French fragrance company Le Labo has opened a unique perfumery laboratory in Seoul's historic Bukchon Hanok Village, seamlessly blending traditional Korean architecture with contemporary sensory design. The new Bukchon Hanok lab occupies a restored traditional hanok building that once housed Korean nobility, transforming the centuries-old structure into a modern fragrance creation space while preserving its cultural heritage.
The space immediately establishes its sensory focus with a raw stone washing basin carved from local materials, featuring a rough-hewn surface that invites visitors to touch while serving a practical function between fragrance explorations. This Seoul location represents more than just contemporary commercial design—it demonstrates a thoughtful integration of traditional Korean craft techniques with modern perfumery methodology.
Designers approached the historic hanok not as a preserved museum piece, but as a living architectural framework capable of supporting contemporary artisanal work. The restoration process carefully maintained the original stonework, leaving weathered surfaces untouched to provide textural contrast against newly installed wooden floors. These new floors build upon traditional patterns, creating contemporary designs that speak the same visual language as historical elements while serving modern functional requirements.
Deborah Royer, Global Brand President and Creative Director of Le Labo Fragrances, explained the philosophy behind the project. "The process of restoring this historic hanok has been a beautiful journey of finding a home in Seoul, one that is grounded in the profound harmony between traditional Korean design philosophy and our approach to artisanal fragrance," she said. "Our intention is for visitors to experience this lab as a sanctuary of the senses—embodying stillness, deep connection, and craftsmanship passed through generations."
Traditional Korean materials play a central role throughout the space. Hanji, Korea's traditional mulberry paper, wraps shelving units and wall surfaces, with its distinctive fibrous texture softening harsh architectural edges while maintaining the material honesty that characterizes both traditional Korean design and contemporary craft movements. Hand-dyed hemp fabric called sambe creates intimate wall coverings that naturally absorb both sound and light, contributing to the space's contemplative atmosphere.
The fragrance organ room serves dual purposes as both a working laboratory and performance theater, where the process of scent creation becomes a visible experience for visitors. A specially designed wooden observation booth allows guests to witness the hand-blending process up close, making the traditionally private art of perfume creation into an interactive experience. This transparency reflects Le Labo's commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and educational engagement with their fragrance-making process.
The project represents a successful model for how contemporary businesses can respectfully inhabit historic structures while maintaining their cultural significance. Rather than imposing modern aesthetics onto the traditional building, the design team created a dialogue between old and new elements, allowing each to enhance the other's distinctive qualities.
