gu, conveniently on the second floor near Hongik University Station. Unlike the tech-focused RETTRE SEOULSUP, this venue offers a more interactive, traditional Seoul Perfume Blending experience guided by a perfumer, emphasizing personal taste and the craft of blending.

The venue's blending courses come in various levels, including the "My Signature Perfume Class" which uses popular fragrance notes, the "Niche Perfume Series" featuring department store-grade ingredients, and the "Vegan Perfume Course" which uses only natural plant extracts and no animal-derived ingredients.

During the experience, a professional perfumer or instructor guides customers through dozens of fragrance ingredients, helping them distinguish top, middle, and base notes. They then suggest suitable blending ratios based on individual preferences and intended use.

The venue features warm wood tones and soft lighting, creating a cozy workshop atmosphere perfect for couples, friends, or groups to share their scent perceptions. After completing your creation, RETTRE HONGDAE also offers its signature "Letter Sent One Year Later" service, turning your hand-selected and blended perfume into a unique memento of your current mood and Hongdae travel memories.