The National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS) of the Korea Forest Service has conducted research on fragrance resources native to Korean forests and discovered the conservation and commercial value of plants containing 'forest fragrance oils'.

Forest fragrance oils are aromatic compounds extracted from various parts of plants such as flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. They are gaining the global attention for its considerable value not only as cosmetic ingredients and food flavorings but also as multi-functional natural materials. However, information on indigenous Korean fragrance resources remains limited.

To address this issue, NIFoS has continuously conducted research on the compounds and functions of forest fragrance oils to identify the value of domestic fragrance resources. Key research findings are as below:

• ① Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) oil: Alleviation of atopic dermatitis
• ② Korean Fir (Abies koreana) oil: Skin-brightening and anti-wrinkle effects
• ③ Aniseed tree (IIIicium anisatum) oil: Prevention of Scuticociliatosis parasitic infection
• ④ Roundleaf chastetree (Vitex rotundifolia) oil: antibacterial effects
• ⑤ Gomchwi (Ligularia fischeri) oil: anti-inflammatory effects

These findings suggest that Korean forest fragrance oils have potential for applications across diverse bio-industries, including cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals, and fish veterinary medicine.

Detailed information about Korean fragrance resources and oils can be found in the 'Forest Science Knowledge Service' of NIFoS (https://eng-nifos.forest.go.kr/).