Fragrance Etiquette in Korea

This isn’t really something unique to Korea. Anyone who likes fragrances will probably know that something like Versace Pour Homme is going to work pretty much anytime. Even if you overspray a little, it probably won’t be much of an issue because most people associate that kind of fresh scent with cleanliness.

That being said, I feel like this is especially true in Korea. Just looking through some of the more widely known Korean brands, you can quickly notice a trend. Brands like Tamburins, Nonfiction, Granhand, and many smaller local perfume brands tend to lean towards fresher, lighter scents. Wearing something in that style can help you blend in a little more, especially in everyday situations.

Of course, if you’re going out clubbing or somewhere with a louder atmosphere, you have a bit more freedom to bring out some of your heavier or sweeter fragrances.

Some of the fragrances I’ve worn in Korea that were generally well received include Versace Pour Homme, Roja Elysium, John Varvatos Artisan Pure, Loewe 001 Man, and MFK Gentle Fluidity Silver.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear fragrances that are a bit more unusual or attention-grabbing. But more on that in the next section!

Yes, the solution really is that simple. As long as you’re not wearing anything extremely funky or out there, simply spraying a little less can make a big difference. Travel atomizers also tend to apply a bit less fragrance per spray, or at least that has been the case with the ones I use. On top of that, I usually reduce the number of sprays by one or two while I’m in Korea.

If we take Xerjoff Naxos as an example, I’ll usually go with a single spray on the back of my neck. If I’m going out in the evening, I might add one more spray on my chest underneath my shirt. That helps keep the scent under control while still allowing people who come closer to get a stronger impression of it.

Another thing I’d recommend is applying your fragrance when you start getting ready, especially if you’re planning to take the bus or subway. That gives the initial burst of projection some time to settle down before you enter crowded public transportation. Personally, I also tend to avoid sitting down next to someone if I know I’m wearing a stronger scent. I’d rather not make someone uncomfortable enough that they feel like they need to move.

Doing these little things can go a long way towards keeping your fragrance enjoyable without making the people around you feel overwhelmed. And most importantly, they help make sure you don’t become “that” guy or girl.

When you’re travelling, you’re a guest. You’re a guest in that country and in that culture, and I think you should make an effort to follow their rules and conventions. Especially when those things directly affect the people around you.

I really dislike how common it has become for people to travel to other countries only to bother the locals for social media content. Or simply because they don’t care enough to adjust. If you don’t feel like adapting at all to a foreign country, then maybe you should either stay home or visit somewhere with customs that are closer to what you’re already used to.

It usually doesn’t take much. Doing a few quick checks online and keeping small things like these in mind can already help a lot. Simply making the effort not to be the clueless and annoying foreigner can also make it much easier to get closer to the people around you. In my experience, people in Korea really do appreciate it when you take the time to understand how things work there and try to respect their social norms. It can make interactions warmer, help you form connections, and maybe even lead to some new friendships.