10 Korean Fragrance Brands to Add to Your Perfume Library

Borntostandout

Recently launched in Sephora, Borntostandout is shaking up the idea of what a Korean fragrance can be. “The founder, Jun Lim, is a fragrance obsessive who wanted to make a statement about conformity in Korean culture,” says Michelle Lee, CMO at K-Beauty World and a former editor-in-chief at Allure. For example, the white porcelain bottles are rooted in traditional Korean Josen culture, but feature bold red lettering for a rebellious touch.

The scent profiles follow a similar story with names like Dirty Rice, Drunk Lovers, Choco Loco, and Sugar Addict. The result is a brand that feels fresh, not only in scent but also in appearance. “It completely rejects the quiet aesthetic often associated with K-beauty. It’s bold, rebellious, and feels like a misfit in the best way possible,” says Liah Yoo, founder of KraveBeauty.

Chwi

Chwi’s fragrances are designed to pay homage to South Korea’s natural landmarks and heritage. Think: the fresh scent of a bamboo forest, fields of blooming flowers, or ink touching paper for the first time. “With Chwi, the cultural storytelling runs deep,” says Melody Yuan, founder and CEO of Skin Cupid, a UK-based Korean skincare retailer. “From the fragrance to the packaging, with caps shaped after palanquins from the Joseon Dynasty, you can feel the intention to showcase forgotten local memories in each bottle.”

Anillo

Anillo is a full-blown beauty brand that centers around beautiful everyday scents. Whether you prefer something lively and energetic or down-to-earth and calming, there’s an aroma to fit your mood. Even better? The brand spans several categories, including perfumes and hair and body mists.

A'ddict

If your skincare routine is filled with K-beauty serums and creams, you’ll love A’ddct’s fresh fragrances. Their collection of perfumes and body care products features gentle formulas and is the first Korean line to be free of denatured alcohol. The line includes traditional mists and solid perfumes, made for layering. “The solid formula is very Korean, because it allows the fragrance to sit close to the skin and really sink in, ensuring it lasts all day,” says Yuan. Her favorite is Naked Muguet 313, which she describes as a clean, floral scent that’s incredibly addictive.

Tamburins

Tamburins is a fragrance brand from the Korean eyewear company, Gentle Monster. Like its parent company, it embraces Seoul’s high-street fashion aesthetic. “The scents feel atmospheric and are designed to evoke a mood or sensation rather than follow traditional fragrance structures,” says Kristin Lim, the founder of Korean scalp care brand Base-K. She even draws inspiration from them, sharing that the brand’s approach to fragrance, creating both a sensorial and visual experience, is also incredibly compelling in the haircare industry.

Keyth

If classic fragrances aren’t your thing, you’ll want to stock up on Keyth’s perfumes. The collection is infused with whimsical accords that defy traditional K-beauty standards. One of their latest launches—Cowboy Wanted—pushes the envelope even more with notes like vetiver, eucalyptus helichrysum, and fig.

Nonfiction

Nonfiction launched in 2019 with a mission to bring everyday stories to life through scent. Since then, the brand has become known for its intentional and interesting fragrances, such as Tears in Rain, Long Autumn, and Rose Pale. “There is a refined, self-care element to the scents that instantly grounds you in the environment around you,” says Yoo.

The brand’s offerings also extend to body and haircare, and even include a collection of room sprays, bringing the mood full circle. Best of all, they just opened their first US boutique in the Lower East Side, so you can experience them firsthand if you’re local.

Granhand

Granhand takes a more understated approach to fragrance. Instead of traditional accords, the products feature apothecary-inspired scents that feel personal and luxurious. According to Lim, the bespoke element is one-of-a-kind. “While some brands focus on trendy elements, Granhand centers more on timeless appeal—think warm, earthy, and inviting scents that relax and soothe,” she says.

But perfumes are just the beginning. Grandhand aims to offer a wide range of products, including candles, diffusers, body washes, and rich, moisturizing lotions.

Rbow

Perhaps you’ve seen Rbow’s hand creams splashed across your social media feeds. While the brand is known for its hyper-fragrant body care products, its recent venture into perfume is just as noteworthy. Need proof? The first two drops, Tokyo Stripe and Tokyo Fig, sold out in minutes on Olive June's website.

Elorea

Sure, Elorea was born in New York, but the brand's roots are deeply tied to Seoul. In fact, culture and heritage are the driving forces behind each fragrance. Founded in 2021, Elorea focuses on crafting fine Korean fragrance with a modern approach. Since debuting, scents like Gentle Shower, Hanok, and Silk Bouquet have become viral sensations, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. It recently opened its first flagship store in New York, which features an exhibition of storytelling through scent.