Tamburins & GM Haus: The 2026 Guide to Seoul's Hottest Fragrance Spots
Visit Haus Nowhere Seongsu for the ultimate 2026 K-beauty experience. Perfumes cost 165,000 KRW while egg lip balms start at 28,000 KRW with instant tax refunds.
So, you’ve seen the viral videos of hyper-realistic robots and egg-shaped perfumes taking over your feed—welcome to the world of Tamburins. Whether you're hunting for Jennie's signature scent or just want to experience the wildest retail art installations in Seoul, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new Haus Nowhere Seongsu and the classic Haus Dosan for your 2026 trip.
Key Takeaways
- 1The short answer is: You absolutely cannot skip the new Haus Nowhere Seongsu if you are visiting Seoul in 2026. While the OG Haus Dosan in Gangnam is still cool, the new Seongsu location (opened late 2025) is the massive, 14-floor headquarters that brings Gentle Monster, Tamburins, Nudake, and the new lifestyle brand Nuflaat all under one futuristic roof.
- 2165,000 KRW: That’s roughly the price of a full-sized 50ml perfume (about $115 USD depending on exchange rates). If that feels steep for a blind buy, don't panic—the 'Egg' lip balms and mini hand creams start around 28,000 KRW (approx $20 USD), which is basically the price of a nice brunch but lasts way longer.
- 3Actionable advice: Don't just go for the perfume; go for the tax refund. Bring your physical passport with you to the store. Tamburins flagship stores (and Haus locations) offer immediate tax deductions at the register for purchases over 30,000 KRW. You save money instantly rather than fighting with a kiosk at Incheon Airport later.
📋 Quick Facts
Why Haus Nowhere Seongsu is the 2026 Must-Visit
Look, if you're planning a trip to Seoul in 2026 and you've got "Buy Tamburins Perfume" on your bingo card, you need to know exactly where to go. The short answer is: Haus Nowhere Seongsu.
Forget just popping into a department store. You need to head to the new Gentle Monster & Tamburins headquarters in Seongsu-dong. Why? Because it’s not just a shop; it’s a 14-floor cultural phenomenon that opened in late 2025. It’s where you’ll find the giant robot animals, the weird kinetic art, the full range of the new "Sunshine" and "Puppy" collections, and yes—the tax refund counter.
Prices for the viral "Chamo" perfume (the one Jennie made famous) hover around 140,000 KRW ($100 USD) for the big bottle, but you can snag the adorable Egg Lip Balms for about 28,000 KRW ($20 USD). If you want the full experience—the sights, the smells, and the "cool girl" photos—Seongsu is your spot. Trust me, the queue is worth it for the vibes alone. For a broader look at what else to buy in the city, check out our guide to Olive Young Must-Buys.
The Rise of Tamburins and Gentle Monster
Okay, so how did a perfume brand become as hype as a Supreme drop? It all starts with Gentle Monster. You know, the eyewear brand that puts giant moving spiders and post-apocalyptic scenes in their stores? Well, Tamburins is their sister brand (owned by the parent company IICOMBINED). If you are interested in the eyewear side of things, you might want to read our comparison of Gentle Monster vs. Blue Elephant.
They launched back in 2017 with a concept called "Unassigned Beauty." Basically, they didn't want to just sell lotion; they wanted to sell art. They started with these insanely chic hand creams with gold chains (the Nude H. and Cream) and practically broke Instagram.
Then came the Haus Dosan opening in 2021, which cemented them as a destination. But the real explosion happened when Blackpink's Jennie became the face of the brand. Suddenly, everyone needed to smell like "Chamo." Fast forward to September 2025, and they dropped their biggest project yet: Haus Nowhere Seongsu. The theme is "The Future Returned," and honestly, walking in there feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie where everyone smells really, really good.
Brand Launch
IICOMBINED (parent of Gentle Monster) launches Tamburins with a focus on 'unassigned beauty' and art.
Haus Dosan Opens
The massive Gangnam flagship opens, housing Gentle Monster, Nudake, and Tamburins under one roof.
The Jennie Effect
Blackpink's Jennie becomes the face of the brand; the 'Solace' collection and Chamo scent go viral globally.
Pumkini & The Egg
Launch of the egg-shaped lip balms and the Pumkini scent, cementing the brand's status as a souvenir staple.
