Yellow dust in spring, monsoon in summer, salt in winter. Black paint shows all of it. After three years I settled on a routine that works.

Every two weeks: a self-service wash bay, pre-rinse, foam, then the two-bucket method with a proper mitt. Never the spinning brush machines; they leave swirl marks you will see forever in the sun.

Twice a year: clay bar, light polish, and a spray sealant. A full ceramic coating from a detailer costs 500,000 to 900,000 won and lasts about two years; I did it once and it made the fortnightly washes much faster.

Yellow dust season: rinse the car before you wash it. Rubbing dust into the paint is how you get the scratches.

Winter: rinse the wheel arches whenever you fill up. Road salt sits there and eats the metal.

Was it worth it? The car sold for 700,000 won more than a comparable one with swirl marks, so yes, sort of.