Industry sources said Wednesday that South Korea's cosmetics companies have stepped up introducing new perfume brands to compete with foreign products, a reversal from the industry's posture to forgo the perfume market.

LG Household & Health will introduce "Sa Fille" Thursday which it co-developed with fashion designer Lee Jung-woo.

Pacific Corp. is expanding marketing for its "eSpoir," which was introduced last year.

Coreana has also come up with "Astra 21," a sports perfume that targets the younger generation.

All three companies are upping advertising exposure during graduation season and school breaks.