Evening Glow
Introduction of the rose-heavy 'Evening Glow' collection and expansion into car diffusers.
Haus Nowhere Seongsu
The colossal new HQ opens in September in Seongsu-dong with the theme 'The Future Returned.'
Sunshine & Puppy
Late-year release of the 'Sunshine' collection featuring paw and bone-shaped bottles.
Nuflaat Integration
Full rollout of IICOMBINED's new lifestyle/tableware brand, Nuflaat, within the Haus ecosystem.
Choosing Your Shopping Experience
You’ve got a few ways to shop, and it really depends on your vibe. Let's break down the comparison between Tamburins and other popular Seoul fragrance spots.
| Feature | Tamburins | Nonfiction | Granhand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe/Aesthetic | Avant-garde, Sci-fi, High Fashion | Minimalist, Clean, Spa-like | Rustic, Handmade, Traditional Hanok |
| Price Point (50ml) | $$$ (₩140k - ₩165k) | $$ (₩60k - ₩70k) | $ (₩35k - ₩45k) |
| Scent Profile | Complex, Musk-heavy, Woody, Unique | Green, Santal, Citrus, Herbal | Natural, Fruit/Floral, Airy |
| Best For | Trendsetters, Blackpink fans, Art lovers | Minimalists, Safe gifting | Budget travelers, Customization lovers |
| Packaging | Sculptural (Eggs, Chains, Paws) | Sleek glass bottles, Terrazzo caps | DIY aesthetic, Canvas labels |
| 2026 Status | Haus Nowhere is the IT spot | Steady popularity in Hannam | Expanding, popular for personalized gifts |
Option A: The Full "Haus" Experience (Seongsu or Dosan)
If you are a content creator, a die-hard fan, or just love weird art, you go here.
- Seongsu: Go here if you want to see the latest and greatest. This is where the new "Nuflaat" lifestyle brand is, along with Nudake and Gentle Monster. It’s huge, loud, and impressive.
- Dosan: Go here if you want the classic experience but maybe (slightly) fewer crowds than Seongsu. The kinetic horse installation here is legendary.
Option B: The Quiet Aesthetic (Samcheong or Hannam)
If you hate crowds and just want to shop in peace, head to the Samcheong flagship. It’s located near the Bukchon Hanok Village. The store is stunning—lots of natural light, views of traditional roofs, and usually a cute cat-themed candle exhibition. It’s where I send my friends who get overwhelmed by loud music.
Option C: Duty-Free (Incheon Airport)
If you totally forgot to buy gifts and you're running to your gate, you can buy Tamburins at Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 and 2 both have spots). The pros? It’s tax-free instantly. The cons? They often sell out of the best sets, and you miss the cool store experience. Only do this as a last resort!
Pros
- ✓The 'Cool Girl' Factor: Pulling a Tamburins 'Egg' or 'Chain' hand cream out of your bag is a status symbol.
- ✓It’s an Art Gallery: You aren't just buying perfume; you're walking past hyper-realistic kinetic robots.
- ✓Immediate Tax Refund: Flagship stores handle the tax deduction right at the counter.
Cons
- ✗The Queues are No Joke: Especially at Haus Nowhere Seongsu, expect 30+ minute waits.
- ✗Scent Longevity: Scents like Chamo are incredible but sit close to the skin and may not last all day.
- ✗Stock Issues: Popular items like Milk Tea Lip Balm or mini Chamo perfumes sell out constantly.
Insider Secrets for Smart Shoppers
Okay, here is the insider tea that guidebooks usually skip.
1. The "Sold Out" Heartbreak is Real Tamburins manages their stock to create scarcity. You might find that the 50ml Chamo is sold out in Seongsu but available in Samcheong. If you are desperate for a specific item, ask the staff to check inventory at other branches. They can sometimes tell you if the Hannam store has it.
2. The Scent Doesn't Last All Day I love Tamburins, but I have to be real—most of their scents are Eau de Parfum but perform more like Eau de Toilette. They sit close to the skin. If you want everyone to smell you from across the room, this isn't it. It’s a "clean girl/boy" aesthetic, not a "powerhouse fragrance" vibe.
