Deodorant. Most Koreans lack the gene that gives sweat that classic BO scent, so deodorant is not very popular. It's hard to find here, and if you do find it, it won't be as good as what we use in America.
Comments Section The allele responsible for underarm odor (and wet earwax) is at relatively low frequencies in East Asia. Many East Asians (and practically all Koreans) are homozygous for an alternative allele that codes for dry ear wax and lack of body odor. Therefore, practically no one in Korea needs deodorant.
With beauty and hygiene shops in Korea offering little in terms of deodorant selection, those who regularly use such products have had to go abroad or shop online to purchase their preferred brands.
The lowest average deodorant use occurs in East Asia, where roughly 90% of people do not use deodorant. Nor do they necessarily need to, as most East Asians possess a specific genetic genotype that makes their sweat less odorous.
South Koreans and Japanese place a strong emphasis on cleanliness, with daily bathing and frequent use of personal care products being commonplace. These practices, combined with the genetic advantage provided by the ABCC11 gene variant, contribute to the reduced body odour observed in these populations.
The characteristic human axillary odor is formed by bacterial action on odor precursors that originate from apocrine sweat glands. Caucasians and Africans possess a strong axillary odor ,whereas many Asians have only a faint acidic odor.
Korean skincare is known for its multi-step routine, with products being layered from thinnest consistency to the thickest. “This multi-step approach maximizes absorption of products and focuses on skin health and hydration,” Dr. Chang says. Toner and serums are popular additions to skincare routines.
Since many Japanese people don't have the same sweating problem as those from countries with more apocrine glands, there isn't as much demand for strong deodorants. This leads to a limited selection, especially for roll-on and stick deodorants. Second, deodorant culture in Japan is not as widespread.
Julia Roberts
But her decision not to wear deodorant is unrelated, according to a comment she made to Oprah Winfrey in 2008. “It's just never been my thing,” she said.
Men in Italy and France keep their armpits and genital areas naturally hairy. Their counterparts in German-speaking countries, however, prefer the manicured look.
Travelers arriving in Korea are unable to carry animal products (such as meats, dairy, eggs, etc.) or plant products (such as fresh fruits, seeds, etc.) into the country. In-flight meals which include the aforementioned items, cannot be taken off the aircraft upon arrival.
Your favourite deodorant and toothpaste are hard to find. You might want to pack enough of your favourite brands to last you the year – Korean brands simply aren't the same, trust us.
“Carry toilet paper with you in a bag and take it in the restroom with you, Korea doesn't [always] put toilet paper in the stalls. They have toilet paper in the communal part of the bathroom but if you forget... you get the picture.”
Reusable Water Bottle - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! (and save the planet by not buying plastic water bottles)! You will have access to clean water for refilling at all the hotels. Packing Cubes - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.
This mutation appeared about 2,000 generations ago, according to a study published in 2011, and became more common across Asia over time. Today most East Asians and nearly all Koreans lack a chemical in their armpits that bacteria munch on to make body odor, because they carry this variant of the ABCC11 gene.
For most travellers, South Korea is safe and has a relatively low crime rate. However, petty crime can occur, especially in major cities such as Seoul and Busan. Sexual assault, drink spiking, and other violent crimes can occur, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, such as Itaewon and Hongdae in Seoul.
Between 80 and 95% of East Asians have a dysfunction of the ABCCII gene, which is linked to smelly pits, a number of studies say. And this means their bodies don't release the same acidic odor smell the rest of the population does when exposed to hot temperatures and perspiration.
Kate Hudson Doesn't Believe in Deodorant
Apparently, the aromas floating around the soundstage were, to be polite, natural. Kate Hudson was on Watch What Happens Live this week and clarified some things about her relationship to both deodorant and Matthew McConaughey's body odor.
Stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Brad Pitt have admitted to going days without a shower, as well as Ashton Kutcher, who revealed he only washes certain body parts. Ashton claimed, “I wash my armpits and my crotch daily and nothing else ever. I got a bar of Lever 2000 that delivers every time.
Most Koreans lack the gene that gives sweat that classic BO scent, so deodorant is not very popular. It's hard to find here, and if you do find it, it won't be as good as what we use in America.
North America has the largest market for deodorants and antiperspirants, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific.
One key biological factor is that Koreans tend to have thicker skin, particularly in the dermis—the middle layer of the skin that contains collagen and elastin fibers. A thicker dermis provides better structural support, making the skin more resilient against wrinkles and sagging as it ages.
Sleeping on the floor may also be consistent with lasting Confucian ideas of humility and respect. The ondol flooring heating systems (in homes that include them) would often use water pipes or electricity to heat the floor, which would provide warmth while sleeping.
In South Korea, a growing number of couples are choosing to delay their official marriage registration, prioritizing economic benefits over legal formalities. Lee Jae-yeon, a 39-year-old Seoul resident, exemplifies this trend.