I’m not one to change my perfumes very often. I’m super picky and once I find something I really like, I usually stick with it for a long time. But there are so many beautiful Korean fragrance brands that it’s hard not to start growing a collection.
Needless to say, Korean fragrances are always at the top of my recommend list of things to buy when in Korea. The designs and scents are beautiful and unique, you’d be hard pressed not to find something you like. Plus they also make great gifts for family and friends!
Granhand
Granhand was the very first Korean fragrance brand I fell in love with. Their original handmade fragrances had me hooked the moment I entered their doors way back in 2016. Whenever I need sachets for my closet, candles for my home or perfume for myself, I always make time to head over to one of their beautiful shops to resupply.
Their fragrances are long lasting and nature inspired with beautifully balanced blends of floral, fruit and wood notes. They also have descriptions for each fragrance so you know exactly what the top, middle and base notes are. But if you’re not in the market for a new perfume, I highly recommend a diffuser or candle. They will make your house smell soooo good!
One of my favorite things about this brand is their attention to detail. When you purchase one of their bottled fragrances, you can have it personalized by having a name hand-stamped onto the label. Then they wrap it for you in this beautiful packaging. It’s like getting myself a little gift every time I go.
Tamburins
Tamburins is a Korean fragrance cosmetic brand that I can only describe as what happens when cosmetics meet fashion and experimental art. Their stores are well known for their rotation of unique concepts and gallery-like spaces. They’re pretty much half gallery and half store, making a visit to one of their locations more of an experience rather than simply shopping.
Tamburins is most popular for its curated selection of chic-genderless designs and fragrances. I’d definitely say the design of their products is what initially drew me to this brand. Each of their products has this kind of artsy-couture inspired flare, somehow making them both cosmetics and accessories, like their OG chain hand cream in 000 (my personal favorite).
While their collection is limited to a few exclusive fragrances, you can get them in a variety of different mediums from perfumes, hand creams and lip balms to body wash, candles and diffusers. Whatever your preference, they’ve got you covered.
Matthew Chang Perfumes
A newcomer to the Korean fragrance scene is Matthew Chang Perfumes. This indie brand specializes in floral inspired fragrances that really give off this romantic fairytale vibe. I’m not usually into flowery scents, but this line is so intoxicating that I couldn’t resist adding them to my collection.
They have 3 signature floral inspired scents, each with their own unique personality. Cozy Heart has this warm sweet fragrance, like laundry that’s been hung in the sun dry. And Analog is more of a unisex fragrance that has this sophisticated musk about it. But, Late bloom is like spring in a bottle. It’s light, fresh subtlety sweet like a bouquet of flowers.
Each fragrance comes in an elegant glass bottle and beautifully packaged in its own signature box, making for a beautiful souvenir for yourself or gift from someone else.
Bonus: Greedy Scent
If you have a bit of time to spare on your itinerary and want a truly unique souvenir, I recommend trying your hand at crafting your very own signature scent at Greedy Scent. You get to enjoy a 2 hour intimate workshop where you get to take your time choosing, mixing and creating your ideal fragrance. I’m not gunna lie, it definitely gives off potions class vibes.
Once you’ve created a fragrance you’re happy with, you get to name and package your fragrance along with a sachet made from the leftover samples, so nothing goes to waste. You also get to keep the measurements for the formula you created so you can always come back and make more.
It’s a super fun and unique experience and what’s best is that it works for solo travelers, couples, groups, guys girls anyone really.
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