3. The "Egg" Opening Trick If you buy the Egg Lip Balm or Perfume, watch a YouTube video on how to open it. I’m serious. The packaging is tricky and I’ve seen people break the lid trying to pry it open. You have to squeeze/press the sides or top in a specific way. Ask the staff to demonstrate!
4. 2026 Price Guide To help you budget, here is the current pricing for the most popular items:
- Perfume (50ml): ₩140,000 - ₩165,000 (Luxury)
- Egg Perfume (14ml): ₩45,000 - ₩48,000 (Mid-range)
- Perfume Balm: ₩46,000 - ₩50,000 (Solid stick)
- Shell X Hand Cream (30ml): ₩32,000 (Best entry-level item)
- Egg Lip Balm: ₩28,000 (Best souvenir)
📖 Surviving & Thriving at Haus Nowhere Seongsu
Step 1: Timing Your Arrival
Do NOT show up at 2 PM on a Saturday. The best time to visit is right when they open (usually 11:00 AM) on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Step 2: Navigate the Floors
The building is 14 floors. Start at the top of the retail section and work down. Don't miss the Nuflaat lifestyle section and Gentle Monster installations.
Step 3: The Sniff Test
Head to the testers. Use paper strips first, then spray your top two choices on your wrists. Walk around for 20 minutes to let the dry-down happen.
Step 4: Checkout & Tax Free
Have your passport ready in your hand. Tell them 'Tax Free' immediately to get the deduction on the spot.
Everyone goes to Seongsu now, and yes, the robot dog is cool. But if you actually want to shop without being elbowed by a thousand tourists, go to the Samcheong-dong flagship. It’s in a Hanok-style area, it smells fantastic, it’s quiet, and they almost always have stock that Seongsu and Dosan are sold out of. Plus, the cat candles there are adorable.
Essential Store Locations
If you are planning your route, here are the details for the top three locations.
Haus Nowhere Seongsu (Flagship)
- Address: 8 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (Daily)
- Transit: Seongsu Station (Line 2), Exit 4 (approx. 5 min walk)
- Highlights: Giant Robot Dog, Nudake Cafe, Full Collections.
Haus Dosan (Gangnam)
- Address: 50 Apgujeong-ro 46-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (Daily)
- Transit: Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin-Bundang Line), Exit 5
- Highlights: Kinetic Horse Installation, Rooftop Terrace.
Tamburins Samcheong (Boutique)
- Address: 84 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
- Transit: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 1
- Highlights: Cat Candle Exhibition, Hanok Village Views.
No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do
If you are a tourist, you generally do not need a Korean phone number to make a purchase or get a tax refund at Tamburins.
- For Reservations/Queuing: Some hot spots in Seongsu use a queuing system (like CatchTable) that requires a Korean number. However, Tamburins usually has a staff member with a tablet at the door. Tell them you do not have a Korean number. They will either issue you a paper ticket or ask you to wait in a specific "foreigner" line.
- For Wi-Fi: Ensure you have a working eSim because the WiFi inside the concrete bunker of Haus Nowhere can be spotty, and you'll want to Google Translate the scent notes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions?Contact us →
Conclusion
So, here is your mission for your first 24 hours in Seoul: Drop your bags at the hotel, grab your passport, and head straight to Haus Nowhere Seongsu. Even if you don't buy a $100 perfume, buy a $20 lip balm just for the experience. The combination of high-tech art, incredible smells, and the sheer coolness of the space is something you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Tamburins isn't just about smelling good; it's about the memory of walking through a concrete bunker filled with robots and leaving with a little piece of Seoul in your pocket. Go get that tax refund and enjoy the vibes! If you are looking to upgrade your style further while in Seoul, consider checking out K-Fashion 2026: Ader Error vs. Recto.
Sources
- Hypebeast - Release info for Sunshine/Puppy collection and Seongsu opening.
- Creatrip - Comprehensive list of store locations and operating hours.
- Korea JoongAng Daily - Details on Haus Nowhere Seongsu architecture and "The Future Returned" theme.
- Tamburins Official - Official pricing and product descriptions for 2025/2026.
- Metro.Style - Launch event details and celebrity attendees for Haus Nowhere.
About the Author
Korea Experience Team
Written by the Korea Experience editorial team - experts in Korean medical tourism, travel, and culture with years of research and firsthand experience.
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