[Choi Kyungpil's Book Column] Exploring the Mysterious World of 'Hyang'

We live surrounded by various smells throughout our lives. Among the scents that stimulate our sense of smell without giving us a chance to judge whether they are pleasant or not, the good smells are called "hyang" (fragrance).

A great book has been published that reveals the mysterious world of exploring what the world of fragrance is through science. It is "The Science of Fragrance" (Hwangsojari) written by Noriaki Hirayama from Japan.

Helen Keller, who was both visually and hearing impaired, said, "Scent is a powerful magician that takes me thousands of miles away to distant places and allows me to time travel beyond all the years I have lived."

The power of scent that Helen Keller spoke of is also a unique characteristic of the sense of smell that applies even to those who do not suffer from visual or auditory impairments. (Page 21 of the text)

What exactly are the various fragrances that stimulate our noses? If we understand their identity as well as their emotional or pharmacological effects, we will be able to find better fragrances. Why do plants emit scents? It is fascinating that the smell of animal excrement and the scent of jasmine are actually the same molecule, and that lavender scent can prevent Alzheimer's disease and grapefruit scent can help with weight loss.

Then, which is more dangerous, natural fragrance or synthetic fragrance? We often experience the "Proust effect," which can be described as a "memory flashback" mediated by scent. How about the painting "The Soul of the Rose" by the artist John William Waterhouse? Even those who do not particularly like the scent of roses feel as if the unique sharp yet sweet fragrance of roses enters their nostrils the moment they see the painting.

Among the five human senses, only the sense of smell provides an immediate and primitive sensation. Since ancient times, people have used "hyang" (fragrance). Unlike pottery or jewelry, fragrance cannot be passed down as an object, but it is presumed that plants and flower resins with pleasant scents have been used since prehistoric times.

The Sumerian civilization (around 3000 BCE) already left records of perfume manufacturing techniques in cuneiform script, and the Egyptian civilization also used various fragrances with preservative effects along with "hyang" on mummies made around 2500 BCE.

Ancient civilizations in Greece, India, and East Asia also left many techniques related to "hyang." Yet much about "hyang" remains shrouded in mystery.

This is because research on olfaction has lagged far behind studies on other senses. This book is a popular science work that thoroughly explores the fascinating world of "fragrance" from the perspective of the author, who holds a doctorate in science, carefully investigating the identity and effects of "hyang" through the eyes of a scientist.

Fragrance is a sensation that is difficult to express in words, but it is also the only sense that immediately affects our mind and spirit.

According to the latest science, unlike other senses, olfaction has a primitive neural pathway that directly transmits signals to the hippocampus and amygdala of the limbic system, which are responsible for memory, learning, and emotion. This is why reflex actions or emotions arise faster than consciousness the moment a scent is detected.

If you have ever felt your heart shaken by a fragrance that suddenly appeared in an unexpected situation, or suffered from an unbearable smell, open this book. You will encounter the hidden world of fragrance within you.

Book columnist Kyungpil Choi, Asia Economy Honam Reporting Bureau Guest Reporter