HETRAS Myeongdong Review: The Perfume & Hand Cream Store You’ll Want to Visit in Seoul
Myeongdong is already packed with skincare shops, makeup brands, and tourist favorites — but HETRAS Myeongdong felt different the moment I walked in. Instead of bright shelves and “sale” signs everywhere, it had this calm, gallery-like atmosphere where the main focus wasn’t “shopping fast”… it was smelling slowly.
If you’re the type of person who loves hand cream, body wash, perfume, diffusers, and fabric sprays, HETRAS is one of those places that makes you want to take your time and actually enjoy the experience. It’s not just a store — it feels more like a fragrance space you stumbled into while walking through Myeongdong.
First Impressions: Industrial, Minimal, and Weirdly Calm for Myeongdong
The first thing that stood out was the interior design. The space has this raw industrial look — textured concrete walls, high ceilings, and lighting that makes the whole store feel like a modern exhibition.
One of the most memorable parts was the giant wall of backlit fragrance bottles, stacked in neat rows like art pieces. It sounds dramatic, but in person, it’s one of those “wait… this is a perfume store?” moments. It’s also honestly one of the best photo spots if you like aesthetic interiors.
Trying the Scents: This Is Where HETRAS Gets Addictive
If you’re shopping in Myeongdong, you’ll notice most stores are designed for quick browsing. HETRAS is the opposite.
They have testers laid out so you can smell and compare properly — and I loved how the whole space encouraged you to slow down and actually choose what you like instead of grabbing whatever is popular.
I also noticed how many people around me were testing scents seriously, like they were picking a signature fragrance instead of buying a random souvenir. It’s definitely a store you can visit even if you don’t plan to buy anything right away.
What You Can Buy at HETRAS Myeongdong (And What Stood Out Most)
HETRAS sells the kind of things that make perfect gifts — or the kind of stuff you buy for yourself and immediately regret not buying earlier.
Hand Cream (My Favorite Section)
One of the first things I noticed was the lineup of hand creams. They were set out neatly so you can try different scents, and it felt like everyone was quietly picking their favorite.
If you’re walking around Myeongdong in winter, this is also such a practical purchase because your hands get dry fast.
Perfume + Fragrance Items
There were fragrance bottles displayed in a way that felt almost like a luxury showroom. The packaging is clean and minimal, so it doesn’t feel too “touristy.”
Body Wash / Body Care
If you like a “clean girl” type of scent in the shower, HETRAS is the kind of brand you’d probably enjoy. It’s very giftable too — it feels more premium than something you’d grab randomly at a convenience store or Olive Young.
Home Fragrance (Diffusers / Fabric Spray)
If you’re the kind of person who loves your room smelling good 24/7, this section will tempt you. And honestly, these make great gifts because they’re easy to pack and don’t feel too personal like makeup.
The Store Aesthetic: Why It Feels So Premium
One thing I didn’t expect was how high-end the whole space felt.
Even though it’s located in busy Myeongdong, the store has that “quiet luxury” energy — the lighting, the raw wall textures, the minimal packaging, and the careful displays.
It felt like a place designed for people who like design, not just people who want to grab something quickly and leave.
What I’d Recommend Buying (If You Don’t Want to Overthink It)
If you’re visiting HETRAS for the first time and don’t want to stress about what to get, here’s the easiest way to shop:
Hand cream: safest, easiest, and most useful
Fabric spray: feels unique and makes your clothes/room smell amazing
Diffuser: best gift option
Perfume: best “main character souvenir” if you find a scent you really love
Is HETRAS Myeongdong Worth Visiting?
Yes — especially if you’re already shopping in Myeongdong.
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still worth walking in because:
the interior is genuinely beautiful
the scent testing experience is fun
it’s a different vibe compared to typical K-beauty stores
it makes a great short stop between shopping and food
If you’re someone who loves bringing home “memory items” from Korea, HETRAS is one of those places where the scent will instantly remind you of your Seoul trip later.
Tips Before You Go
Go when you have time to smell slowly (not rushed)
Try a few options before committing
If you’re gifting, hand cream + diffuser is the safest combo
It’s a great stop before dinner because it’s indoors and relaxing
Final Thoughts: My Favorite Stop in Myeongdong
If you’re looking for a perfume store in Myeongdong, a hand cream shop in Seoul, or a place to buy clean, aesthetic body care gifts, this is a really solid place to visit.
And if you’re the type of person who chooses memories based on scent, you’ll probably walk out with something you’ll keep using long after your trip ends.
